DS presents new flagship, the N°8

Stellantis brand DS Automobiles has finally unveiled its new flagship DS N°8. The SUV/crossover coupé will be the carmaker’s latest flagship and the first DS model to launch exclusively with an electric drive.

The Stellantis daughter had already teased with partial press releases and pictures of the car, with big numbers on the side panels indicating the promised range of 750 km for the long-range model.

“At a time when our industry is undergoing a revolution, DS Automobiles is at the forefront by accelerating its electrification strategy,” says DS CEO Olivier François. “With DS N°8, the brand is part of the energy transition by offering sustainable and uncompromising mobility in a setting driven by the French Art of Travel. The men and women from DS Automobiles have chosen materials and technology that position DS N°8 in this dimension.”

The DS N°8 will be available to order from the beginning of 2025; the market launch is planned for mid-2025. At 4.82 meters, the N°8 is only seven centimeters longer than a Tesla Model Y. In its press release, the manufacturer refers to the new EV as ‘upper’ or ‘luxury class’. The car is rather compact to belong to that group.

One reason is that the new DS flagship is not based on the STLA Large but on the STLA Medium platform, like the Peugeot e-5008 or the Opel Grandland Electric. This also means that the DS N°8 is a pure 400-volt electric car, which affects charging times.

Two drive variants, two battery packs

DS offers two battery packs and two drive variants for the N°8. The standard battery pack has a usable capacity of 74 kWh and is provided with a 169 kW/230 hp front-wheel drive. The long-range battery, with a net capacity of 97.2 kWh, offers two drive systems: a 180 kW/245 hp front-wheel drive and a 257 kW/350 hp all-wheel drive with a second electric motor on the rear axle.

All motors enjoy a temporary power boost that periodically adds 30 hp to the FWD basic version, 35 hp to the FWD long-range version, and 25 bhp to the AWD model.

In the version with the most extended range (large battery with 180 kW), the N°8 should achieve a WLTP range of up to 750 kilometers. That is 50 kilometers more than the previously known electric vehicles based on the STLA Medium. DS will accomplish this partly thanks to the optimized aerodynamics (the drag coefficient is a very good 0.24).

On DS N°8 with AWD, the management of the rear electric power unit has been designed to offer the best experience for the driving mode and conditions. In ECO mode, DS N°8 uses only front-wheel drive, except in kick-down, which instantly releases all the power available to all four wheels. In Normal mode, the car uses its two motors to maximize traction when starting; then, the rear axle disconnects between 15 and 140 km/h if grip conditions allow. If necessary, the rear motor reconnects immediately. In Sport and AWD modes, the driver enjoys permanent four-wheel drive with torque management specific to each program.

Both battery packs of the DS N°8 allow a maximum charging current of 160 kW. According to the press release, the battery can be charged from 20 to 80% in 27 minutes and can be recharged for a range of 200 kilometers in 10 minutes. DS specifies AC charging power at 11 kW, with a 22 kW charger to be offered as an option later. There is no mention of bidirectional charging capabilities.

The battery cells are produced in the ACC factory in Douvrin, France, and the electric motors come from NPE, another of the Group’s joint ventures, and were developed and are produced in Trémery (France).

Design to be remarked

The DS brand usually focuses on out-of-the-ordinary design. In the N°8, for example, the narrow headlights, consisting of three horizontal modules with eight LEDs each, and the vertically arranged daytime running lights are striking. The illuminated ‘DS Luminascreen’ grille and the illuminated DS logo at the front also ensure a marked appearance.

Despite the steep front end, several elements are designed to reduce drag. The air intakes in the front apron are only opened when required, the front door handles are integrated flush with the surface, and the rear ones are concealed in the C-pillar.

The special design of the wheel rims is also intended to improve aerodynamics. With their black elements, the rims also echo the optional two-tone paintwork with a black bonnet and roof.

“DS N°8 combines the best of both worlds: charisma with a strong front and rear identity, and elegance visible in the purity of its fastback profile, emphasized by a flowing and continuous roof line to the tailgate,” says Thierry Mzetroz, DS design director. “With DS N°8, the designers envisaged the evolution of SUV coupés, illustrated by an efficient, elegant shape with a spectacular and high-tech light signature.”

Inside, this DS also offers a typical design intended to embody “French comfort, serenity, and luxury.” It is not just about the materials and the design of the surfaces, some of which feature eye-catching engravings. The front seats with integrated headrests also offer an additional air vent in the neck area to enhance “thermal comfort. Until now, neck warmers of this kind have been known primarily in convertibles.

Well equipped

Regarding connectivity, the new car features the enhanced DS Iris 2.0 operating system, which offers voice control and integrates ChatGPT, for example. EV routing is also integrated, and the charging stations are planned into the route guidance.

DS has already announced an extensive range of standard equipment, including an electronically controlled chassis, head-up display, LED pixel headlights, and numerous factory-fitted assistants. The Wrong Pedal Prevention (WPP) system is said to be a new feature. It recognizes if the driver confuses the accelerator and brake pedals and helps to prevent the resulting accidents, says DS.

Prices are not yet known. DS will announce them when it opens the order books in a few weeks. The car will most probably have its world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show in January. By then, prices should be revealed.