DS No.8

Art Deco-inspired premium exec aims to offer something fresh

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THE relatively short-lived DS 9 executive saloon (2020-2024) has made way for the DS No.8, which its manufacturer describes as an SUV-coupé. It certainly has distinctive proportions, while the angular styling helps it to stand out from the crowd. There’s an all-electric powertrain lineup, while the three trim levels offer buyers plenty of standard kit and luxury trimmings.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE 4.0/5★

THE DS No.8 is based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform that is shared with cars such as the Peugeot 5008 and Vauxhall Grandland. There are two battery options on offer, two drive layouts and three power outputs, and the range kicks off with a 74kWh battery that powers a 227bhp/345Nm electric motor and sends drive to the front wheels. The Long Range adds a 97.2kWh pack and increases power to 242bhp, but the torque is unchanged, while the AWD Long Range uses the same battery, but adds a second electric motor for a total output of 370bhp/511Nm.

Sprint times are strong, with the front-wheel-drive versions managing 0-62mph in 7.7 and 7.8 seconds respectively, while the all-wheel-drive version's extra power and traction help it demolish the benchmark sprint in 5.4 seconds. We've had experience of the latter car, and we'd recommend switching drive settings for the best performance. In the Eco, Normal or Comfort modes there’s a delay in the powertrain’s response, but in Sport there’s instant pickup from the motors.

DRIVING 4.0/5★

AS an executive model, especially one with a DS badge, you'd expect first-rate comfort, but the No.8 isn’t quite as capable as rivals.

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