The DS 8 PRÉSIDENTIELLE has become the first electric French presidential car

Heads of state usually enjoy a specially modified car for their use. It must not only be an efficient car capable of meeting the demands of transporting the head of state, but it must also have certain features that place it above any production car. If the President of the United States has The Beast, the President of France always has a model of DS.

After several years using the DS 7 ÉLYSÉE, the time has come for the DS 8 PRÉSIDENTIELLE, an electric saloon destined to become the flagship of the brand. The model will reach the market in a few months, although it has already been seen serving the French president on 8 May, the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

A model modified for the French president

This variant of the DS 8 is called PRESIDENTIELLE because it has been prepared for serving the President of the Republic. The first unique element of this model is the body colour. It has been painted Sapphire Blue, making it similar to previous presidential models.

To reflect its spirit of service, this model features the colours of the French flag at several points on the front, in the form of lights in the grille DS LUMINASCREEEN, as well as in the badges present on the front and rear of the car. On the bumper it has two flagpoles for use at official events.

Handcrafted finishes

As this is a special vehicle, work has been done to equip it with customised elements made by French craftsmen. For example, the marquetry was made by Lison de Caunes, a master craftsman who used straw to create this decorative element of the cabin. The fabrics were created by Metaphores, a company related to the brand Hermès. The fabrics use silk and horsehair to make them unique.

Another master craftsman, Emilie Lognon, also collaborated on the fabrics of the DS 8 Présidentielle. The upholstery was manufactured with the collaboration of DS Design Studio, which also designed the front and rear seats.

As regards armouring, this was handled by Centigon. This company has a long history of service to the Republic of France and was responsible for armouring the presidential vehicle. The battery was supplied by the French company Automotive Cells Company (ACC) and is capable of providing up to 750 kilometres of range.

Finally, Focus, the high-quality audio equipment company, is responsible for this element of the presidential car.

The commercial version

The DS 8 will be on the market soon, although it can already be configured and reserved in Belgium. It will be available in three versions. The first two feature a single engine, with 230 and 245 CV. The first has a 73 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 571 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. In the second case, the battery is 98 kWh and offers 750 kilometres of range on the WLTP cycle.

The top of the range features three motors, with a total output of 350 CV and a 98 kWh battery. Prices range from 58,025 to 73,901 euros, the cost of the highest version in the range.