New DS N°7 (2026): first spy shots and details of the DS 7 successor

Following the redefinition of its flagship range with the large N°8 crossover and the consolidation of its compact offering with the N°4, the French premium brand DS Automobiles is continuing its product renewal momentum. All eyes are now turning to the heart of the market with the anticipated arrival of the N°7, the successor to the highly popular DS 7. As its development enters an active phase, the very first photographs of camouflaged prototypes have emerged on public roads, captured and published by our colleagues at the French publication Le Nouvel Automobiliste. These preliminary images are highly revealing, confirming that the future of DS is being crafted with both audacity and ambition.

An assertive SUV design, a cousin to the N°8

Just a few months after the official presentation of the N°8, and as it prepares to arrive in showrooms, its smaller sibling, the N°7, is beginning its road-testing phase. Despite being heavily concealed under comprehensive camouflage, this prototype provides valuable clues about its design identity. The official unveiling of this new model is expected between late 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, approximately one year after the launch of its larger counterpart. This close timing is no coincidence, as the N°7 will share numerous components with the N°8. It is widely expected that the entire front fascia, including the headlights and possibly the front doors, will be common to both models.

However, the similarities seem to end there. The spy shots leave no room for doubt: while the N°8 features a sleek, fastback-like crossover silhouette, the N°7 will establish itself as a true SUV. Its profile is noticeably taller and more squared-off, suggesting a more robust and commanding presence. This marks a departure from the soft, flowing curves of the current DS 7, adopting a sharper, more chiseled design language with tauter lines that should give it a more assertive character. Despite this more substantial silhouette, DS engineers appear to have paid close attention to aerodynamic efficiency, with a roofline that slopes gently towards the rear without committing to the full "SUV-coupe" trend. With an estimated length of around 4.65 meters (approximately 15.25 feet), it will be longer than the current DS 7. This increase in size, combined with its more generous proportions, promises a significant improvement in interior space and cargo volume—essential assets in this highly competitive segment.

Electric-First, with Hybrid Support

Underneath the new bodywork, the N°7 will be based on the Stellantis group's new STLA Medium multi-energy platform, a technology it will share with the N°8. This state-of-the-art architecture is primarily designed for battery-electric vehicles. Consequently, the N°7 is expected to inherit the zero-emission powertrains of its larger sibling. We can anticipate an offering that includes a single motor setup producing around 210 to 230 horsepower, and crucially, a large-capacity battery of up to 98 kWh. This would enable a remarkable WLTP range, potentially approaching 700 kilometers (around 435 miles), positioning it immediately as a benchmark in the premium electric SUV market. Higher-performance, dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions are also highly probable to top the range.

Aware that the transition to fully electric mobility is progressing at different speeds across global markets, DS Automobiles will wisely diversify its powertrain offerings. To ensure significant sales volumes and provide a relevant alternative, the N°7 is also expected to feature a hybrid option. Rather than a more expensive plug-in hybrid, the brand may opt for a more accessible "full hybrid" system. A powertrain delivering around 145 horsepower, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor to optimize fuel consumption in urban and mixed driving, appears to be a credible strategy. This dual-pronged approach—a strong electric proposition paired with an intelligent hybrid alternative—would allow the N°7 to meet the needs of a broad customer base while cementing its status as a modern, technologically advanced vehicle.

The appearance of this N°7 prototype on the road is a clear signal: its development is in full swing, and its market launch is well on track. This launch will cap off a phase of product renewal of a rare intensity for DS Automobiles. In less than 18 months, the brand will have launched the N°8, unveiled this new N°7, and likely executed the mid-cycle facelift for the DS 4. Such a pace demonstrates a renewed dynamism and a clear strategy to compete effectively in the premium segment. For DS, the stakes are high. After years spent building its brand image, this new generation of more assertive and technologically advanced products must be the one to deliver commercial success. The hope is that this product offensive will translate into a significant and lasting impact on sales, enabling the French premium brand to reach a new level in its global development.