DS N°8 Presidential: the electric car of excellence created by DS Automobiles for the French Republic

It is a solemn, commemorative moment , but also an opportunity to tell – through an object full of symbols – the very identity of the Republic. This year, in the ceremony of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the silent protagonist was a car: the DS N°8 Presidential. Not a production model. Not a show car. But a unique work of representation, tailor-made for the President of the French Republic.

Heir to a long tradition that unites the DS brand with the highest institutions of the State, the N°8 Presidential is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, technology and French style. Unveiled as a world preview at the Elysée Palace, it is destined to become not only a symbol of presidential mobility but also an example of savoir-faire and avant-garde spirit.

A long tradition in the service of the State

DS Automobiles has always had a close relationship with the Elysée. From General De Gaulle's famous DS 19 to Georges Pompidou's SM, up to the recent DS 7 ÉLYSÉE used by Emmanuel Macron, each era has had its presidential flagship, always signed by a brand capable of combining refinement and innovation.

The DS N°8 Presidential is no exception. Indeed, it perhaps represents the pinnacle: in terms of design, craftsmanship, and technological content. As Xavier Peugeot, CEO of DS Automobiles, stated, “this car embodies an alliance between the past and the future, between national heritage and a modern vision of excellence.”

A unique style to bring the President closer to his people

Designed to parade as close as possible to the crowd during official events, the DS N°8 Presidential has been designed with an exclusive Sapphire Blue livery, a deep shade already used for the DS 7 ÉLYSÉE. Making it immediately recognisable are the refined details: the gloss black rear panels, the tricolour badges, the DS LUMINASCREEN grille illuminated in the colours of the French flag and the flag holders integrated into the front bumper.

Every line, every detail, tells of a car built to represent the Republic. Not just a service car, but an extension of the presidential function, in full respect of the ceremonial and national identity.

A journey through art, matter and French savoir-faire

The heart of the DS N°8 Presidential is the teamwork between French master craftsmen, suppliers of excellence and the DS DESIGN teams. The passenger compartment is a manifesto of silent luxury and Parisian creativity. Starting with the straw marquetry designed by the Ateliers Lison de Caunes: a fan motif made of hand-dyed rye straw in shades of midnight blue and sea green.

The “Dream Blue” satin, supplied by MÉTAPHORES – a company of the Hermès group – dresses panels and surfaces with a sophisticated touch. While the Atelier Lognon, a world reference for artisanal pleating, worked on the door panels with cardboard molds and manual techniques used in haute couture.

DS master upholsterers completed the job: nappa leather and Alcantara® seats with a watch strap motif, pearl stitching, meticulous finishes and harmonious colour combinations. The result is an exclusive environment, designed to welcome the Head of State with the same attention to detail as a bespoke boutique.

Technology, safety and high-level performance

Despite its refined appearance, the DS N°8 Presidential is a highly technological vehicle. Thanks to the collaboration with Centigon – a company specializing in armor for institutional use – the car is equipped with advanced security systems, necessary to guarantee the safety of the President during every official trip.

But the real innovation is hidden in the electric heart of the car. The batteries, supplied by Automotive Cells Company, are produced in France in the Billy-Berclau Douvrin Gigafactory, born from a joint venture with Stellantis. With a declared autonomy of up to 750 km, the DS N°8 can travel over 500 km on the highway without recharging and go from 20% to 80% charge in just 27 minutes. An extraordinary result that demonstrates how presidential mobility can also be sustainable, without sacrificing the autonomy necessary for institutional commitments.

The audio system, by FOCAL – a world reference brand for acoustic quality – was tailor-made for the cockpit of the N°8, ensuring a top-notch sound experience worthy of a presidential environment.

From Paris to the Grand Palais: France's Homage to Craftsmanship

From 21 to 25 May 2025, the DS N°8 Presidential will also be visible to the general public. It will be exhibited at the RÉVÉLATIONS show, a biennial event dedicated to excellent craftsmanship, at the Grand Palais in Paris. A unique opportunity to admire up close the work of dozens of expert hands that have made the birth of a unique model possible.

Technical sheet – DS N°8 Presidential

• Model: DS N°8 Presidential
• Motorization: 100% electric
• WLTP range: up to 750 km
• Motorway range: over 500 km
• Fast charging: 200km in 10 minutes / 20%-80% in 27 minutes
• Color: Sapphire Blue with black back panels
• Interior: Nappa leather, Alcantara®, Dream Blue satin, straw inlay, handcrafted pleats
• Audio: Custom FOCAL system
• Armoring: by Centigon
• Battery Production: ACC – Automotive Cells Company
• Domestic production: France