DS7 Crossback E-Tense: the most refined French PHEV

The DS7 Crossback E-Tense is the French brand’s new plug-in hybrid and promises refinement, power and a great electric range

A few months ago we had the chance to test the DS7 Crossback PureTech 225, where we assessed whether it was really an alternative in the premium segment. The most exclusive brand in the PSA Group has now launched the plug-in hybrid version, so we have one more contender in this increasingly crowded segment.

It is called DS7 Crossback E-Tense and comes with an interesting introduction: 300 CV, all-wheel drive, 58 km of electric range and an average consumption of 1.3 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle. Naturally, with these credentials it enjoys all the advantages of carrying the DGT Label 0.

300 CV and 58 km of electric range

The powertrain of the DS7 Crossback E-Tense has three main players: the 200 CV PureTech combustion engine and an electric motor on each axle, 110 CV on the front and 112 CV on the rear. When this trio works together, the combined power is 300 CV and it delivers 520 Nm of torque.

To tame this considerable power, the DS7 Crossback E-Tense features the EAT8 automatic gearbox that we had already tried in the Peugeot 5008 PureTech 130. With all this, it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.

The new PHEV from DS gives the driver the option of choosing three driving modes to optimise torque depending on the moment: hybrid, sport and 4×4. It also offers the option of running in “zero emissions” mode, with which it can cover 58 km thanks to its 13.2 kWh battery pack and reach 135 km/h.

As for charging times, the DS7 Crossback E-Tense can charge its batteries from 0 to 100% in two hours when plugged into a 32 A terminal. In addition, the capacity of these can be increased through the available regeneration system, which harnesses braking and coasting.

The DS7 Crossback E-Tense keeps its interior space and refinement and improves its technology

One of the great advantages of the French SUV is that it does not lose interior space compared with the conventional versions. What does change are the materials chosen for the cabin, where we find high-quality trims such as Alcantara, grained leather or Nappa leather.

It also retains one of the brand’s hallmarks, the pearl-toned stitching. To complete the package, the colour palette has been expanded, so the DS7 Crossback E-Tense debuts a new paint called Crystal Pearl and a new interior called DS Rivoli Gris Galet.

The technology package is not limited to the propulsion modes. Available equipment includes the DS Connected Pilot with level 2 autonomous driving, the new DS Active Scan Suspension adaptive damping, the DS Park Pilot parking assistant and the DS Pack Safety, with a good number of driver assistance systems.

The price of the DS7 Crossback e-Tense starts at 49,900 euros and, depending on the options chosen, can rise to 54,750 euros. We will have to see how it fares in the market, although we can say it has its rival at home, as models such as the Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid 4 or the Opel Grandland X Hybrid 4 will make things very difficult for it.