All New DS N°7 is an Electric or Hybrid SUV
The DS N°7 was first launched in 2014 as a premium saloon car, but for this iteration DS has chosen to offer the N°7 as a compact SUV available as either an electric car, or a hybrid.
But despite the multi-fuel platform, DS claims the electric version can travel for 459 miles on a full charge according to the WLTP test cycle.
Boot space is up to 560 litres depending on the powertrain, and 500 litres for the all-wheel drive version with subwoofer.
DS N°7 in Silk Green
There are six colours to choose from with SILK GREEN as shown in the image above alongside PALLADIUM GREY, TOPAZ BLUE, ALABASTER WHITE, CRYSTAL PEARL and PERLA NERA BLACK.
The 460 miles of range quoted by DS is for the FWD Long Range version using a 97.2 kWh battery that is made in France. DS claims it has “a comprehensive approach to efficiency” as it states that the DS can travel for 279 miles on the motorway.
There is a standard range version with a 73.7 kWh battery that DS says has a WTP range of 337 miles.
The DS Long range can rapid charge from 20% - 80% in 27 minutes whilst the standard range version will take 30 minutes.
AC charging is 11 kW as standard or 22 kW can be optioned if you regularly use a 3-phase supply.
The DS N°7 in Palladium Grey
DS likes to produce some wackadoodle designs these days and it doesn’t disappoint with the N°7 .
The rear is montage of aggressive slashes with the horizontal and vertical rear lights, whilst DS AUTOMOBILES is very clearly scrawled on the back in bold lettering.
Make no mistake, this car does stand out, almost shouting for attention but without following the obvious trends, and I admire it’s nod to differentness.
At the front, the DS doesn’t have an enormous grille, instead there’s a near monolithic art deco look to it, and it’s a feast for the eyes.
The DS N°7
DS N°7 comes with three powertrains available with: 230 hp for the FWD version, 245 hp for the FWD LONG RANGE version and 350 hp for the AWD LONG RANGE version with the latter having a dual motor set-up.
All are capable of V2L bi-directional charging.
The hybrid version, in comparison, seems to be a bit of a let down offering a measly 145 hp from a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor. It does achieve a tested 52 mpg, though.
DS has a selection of new features that it’s proud to share starting with DS PIXELVISION: combining “adaptive headlights, pivoting main beams, cornering lighting and glare-free main beams”. With a range of 400 m, the system automatically adapts the lighting to the driving conditions: city, countryside, motorway, rain and fog.
DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 is a level 2 semi-autonomous system featuring semi-automatic lane changing and Adaptive Cruise Control. Mainly used for motorways the system reads its surroundings and continuously adapts, adjusting speed and the steering.
DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0: is a natural language onboard AI Assistant powered by ChatGPT which enables a natural conversation to be had with DS N°7 either commanding in-car functionality, or for asking literally anything.
This also adds a six or 14 speaker audio system with the “ELECTRA® 3D by FOCAL Hi-Fi sound system, four USB-C ports, Bluetooth® connectivity as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.”
And the list of features doesn’t end there. There’s also night vision, a rear-view camera, battery and cockpit preconditioning, auto-routing to chargers and more.
The DS N°7 Interior
DS has gone for comfort and technology with the wackadoodleness extending to the interior. Unconventionally placed ambient lighting, an X four-spoke steering wheel and a striking looking dashboard.
The seats can be offered with heating, cooling and massaging functions as well as a neck warmer, plus once that neck is warmed up, you can crane it to look out of the panoramic roof.
Whatever your thoughts are on the N°7 it is certainly different and DS claims it’s offering First Class travel. Prices are yet to be revealed, and there is no launch date yet, but with specs released, it can’t be far off.
———
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.