DS E-Tense Performance, the prototype is renewed by adopting Formula E technology

Stellantis’s ambition for DS to become a luxury or premium brand is clear, as it is an independent brand that showcases the full design and engineering capability of the group across all its models. An example of this capability was seen in 2016, when the brand unveiled the E-Tense Concept, a prototype with spectacular design and cutting-edge technology, accompanied by a good dose of power thanks to its electric motor.

Now this prototype is being renewed, raising the bar even higher with a new look, new technology and power far above that of the previous prototype. So let’s start with one of the most important parts of the new DS E-Tense Performance, which is what it is now called, since the philosophy followed remains the same: adopting the same technology as its vehicles in Formula E, which have undoubtedly become a direct test bench for electric mobility that will eventually reach the roads.

In this way, the DS E-Tense Performance receives the same electric motors found in its Formula E single-seaters, with one located on the front axle at 250 kW and another on the rear axle with 350 kW of power, resulting in a combined system power of 600 kW (805 CV), along with an enormous torque at the wheels of 8,000 Nm, which according to the brand will allow it to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 2 seconds. This last figure is for now up in the air; it is the estimate given by DS, but we will not be long in finding out whether it is real, since the brand will seat its drivers Jean-Éric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa in the E-Tense Performance this same month to put it to the test.

Forming part of this electric system is also the battery, developed hand in hand with TotalEnergies and Saft and inspired by those found in Formula E single-seaters. It features a casing manufactured in carbon and aluminium, incorporating an innovative chemistry and an immersive cell cooling system; positioned in a central rear location to achieve optimal weight distribution, and a very important detail is that it has a regenerative capacity of 600 kW, a system used for braking in place of conventional brake discs and pads, which are only kept as an emergency measure.

Aesthetically, the DS E-Tense Performance is also modified, presenting an even more sporty and intimidating appearance. Its Gran Turismo-style silhouette remains very present, but now the front features a digital grille that replaces the traditional one, flanked on either side by LED lights that give it a unique signature, and where the headlights would normally be, cameras are now housed; finishing with a front splitter very similar to that of the previous prototype. The side, which does not change, stands out for its enormous new 21-inch wheels and, at the rear, there is hardly any change apart from the new design given to the rear light cluster and the striking large rear diffuser.

Unfortunately, DS has not released images of the E-Tense Performance’s interior, but it states that, broadly speaking, it features bucket seats with black leather upholstery and inserts, a steering wheel inspired by those of Formula E single-seaters, a data-logging system, as well as a Focal Utopia sound system together with Scala Utopia Evo speakers exclusive to this prototype in colours never seen before.

It will be interesting to see what the DS E-Tense Performance is capable of in the hands of the brand’s drivers, but we must keep in mind that this prototype is a test laboratory for the brand where technologies will come together that, if the brand deems it appropriate, we may one day see in its future models. But let’s not kid ourselves: we hope the DS E-Tense Performance becomes reality just as it has been shown to us.