From French Luxury to High-Performance Gliding: The DS N°8 Reviewed
Luxury French Glider Journey - Maiden Voyage Experienced in a High-End Aircraft
By Patrick Broich, Geneva
DS Automobiles may hold a modest standing in Germany, but that's more due to the brand's elusiveness and limited dealership network than the quality of its products. In the case of the shiny new DS sedan N°8 (misleadingly labeled as an SUV-coupé), however, potential customers might just find the traditional Volkswagen ID.7 bland and uninspiring.
Settling any complaints about charging performance, both the ID.7 and the DS N°8 run on 400-volt systems, with the larger DS boasting an impressive 97.2 kWh net battery—nearly 20% larger than the ID.7's maximum capacity. And thanks to the engineers' focus on efficiency, the WLTP range is a whopping 750 kilometers with a full charge.
During test drives in the Franco-Swiss border region, the DS team showcased the vehicle's long-range prowess, achieving over 600 kilometers with an 84% state of charge. The charging performance, while not cutting-edge, is still commendable.
Climbing behind the wheel of the DS N°8 offers an inviting interior clad in brushed aluminum and Nappa leather. While some details expose the model as slightly below premium standards, charming touches like ambient lighting and a floating touchscreen infotainment system create an elegant, artistic atmosphere.
The backseat passengers also won't feel cramped, thanks to a spacious 1.58-meter seating height and a 2.9-meter wheelbase. However, the first-row driver may just find the front-left seat the most comfortable thanks to the car's futuristic, smooth acceleration.
DS N°8: Opting for Long Range or AWD
The DS N°8 comes in two powertrain options: the Entry-Level with a 227 bhp electric motor and FWD, managing a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.7 seconds; the Long Range with a giant battery, 241 bhp, and, you guessed it, still a 7.7-second 0-62 mph time due to weight ($\approx$ 200 kg more than the FWD version).
Opting for the Long Range in AWD format pushes the power output to 345 bhp, accelerating from 0-62 mph in a brisk 5.4 seconds, putting it on par with vehicles like the BMW i4 eDrive40 and VW ID 7 GTX.
But like a well-crafted dance, DS gentlemen and women modulate the forward thrust, ensuring a smooth, gradual acceleration that belies the AWD's impressive power output.
Pricing and Availability
The DS N°8 starts at €57,700, but that comes with just 74 kWh of battery power. For the premium experience, the top-tier model will cost €75,000, delivering an estimated average WLTP energy consumption of 18 kWh per 100 kilometers.
With its sleek design, French luxury finishes, and refined, comfortable driving experience, will the DS N°8 capture the hearts of German road users? Only time will tell. The electric long-distance car begins delivery in September, with production occurring in Italy.
The DS N°8: A Dance of French Luxury and Electric Power
Stellantis' latest luxury electric car boasts a stylish SUV Coupé profile, exquisite interior craftsmanship, and agile powertrain configurations. Ranging from 227 bhp to 345 bhp, the AWD variant offers spirited acceleration and smooth driving experience, akin to the BMW i4 eDrive40 and VW ID 7 GTX.
While its driving characteristics emphasize comfort and elegance over sharp handling, the DS N°8 provides a unique blend of French luxury, practicality, and advanced electric powertrains. Style-conscious buyers prioritizing an upmarket cruising experience can find the DS N°8 worth considering.
Source: ntv.de
- DS Automobiles
- Stellantis
- Luxury Electric Cars
- Electric Powertrains
- SUV Coupés
- French Luxury Design
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The DS N°8 represents DS Automobiles' latest offering in the luxury electric vehicle market, with an eye towards the premium SUV-Coupé segment [1][3]. This detailed review covers the car's key aspects, with particular focus on its powertrain options, driving dynamics, and unique styling.
Key Features of the DS N°8
- Electric Powertrain Options
- Entry-Level FWD 230: 230 bhp electric motor, front-wheel drive, 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds.
- Long Range 245: 245 bhp electric motor, larger/heavier battery, 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds (slower due to added weight).
- AWD Long Range: Dual-motor AWD, 345 bhp (257 kW), 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds, comparable to the BMW i4 eDrive40 and VW ID 7 GTX [1].
- Performance and Driving Modes
- Eco/Normal/Sport: Adjustable driving modes to optimize efficiency, response, and driving feel.
- AWD Long Range: Offers balanced, smooth performance without the abruptness of some competitors.
- Design and Comfort
- SUV Coupé Style: Sleek and elongated design with premium materials and craftsmanship.
- Ride Quality: Balances comfort and refinement, with some competitor vehicles sporting sharper handling.
- Technology and Safety
- Advanced Infotainment: An advanced infotainment system (specific details vary by market).
- Ride Assist Features: Likely to include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and other advanced driver aids.
Comparison to Other Luxury Electric Vehicles
| Feature/Model | DS N°8 (AWD Long Range) | BMW i4 eDrive40 | VW ID 7 GTX ||------------------------|------------------------|-----------------|-------------|| Power (bhp) | 345 | ~335 | ~335 || 0-62 mph Time | 5.4 seconds | ~5.7 seconds | ~5.4 seconds|| Drive Type | AWD | RWD/FWD | AWD || Design | SUV Coupé | Fastback Sedan | Sedan || Brand Positioning | French Luxury | German Luxury | German Mainstream (Premium) |
- Driving Experience:
- DS N°8: Focuses on smooth, refined acceleration and comfort, lacking the sporty edge found in German rivals.
- BMW i4 / VW ID 7: Display sharper handling and punchier acceleration.
- Range and Efficiency:
- DS N°8 Long Range: Designed for extended range, though precise figures depend on specific configurations (not detailed in available sources).
- Competitors: Generally offer similar or slightly better ranges in comparable trims.
- Interior and Luxury:
- DS N°8: Stands out for its French luxury design, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship [3].
- BMW i4: Known for its driver-oriented, technology-rich cabins.
- VW ID 7: Emphasizes spaciousness and advanced technology.
- The DS N°8's long-range prowess was demonstrated during test drives, achieving over 600 kilometers with an 84% state of charge, showcasing its suitability for vocational transportation needs.
- For those prioritizing finance considerations, the DS N°8's base model starts at €57,700, while the premium experience model costs €75,000, with both priced competitively in the luxury electric vehicles industry.
- The DS N°8 offers various car-maintenance-related features for its electric powertrain, including adjustable driving modes and advanced ride assist features to ensure a smooth driving experience.
- The focus on technology within the DS N°8 is evident in its infotainment system, which is designed to integrate seamlessly with automotive entertainment and provide a modern lifestyle experience for drivers.
- The DS N°8's design incorporates elements of French luxury, such as brushed aluminum and Nappa leather, and is styled as an SUV Coupé, appealing to those who value both practicality and stylistic aesthetics in their choice of electric vehicles, particularly electric-vehicles like the cars in the luxury segment.
