New DS No. 4 (2025): a facelift that sets its sights on electric power

Four years after its market launch, the DS 4 is evolving and is now presented under the name DS N°4. This name change is accompanied by a significant restyling, primarily focused on its front end, while modifications elsewhere are more discreet. While DS Automobiles' premium compact sedan has sometimes faced challenges against firmly established German competitors, particularly in the compact sedan segment, this new version gains a face aligned with the brand's flagship, the DS N°8, and above all, an unprecedented offering: a 100% electric version, marking a key step in the electrification of the range.

The DS N°4 positions itself as a true concentration of DS Automobiles' savoir-faire. It leverages a design that the brand describes as avant-garde, an electrified range claimed to be the most extensive in the high-end compact sedan segment, a unique balance between comfort and handling, and benchmark connectivity. Its style aims to be elegant, athletic, and muscular, asserting its personality through a new visual identity.

An assertive new look

The most visible evolution of the DS N°4 is undoubtedly its front end. Completely redesigned, it adopts a more horizontal structure where elegance and technology converge. The new, considerably widened black grille benefits from meticulous attention to detail and integrates a distinctive light signature. This is directly inspired by the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept car and the DS N°8, creating a light beam that stretches from the outer edges of the bumper and converges in segments towards the illuminated DS logo, positioned centrally. According to Thierry Metroz, Design Director at DS Automobiles, this approach gives the N°4 a unique presence and a captivating gaze, notably with the vertical and slender "V" DRLs and the horizontal light line connecting the grille to the illuminated emblem, providing a radical and distinctive result.

The impression of width is accentuated by a 12 mm longer hood that subtly overlaps the upper part of the grille. The latter is made from a solid black material, protected by an ultra-resistant varnish. This new front end, with its spectacular light signature, is applied across the entire range, regardless of the powertrain or trim level. The ÉTOILE trim also features DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights, combining matrix and directional beams for optimal lighting quality.

At the rear, modifications are more discreet but add a touch of technological elegance. The 100% LED taillights incorporate a new "Dark Chrome" mask with laser-engraved scales, creating a striking visual effect. A dark glossy black strip connects the lights, accentuating the perception of width. The DS Automobiles lettering appears just above the model name, asserting the new brand identity.

Interior style: refinement and discreet digitization

Inside, the DS N°4's restyling is lighter, focused on improving ergonomics and immersion. The ambiance remains faithful to the brand's savoir-faire, with details such as the Clous de Paris guillochage inspired by fine watchmaking. The most notable change concerns the instrumentation: a new 10.25-inch high-definition digital cluster, with graphics inspired by the DS N°8, is placed in front of the driver. More legible and ergonomic according to Thomas Bouveret, Interior Design Manager, it complements the DS EXTENDED HEAD UP DISPLAY system. At the center of the dashboard, the 10-inch touchscreen dedicated to the DS IRIS SYSTEM infotainment system remains in place.

The cabin continues to stand out with its materials and finishes. The PALLAS trim offers a combination of canvas and fabric, while the ÉTOILE trim uses refined materials such as Alcantara®, extending across the dashboard and door panels, as well as Criollo Brown Nappa leather with a bracelet strap finish. Brown Ash wood inserts, large Nappa leather surfaces, and the pearl stitching, a signature of DS Automobiles, reinforce the exclusive character. The DS AIR ventilation system with its invisible vents maintains the purity of lines. Customizable indirect lighting contributes to the atmosphere. For sound, the optional FOCAL ELECTRA® system (14 speakers, 690 Watts) combined with acoustic side windows (standard at the front) promises high-quality sound reproduction.

Habitability is announced as generous thanks to a 2.67 m wheelbase. Boot volume varies by powertrain: 430 liters for the HYBRID, 360 liters for the PLUG-IN HYBRID, and 390 liters for the new E-TENSE version. The tailgate can be motorized with a hands-free access function.

Electrification at the heart of the range

The DS N°4 clearly emphasizes electrification. From its launch, it offers a comprehensive range of electrified powertrains. According to Audrey Amar, Product Director, the choice was made to make no compromises on this offering to meet all usage needs. While a BlueHDi diesel version may return later, the initial offering focuses on three technologies: Self-Charging Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and the new 100% Electric version.

