TEST. With its Number 8, DS launches the new flagship of French premium electric

What if this was the model that could revive DS? The French premium brand from the Stellantis group wants to move forward after some difficult years. A Number 8 that embodies a new, more modern face, with a clear shift in what a modern, high-end electric offering should represent. A full review can be found in a special issue of En Route pour Demain .

Although its silhouette remains quite low, at 1.58 meters high, DS presents this model as a coupe SUV. A vessel that offers generous dimensions, at 4.82 meters long and 1.90 meters wide.

Designed for long journeys, this DS N°8 logically has a large trunk, with up to 620 liters under the shelf.

Design-wise, we're left with this odd impression: not really a coupe SUV, nor a lifted sedan. A certain originality that we can nevertheless appreciate in a world where cars are increasingly similar. Our test model also combined a pretty Topaz Blue with an extended two-tone, a black roof that extends to the hood.

The interior also shows a certain originality, with a nice play of colors and materials. The whole thing is rather pleasing to the eye and ergonomic, like the shortcuts for controlling the heating and air conditioning, without necessarily having to use the touchscreen.

The seats are comfortable, heated, and even equipped with a neck warmer, which is more commonly found on convertible models. The idea here is to limit the heating's electricity consumption in winter by using this less energy-consuming duo.

One element that may be intriguing is the speaker block at the door, which also acts as a handle to close the door. A good example of the originality that DS displays in the interior design of this DS Number 8.

We were especially eager to test what this model was like on the road: with our test model, which has a 97 kWh battery made in France, from the ACC factory in Douvrin in the North . It offers a record range of 750 km, when combined with the 245 horsepower front motor.

DS's promise: to cover 500 km on a single charge on a motorway journey, which seems realistic if we anticipate consumption around 20 kWh per 100 km. As for charging, this DS N°8 can handle up to 160 kW of direct current, enough to recover 200 km of autonomy in 10 minutes, or to go from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Above all, the vehicle seemed very comfortable and particularly well soundproofed. Especially since our test model in the Pallas trim was only equipped with conventional suspension. On the Etoile trims, a comfort mode complements those already offered, with cameras that scan the road to adjust the damping level in real time.

The four-spoke steering wheel feels comfortable, but the position isn't entirely natural if you place your hands anywhere other than the classic 10:10 position.

As DS's new flagship, this Number 8 boasts premium pricing, even though it boasts a good range-to-price ratio compared to its competitors from BMW, Audi, or Mercedes. Starting price: 59,200 euros with the "small" 73.7 kWh battery that promises 550 km of range. Our test model starts at 63,300 euros, with a final price just under 70,000 euros when adding various options.

It remains to be seen whether it will be a success after the resounding failure of the DS9, which was manufactured in China . This DS number 8 marks a return to Europe with assembly carried out at the Stellantis factory in Melfi, Italy.