DS No. 7: a necessary and key replacement for the brand

A new generation of DS’s compact SUV has arrived, changing its name and updating its look with more angular and streamlined shapes. Compared with the previous edition, its width of 1.90 m and height of 1.63 m remain unchanged, while its length increases by 7 cm to 4.66 m, with a 5 cm increase in wheelbase, which reaches 2.79 metres.

Inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, the new DS Nº7 boasts a 0.26 CX, which improves consumption figures and reduces interior noise levels. Compared with the DS 7, the rear doors are lengthened to increase the area of the side windows by 30% and the optional panoramic roof is enlarged by 40%.

It has a boot that offers up to 560 litres, depending on the powertrain and audio equipment (500 litres in the minimum AWD configuration with subwoofer). It is equipped with a two-position boot floor to obtain a flat surface when the 40/20/40 split rear seat backs are folded down. At the front it features the brand’s new light signature introduced by the N°8: the DS Light Blade, with its characteristic V shape, combined with the illuminated grille of the DS Luminascreen.

It can be personalised with a distinctive deep black tone or a two-tone colour extended over the bonnet. Six colours are offered, and wheels with tyres up to 21 inches.

The 100% electric version promises record range for a compact SUV, with up to 740 km on the WLTP combined cycle in the long-range FWD version. It has a 97.2 kWh battery. It is claimed to be able to cover more than 450 km on motorways at legal speeds (i.e. an average speed of 120 km/h).

Equipped with the same battery and all-wheel drive, the AWD version claims a range of up to 679 km on the WLTP combined cycle. The electric line-up is completed by the E-Tense FWD version, equipped with a 73.7 kWh battery offering up to 543 km of range on the WLTP combined cycle. It has an 11 kW on-board charger and offers an optional 22 kW charger.

One of the model’s major improvements focuses on fast charging, as it claims a charge from 20% to 80% in 27 minutes (31 minutes for the 73.7 kWh battery) with thermal battery preconditioning. Charging power remains at 160 kW between 20% and 55% of charge level. It also features a Plug & Charge function and a three-level regenerative braking system using steering wheel paddles and a One Pedal function.

Three electric versions

Three 100% electric powertrains are offered, with 230 CV for the FWD version, 245 CV for the FWD Long Range version and 350 CV for the AWD Long Range version. The latter combines two electric motors with all-wheel drive. All of them feature an overboost function, providing a brief power increase. The E-Tense FWD version can temporarily deliver up to 260 CV, while the E-Tense FWD Long Range reaches 280 CV and the AWD Long Range can increase its power to 375 CV.

It features a V2L function, which allows external electrical devices to be powered directly from the car’s high-voltage battery.

The DS N°7 Hybrid will also be available from launch, combining a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 21 kW (28 CV) electric motor, integrated directly into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It delivers 145 CV and claims the lowest CO2 emissions among its direct rivals, with a consumption of 5.4 l/100 km.

High technology

As with the Nº8, the brand’s compact SUV also boasts a large number of available technological features, such as the DS Pixelvision, which combines adaptive headlights, pivoting main lights, cornering lights and glare-free main beams; the DS Drive Assist 2.0 provides a level 2 semi-autonomous system and controls distance to the vehicle ahead and lane position. It includes adaptive cruise control able to adapt speed to the road profile and speed limits.

The DS Iris 2.0 system can be controlled by voice recognition or via the 16-inch central touchscreen. ChatGPT is included, along with a four-port USB-C audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other available features include predictive suspension, a head-up display, the Night Vision system, a digital rear-view mirror, and digital navigation route planning, among others.

The DS N°7, manufactured in Europe at the Italian Melfi plant, will go on sale next October in four trim levels: Etoile, Pallas, Aura and La Premiere. In France, the starting price of the Etoile Ligne Business version has been announced at 64,200 euros.

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