2025 DS No 8

This is the DS No 8: a big French cruiser with a 469-mile electric range

DS has thrown the entire Book of Aero at its Polestar 4-esque EV. Here's what you need to know

Hello to the DS No 8. Not, please note, the DS 8 or DS Number 8 or DS Eight or DS #8. It is of course a nod to the brand's French aroma. Y'know, like Chanel No 5.

France was one of the first European countries to get long-distance fast motorways, and the original 1955 Citroen DS took full advantage. Don't think we're saying the DS No 8 is as revolutionary as the goddess was, but for autoroute cruising you could do a lot worse. It's all-electric, but extremely aerodynamic and available with a thumping great battery for a WLTP-certified range of 469 miles.

Which is actually 34 miles longer than a Peugeot e-3008 of the same electric spec, running on the same platform. That's the value of aerodynamics; it's relatively low to the ground for an EV.

The No 8 inserts itself in that chink between hatchback and crossover – to get an idea of its profile, think Polestar 4 or BMW iX2. Or if you haven't seen one of those yet, the Cupra Formentor or Peugeot 408. (An electric option is just coming on stream for the 408 but it's an old platform with a much smaller battery than the e-3008 or DS No 8.)

The No 8 was previewed, surprisingly accurately, by a concept car from 2020 called the Aero Sport Lounge. We didn't see it back then because it was completed in a tearing hurry for the Geneva show, loaded onto a truck, then immediately unloaded because Covid cancelled the show. But it was in the room today when DS showed us the finished No 8.

The Sport Lounge concept had the same fast profile, a similar illuminated representation of a 'grille', and also a two-tone colour scheme scheme as per what's an option on the No 8. The production car's bonnet is actually a world-first, with the area of black paint applied without any masking by a machine like a giant inkjet printer. The black sections on the rear pillar are plastic overlays; there's a single metal panel beneath.

DS design chief Thierry Metroz says there's nothing about the No 8's design, apart from the blanked-off grille, that advertises it as an EV. "For me it's the same brand, the same philosophy. We won't have one kind of design for EVs and one kind for combustion." Although the No 8 is launching as EV-only, if the takeup of battery cars slows down, they can make it as petrol or PHEV, just as with the Peugeot 3008.

 
New DS No8 tops out at £63,290 with 370bhp and 426 miles

French premium brand's bold new flagship is an electric fastback, now on sale in the UK from £50,790

The DS No8, the French premium brand’s new flagship, has gone on sale in the UK from £50,790, topping out at a lofty £63,290.

The rakish Tesla Model Y rival signals the start of a new era for DS in which it will pursue a fresh approach to how it designs, engineers and markets its cars.

Opening in Pallas trim with a single 256bhp front-mounted motor, the No8 offers 355 miles of range from its 74kWh battery.

This entry-level model comes equipped with a 16in infotainment touchscreen, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and a head-up display.

Add the larger 97kWh battery pack for an extra £3900 and range increases to 466 miles and power to 276bhp.

Move up to Etoile trim and the price is £54,790. This model is distinguished by its illuminated front grille and adds a digital rear mirror, LED lights and an upgraded cruise control system.

Etoile pricing rises to £59,290 with the bigger battery added.

 
DS N°8 is ready for orders

DS N°8 is now available for order, promising the most exciting blend of luxury, performance, and range by the company yet.

The DS N°8 draws inspiration from the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept. This dedication to "aero efficiency" has apparently resulted in a significant 60 km range increase (WLTP cycle).

The front fascia features the innovative DS LUMINASCREEN grille, an illuminated and aero-efficient design. The headlamps, composed of three modules outlined by 8 LEDs, echo the classic Clous de Paris pattern. The DS LIGHTBLADE at the front and rear further enhances the car's visual presence, making it instantly recognizable.

The DS N°8 offers three different 100% electric drivetrains. They output 230 hp, 245 hp, and finally 350 hp in the two motors with all-wheel drive. All drivetrains also feature a temporary power boost function. The electric motors are produced in France by Emotors, a joint venture in which the Stellantis Group is a shareholder.


 
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