DS N°8: The Electric Flagship Redefining French Luxury

Published 12 December 2024

The French carmaker DS has unveiled its most ambitious vehicle yet, the DS N°8. This bold, all-electric flagship aims to reshape the brand’s identity. As a high-riding fastback, the DS N°8 merges innovative engineering with a luxurious touch. It positions itself as a key player in the competitive D-segment crossover market.

A New Chapter for DS

The DS N°8 arrives at a critical time for the brand. Following a challenging 2024, sales dropped 25% to 35,000 units in Europe. Parent company Stellantis has set ambitious targets for DS to achieve profitability by 2031, making this model pivotal to the brand’s survival. Unlike its STLA platform siblings—Peugeot and Vauxhall—which offer both electric and combustion engine options, the DS N°8 will be exclusively electric. This underscores the brand’s commitment to a zero-emissions future.

The model also introduces a fresh naming strategy for DS, inspired by French fashion house Chanel. Following the DS N°8, upcoming models will adopt similar monikers, marking a significant shift in the brand’s marketing approach.

Aerodynamics at the Core

Underpinned by the STLA Medium platform, the DS N°8 prioritises aerodynamic efficiency in its design. Thierry Métroz, DS’s design chief, highlighted the process: “We started with aero. From the beginning, we discussed with the aerodynamics team to refine the design for efficiency.”

This meticulous focus is evident in features like the rakish roofline, which sits 6cm lower than the Peugeot 3008. The result is a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.24, outperforming rivals like the Polestar 4 (0.26) and nearing the Tesla Model Y’s 0.23. Combined with a 97.2kWh battery, the DS N°8 boasts an impressive range of up to 466 miles—31 miles farther than its Peugeot e-3008 counterpart.

Sophisticated Interior Design

Inside, the DS N°8 offers a minimalist yet opulent cabin. High-quality materials like textured aluminium and Nappa leather create a refined atmosphere. Innovative technologies elevate the driving experience. The 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrates most of the car’s controls, eliminating traditional dashboard buttons for a cleaner aesthetic.

The car features advanced climate solutions, such as a neck-warmer system and heated seats, designed to enhance comfort while conserving energy. A cutting-edge head-up display with augmented reality, a night-vision system, and ChatGPT-based voice recognition add to the car’s futuristic appeal. Passengers can enjoy the Focal Electra 3D sound system, which features 14 speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Practicality is not overlooked. The DS N°8 offers a generous 620-litre boot. Rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration, making it versatile for families and professionals alike.

Performance and Powertrains

The DS N°8 offers three configurations:

1. Entry-Level: A single motor with 256bhp, paired with a 74kWh battery for a 355-mile range and a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds.
2. High Range: A 276bhp motor with the 97.2kWh battery, extending the range to 466 miles. It is slightly slower at 7.8 seconds to 62mph.
3. Long Range AWD: Dual motors producing 370bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds. The range decreases to 426 miles.

All versions include adaptive energy management systems. These reduce power output as battery levels drop to maximise efficiency. Charging is equally advanced, with DC fast charging enabling 20-80% battery replenishment in just 27 minutes.

Competitive Pricing and Market Launch

Pricing for the DS N°8 starts between €60,000 and €75,000 (£50,000-£62,000). UK prices are expected to be lower to attract buyers in a market where DS sold only 1,000 cars in 2024. Deliveries are set to begin by the end of 2025. Two trims—Pallas and Étoile—will feature advanced suspension systems and adaptive cruise control as standard.

Conclusion

The DS N°8 is more than just a car. It’s a statement of intent from DS. Combining cutting-edge technology, exceptional range, and French luxury, it redefines what an electric crossover can be. As DS embarks on this transformative journey, the N°8 could secure its future in an increasingly competitive market.