FYI: The luxurious DS N°8 redefines the electric crossover SUV market with its impressive range and avant-garde French design.
DS Automobiles’ Latest: Introducing the N°8 Crossover EV
As DS Automobiles—once a luxury offshoot of Citroën and now a distinct entity within the Stellantis conglomerate—pushes the envelope, its newly unveiled model, the DS N°8, stands as a testament to French elegance in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. Set to make its European debut in 2025, this fastback crossover aims to be a cornerstone in DS’s expanding lineup, combining aesthetic sophistication with state-of-the-art technology.
Riveting Design Meets Thrilling Performance
Despite being slightly more compact than the established DS9 sedan, the N°8 doesn’t compromise on stature or presence. Its streamlined height of over 62 inches brings to mind coupe aesthetics more than your average SUV, positioning it adjacent to competitors like the Polestar 4. Outfitted with a signature design, the N°8 isn’t just about appearances; beneath its sleek exterior lies a performance powerhouse.
The vehicle offers variants that cater to diverse driving preferences: a single-motor version delivering 227 horsepower upgradeable to 242 hp with a long-range battery, and a dual-motor setup providing up to 370 hp. Such potent engineering propels the N°8 from 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 5.4 seconds.
Electrifying Range and Efficient Technology
Embedded within the N°8 is a battery system that sets new benchmarks for range efficiency. With a drag coefficient of 0.24, the model achieves a class-leading efficiency rating of 4.81 miles per kilowatt-hour. Customers choosing the larger 97.2-kWh battery can expect a remarkable WLTP range of up to 466 miles in the single-motor version. For those prioritizing fast charging, the system supports up to 200 kW, enabling a swift 20 to 80% charge in just over 25 minutes.
Luxurious and Uniquely French Interior
Inside, DS continues its tradition of innovative design. A futuristic steering wheel is paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and an expansive 16-inch infotainment screen. Add to this the availability of plush Alcantara or Nappa leather seats with gold trim, and the N°8’s cabin emerges as an epitome of opulence amplified with quirky features like the concealed door pulls behind speaker grilles.
Competitive Edge in a Dynamic Market
With pricing that starts just below €60,000 and customizable up to €85,000 for the Etoile trim, the DS N°8 finds itself directly competing with the likes of the Volkswagen ID.7 and, of course, its Swedish counterpart, the Polestar 4. The N°8 is built on the versatile STLA Medium platform, underscoring Stellantis’s commitment to electrification, akin to its platform-sharing peers like the Opel Grandland and Citroen C5 Aircross.
Conclusion
The DS N°8 marks a significant leap for DS as it carves out its niche in the luxury EV market. By harmonizing an inspirational design, cutting-edge technology, and French luxury, the N°8 not only keeps pace with, but challenges its competitors. As DS embraces this electric future, the N°8 stands at the forefront, ready to usher in a new era of e-mobility.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
