DS 8, the new luxury saloon from the brand, will be inspired by the Peugeot 508 L and the DS E-Tense concept

It’s an open secret that DS is planning a flagship model that will allow it to compete with the executive saloons already established on the market, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series, especially in China. Some sources have reported that the brand’s large saloon will be called DS 8 and will arrive in China at the end of this year, while Europe will get it in 2020.

So far, no photo of the main model has been seen, but a member of the Worldscoop forum has published two images that supposedly reveal the design of the new DS 8.

As can be seen, it appears we are looking at two promotional images for China, which will be the main market for the future flagship of DS. The photographs reveal an elegant silhouette that some forum users compare with that of the Peugeot 508 L, which is only available on the Chinese market.

Without doubt, it is a possibility judging by the snapshots, as the profile clearly matches the proportions and silhouette of the Peugeot 508 L. However, the new DS 8 will feature brand-specific front and rear bumpers. The front presents the same hexagonal grille seen on recent DS models, specifically the DS 7 Crossback, and an LED DRL signature similar to that of the DS 3 Crossback.

DS 8, inspired by the Peugeot 508 L?

The front and rear light units will be exclusive to the DS 8, but they have a very Audi design. The Chinese market will have to wait a little longer, but everything points to the new DS saloon featuring frameless door windows and a five-door fastback body style, just like the Peugeot 508. The design evokes a more sporty, coupé-like style.

Internally, the new premium DS saloon is designated project X83 and will be a global production model, with its commercial launch in Europe reportedly scheduled for around spring. As for the mechanics, it could be powered by the same engine as the DS 7, including the plug-in hybrid version, which will give it around 60 kilometres of electric range in its zero-emissions mode, along with a powerful petrol engine that drives the front wheels only, though with the assistance of the Grip Control electronic control system.

The most iconic DS model also appears to have protruding door handles, although this information is not 100% official given the quality of the published images. According to some reports, everything points to the DS 8 making its public debut at the next Guangzhou Auto Show, held in November of this same year.

The future luxury saloon from DS has already been seen driving camouflaged through the streets of China, but images are almost nonexistent, though some sources claim it could feature slanted headlights, a direct legacy of the brand’s electric concept; the DS E-Tense.

The DS 8 could reach the Chinese market before the end of 2019 or in early 2020. Furthermore, the DS 8 is likely to arrive in Europe during the following year, 2020.