The 145 hp HYBRID version combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 21 kW (28 hp) electric machine integrated into an e-DCT6 automatic gearbox. This system allows driving up to 50% of the time in all-electric mode in urban use and benefits from a self-charging function. With 230 Nm of torque, it aims for efficiency (starting from 116 g/km of CO₂).

The 225 hp N°4 PLUG-IN HYBRID sees its electric range significantly increased (+30%). Its powertrain combines a 180 hp turbo petrol engine and a 125 hp electric machine integrated into a new e-DCT7 automatic gearbox. The combined power reaches 225 hp and 360 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.4 seconds. Thanks to a new 14.6 kWh net battery, the 100% electric range reaches up to 81 km (WLTP combined). A 3.7 kW onboard charger is standard, with a 7.4 kW option available.

The major novelty is the arrival of the N°4 E-TENSE, the 100% electric version. Developing 213 hp and 343 Nm of torque, it boasts a range of 450 km (WLTP combined cycle). It is equipped with a 58.3 kWh net battery with nickel-rich chemistry. A new heat pump architecture and improved cooling/heating components aim for efficiency. Three deceleration modes are available via paddles behind the steering wheel. Aerodynamics have been optimized (10 mm lower ground clearance, elements integrated into the grille). For charging, an 11 kW onboard charger is standard, and it accepts up to 120 kW in DC fast charging, allowing charging from 20 to 80% in about 30 minutes or recovering 100 km in 11 minutes.

Trims and equipment: comfort and technology

The DS N°4 range is structured around two main trims, PALLAS and ÉTOILE, each offering specific equipment levels and optional packs.

The PALLAS trim emphasizes elegance with seats in Tungsten Diamond Fabric and Black DS Canvas. It includes dual-zone automatic climate control, full LED headlights and taillights, front and rear parking assist with rear camera, a safety pack (adaptive cruise control, emergency braking), acoustic front windows, and wireless Mirror Screen as standard. Optional packs add features such as heated front seats, a powered tailgate, keyless entry and start, and the DS IRIS SYSTEM.

The ÉTOILE trim is more dynamic and refined, with Alcantara® and Basalt woven fabric seats and gold accents. As standard, it features the DS IRIS SYSTEM, DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights, rear traffic detection pack, electric front seats, acoustic and tinted rear windows, aluminum door sills and pedals, the DS DRIVE ASSIST pack, and a wireless smartphone charger. Optional packs provide access to cutting-edge equipment like massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, 360° panoramic vision, or the DS EXTENDED HEAD UP DISPLAY augmented reality head-up display.

In terms of colors, the palette remains rather subdued, with five shades offered: Pearl White, Crystal Pearl, Black Perla Nera, Night Flight, and a specific N°4 color called Cashmere. Two 19" wheel designs are specifically developed for the E-TENSE version.

The DS N°4 also integrates numerous technologies for serenity and connectivity, such as DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 for semi-autonomous driving, DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING (fatigue analysis), DS EXTENDED HEAD UP DISPLAY (augmented reality), and the DS IRIS SYSTEM infotainment system. The latter integrates SoundHound artificial intelligence via ChatGPT, offering a true vocal travel companion. Extended connectivity is offered via the CONNECT ONE and CONNECT PLUS packs, including services such as the digital maintenance logbook, DS e-coaching to optimize electrified driving, and specific features for the E-TENSE version like EV Routing (charging stop planning), the e-Routes application, battery preconditioning, and the V2L (Vehicle to Load) function to power external devices.

With this evolution, DS Automobiles brings significant modifications to its compact sedan, the DS N°4, visibly drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the N°8, particularly for its new front identity and certain interior aspects. In a particularly complex market segment, disrupted by the rise of SUVs and highly competitive against well-equipped German premium rivals, especially in terms of traditional but also electric powertrains, the DS N°4 may struggle to establish itself despite this restyling and the arrival of its electric version. This is a shame, as it possesses genuine intrinsic qualities, notably materials and interior finishes that are quite unique at this price point, embodying the French savoir-faire claimed by the brand. The electric and technological offensive is noteworthy, but the commercial challenge in this segment remains considerable.