DS N°8 Présidentielle: Elysée palace chooses new Electric flagship for May 8th ceremony

Yesterday, May 8th, a new chapter was written in French automotive and presidential history. DS Automobiles unveiled the DS N°8 Présidentielle, an exceptional model granted the honour of transporting President Emmanuel Macron during the commemorations of the Armistice of May 8, 1945, along the Champs-Élysées avenue. This appearance is far from insignificant; it not only marks the remarkable public debut of the French premium brand's new flagship, the DS N°8, but it also firmly places this model within a long and rich tradition linking DS (and historically Citroën) to the Presidency of the French Republic. It's an elegant and symbolic way to highlight French excellence, bridging heritage and looking towards the future.

A renewed presidential tradition

Just a few months after its official presentation, the new DS N°8 made a significant public appearance by taking on a most prestigious role: that of the presidential vehicle for the May 8th commemorations. This initiative is part of a strong historical lineage. Since the proclamation of the Fifth Republic, several iconic models from the brands with the double chevron, and later DS Automobiles, have been favoured by heads of state. The DS and SM, with their audacity and revolutionary comfort for their time, left a lasting impression. More recently, the DS 5 and DS 7 have continued this close relationship. During his inauguration in 2017, Mr. Emmanuel Macron himself chose to drive down the Champs-Élysées aboard a unique DS 7 CROSSBACK PRÉSIDENTIEL, specifically designed for the occasion to allow him to greet the French people closely. Subsequently, the Elysée Palace's fleet was enhanced with a DS 7 ÉLYSÉE, an extended and armoured version equipped with a 300-horsepower E-TENSE plug-in hybrid powertrain and intelligent all-wheel drive, demonstrating DS's ability to provide work tools adapted to the highest demands.

The appearance of the DS N°8 PRÉSIDENTIELLE strengthens this privileged connection. It holds particular significance on this May 8th, 2025, which also marks the 80th anniversary of the armistice. As Xavier Peugeot, CEO of DS Automobiles, highlights: "The number 8 is in the spotlight: DS N°8 Présidentielle, on the 80th anniversary of the May 8, 1945 armistice, continues the lineage of exceptional DS cars favoured by the Presidency of the Republic for nearly 70 years. Like the opening ceremony of the JO 2024 connecting roots and foresight, notably with 750 km of electric range, N°8 Présidentielle is revealed ahead of its launch by blending exceptional craftsmanship and avant-garde spirit, always with a logic of excellence." This statement illuminates the dual dimension of this car: a deep connection to French history and traditions, while embodying a vision resolutely focused on the future, particularly through its 100% electric powertrain. The fact that President Macron is the first head of state in the world to use an entirely electric official car for such a historic event underscores France's and DS's commitment to the energy transition.

Savoir-Faire and Technological Excellence

The DS N°8 PRÉSIDENTIELLE is not merely a standard DS N°8 fitted with flags. It is a unique creation, the result of meticulous work by DS Automobiles engineers and creative teams, as well as collaboration with exceptional French partners and artisans. Several specific modifications were made to adapt it to its role and give it a presidential identity. Externally, it stands out with its exclusive Bleu Saphir paintwork, previously seen on the DS 7 ÉLYSÉE, elegant and institutional, complemented by rear quarter panels painted black. The illuminated grille, named DS LUMINASCREEEN, proudly displays the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge (Blue-White-Red) colours of the Republic. Specific badges, using the same colour scheme, mark the front and rear of the vehicle, while flag holders have been installed at the ends of the front bumper to accommodate official flags during ceremonies.

But it is inside that French savoir-faire is expressed with the most force, truly embodying the "Art of Travel" dear to DS. This presidential version benefited from the collaboration of several art houses and companies renowned for their excellence:

• Straw Marquetry – ATELIERS LISON DE CAUNES: Decorating the dashboard and front doors, this marquetry, made from dyed rye straw worked by hand in a Vert d'eau (Water Green) and Bleu nuit (Night Blue) fan pattern, brings an incredible touch of refinement and unique texture. The 12 artisans of the workshops, inheritors of ancestral knowledge, have elevated a humble material into a work of art.

• Satin – MÉTAPHORES: A subsidiary of the Hermès house, Métaphores supplied the Bleu Songe satin panels, woven from Verel de Belbal silks (Lyon), which adorn the interior. This choice of noble material creates an atmosphere of a French salon, soft and luxurious.

• Pleated Textile – Atelier Lognon: A resident of 19M (a hub for fashion and decoration crafts in Paris), Atelier Lognon, specialists in textile pleating since 1853, applied their art to the door panels. This delicate process of shaping fabric using cardboard molds creates a subtle and sophisticated relief.

• Master Saddlers – DS Automobiles: True leather artists, DS master saddlers have upholstered the seats, door panels, and other soft surfaces in Alcantara® and Nappa leather in the Bleu Songe shade. The "watchstrap" signature pattern on the leather and the "pearl stitch" topstitching, recognizable on production DS models, demonstrate the attention to the smallest detail and the exceptional level of finish.

Beyond craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology is also at the heart of this DS N°8 PRÉSIDENTIELLE:

• Centigon: This partner, an expert in armoured vehicles and security solutions, contributed its expertise to adapt the vehicle to the constraints and requirements of the Presidency of the Republic.

• ACC (Automotive Cells Company): A French supplier of latest-generation batteries, ACC equips the DS N°8. The batteries from their first Gigafactory (where Stellantis is a shareholder) provide the N°8 with a remarkable range of up to 750 km, with impressive fast-charging capabilities (200 km recovered in 10 min, or 20 to 80% in 27 min).

• FOCAL: A long-standing partner of DS, FOCAL, specialists in high-fidelity audio systems, designed a specific installation for this exceptional interior, guaranteeing perfect acoustics, essential in a representation sedan.

With this special Presidential version, DS Automobiles makes an important statement: the French premium brand has reclaimed the Elysée Palace a year after having, it seems, yielded the spot to another national manufacturer (implicitly Renault, which had supplied the vehicle for certain previous ceremonies). This parade on May 8th is not just a matter of prestige; it offers an exceptional showcase for the DS N°8, positioning the model from the outset as a symbol of French innovation and luxury. It is an excellent way to generate public interest and prepare for its commercial launch in September 2025. Before that, enthusiasts and the general public will have another opportunity to admire this unique piece. The DS N°8 PRÉSIDENTIELLE will indeed be visible during the next edition of the Salon Révélations, the biennale of fine crafts, an event of which DS Automobiles is a loyal partner, which will be held from May 21st to 25th, 2025, at the Grand Palais. Another occasion to celebrate the savoir-faire, technology, and history that drive this electric flagship resolutely turned towards the future.