The presentation of the DS N°8 marks a turning point in the history of the French premium brand, the beginning of a new 100% electric era. With its bold design, luxurious interior and technological prowess, this fastback sedan embodies DS Automobiles' ambition to compete with the biggest names in the electric market. But beyond its elegance and innovation, can the DS N°8 convince a demanding clientele?
A bold and refined design
The DS N°8, inspired by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept, stands out for its elegant fastback profile that reinterprets the codes of saloon cars by mixing them with those of SUV coupés, and God knows it succeeds. Its dimensions - 4.82 m long, 1.58 m high and 1.90 m wide - are carefully balanced to offer an imposing and refined presence, but every centimetre of the car has been studied to offer careful aerodynamics with a remarkable drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.24, allowing maximum efficiency on the road and a range of more than 700 km.
At the front, the DS LUMINASCREEN grille and DS LIGHTBLADE lights give the car a unique visual signature. The rear of the car is equally clean, with taut lines and lights that echo the design of the front headlamps. The two-tone paintwork, using environmentally friendly paint technology, lends an irresistible elegance to this large saloon, while the 21-inch wheels complete the bold and dynamic look.
The art of travelling by DS Automobiles
The interior of the DS N°8 is a true ode to French craftsmanship. The suspended dashboard combines nappa leather, brushed aluminium and recycled Alcantara to create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and modern. The seats, inspired by the design of watch straps, offer exceptional comfort thanks to their heated, ventilated and massaging functions.
Rear-seat passengers also benefit from generous space with reclining backrests and heated seats. The Focal Electra 3D audio system, with 14 speakers and a 690W amplifier, provides an immersive sound experience. Ambient lighting enhances the cabin's soothing atmosphere.
The boot has a capacity of 520 litres, providing remarkable versatility for a saloon in this segment. By lowering the rear seats, the load volume can be maximised, making the DS N°8 suitable for both short trips and long journeys. quotidiens.
Advanced technology at the service of the user
The DS N°8 incorporates the DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0, equipped with a 16-inch touchscreen that is as fluid as a smartphone. This interface, complemented by intuitive voice commands, promises a natural interaction with the vehicle. The extended head-up display projects key information directly onto the windscreen for a futuristic experience.
In terms of safety and driver assistance, the DS N°8 features technologies such as DS NIGHT VISION for improved night-time visibility and DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 for advanced semi-autonomous driving. These innovations are designed to make every journey safer and more enjoyable.
Other notable features include traffic sign recognition, active lane keeping and an emergency braking system capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, even at night. These features make the DS N°8 one of the safest cars in its category.
Extended autonomy
The DS N°8 reinvents long-distance driving with exceptional electric autonomy. With a 97.2 kWh battery, it can travel up to 750 km in the standard WLTP cycle. On the motorway, it has a real autonomy of more than 500 km at 130 km/h, surpassing certain market benchmarks, including Tesla. A second battery with a smaller capacity of 74 kWh is available only on the 230 hp version.
This performance is made possible by an optimised battery architecture and advanced thermal management. The energy recovery system, inspired by Formula E, maximises efficiency by converting braking energy into electricity.
Fast charging is also a strong point: 200 km of autonomy can be restored in just 10 minutes at a fast charging station, thanks to a charging capacity of up to 250 kW. At home, a full charge from a 22 kW wallbox takes less than five hours.
The DS N°8 is not only a champion of autonomy: it also offers a dynamic driving experience. With electric motors starting at 230 hp and rising to 245 to 350 hp in the four-wheel-drive version, the DS N°8 promises powerful acceleration, but chases fluidity rather than pure power. The chassis is equipped with DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, which analyses the road in real time to adjust the damping. This system ensures exceptional comfort on long journeys and precise road-holding when cornering.
Available from around €65,000, the DS N°8 is aimed at a high-end clientele. The most equipped versions, which can cost more than €85,000, offer unrivalled technology and comfort, making this saloon a true flagship for DS Automobiles.
DS also offers exclusive customisation options, allowing each customer to configure a unique model. Choices include interior and exterior colour combinations, premium materials and technology packages tailored to specific needs.
With the DS N°8, DS Automobiles is redefining the standards for electric sedans. Combining luxury, autonomy and technological innovation, it stands out as a credible alternative to American and European references. Although its high-end positioning makes it an elite choice, it embodies an ambitious vision of electric mobility.
With its unique qualities, the DS N°8 does not simply follow market trends: it sets new standards and confirms that French know-how still has much to offer in the electric age.
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