AUTO TESTDS will probably never succeed in putting the same icon on the road as the classic DS from 1955 (popularly known as the Pike). But when it comes to character, comfort and luxury, the DS 7 comes very close.
DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 (360 hp/265 kW), from €69,090
On the outside, the DS 7 shows the familiar lines that you see on almost all SUVs. But especially in the light units you can already see how detailed the designers have also worked here to make something special out of it.
In the interior, they completely hit their stride. That looks very original and chic. The DS 7 is also a spacious car and you are very comfortable in it. The back seat is spacious and the luggage compartment offers a substantial 555 liter capacity.
The infotainment should sometimes work faster and more logically. Downright inconvenient is that some control buttons, such as those between the front seats, have symbols that show little contrast. The result is that it is soon difficult to see which function such a button serves.
This DS is currently only available as a plug-in hybrid. The 14.2 kWh battery makes it possible to drive electrically for 57 kilometers in theory. But in cold weather on the highway, it is done with more than 30 kilometers. Competitors are now much further ahead.
The powerful and smooth powertrain leads to a top speed of 235 km/h and an acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds: quite spicy. You can also go through a corner at a good speed and the steering works precisely.
Yet this will never be a sports car. Doesn’t have to be, this DS has other qualities. The suspension comfort is formidable, thanks in part to a camera that constantly scans the road surface and prepares the shock absorbers for any bumps. Also useful is the standard four-wheel drive. And it is striking that even on the highway with the petrol engine on it remains wonderfully quiet in the interior.
Plus
+ Very comfortable.
+ Powerful, smooth drivetrain.
+ Spacious enough.
+ Advanced shock absorber system.
+ Four-wheel drive.
Min
– Limited electrical range.
– Infotainment could be better.
– Made some buttons clunky.
Conclusion
This plug-in hybrid also offers an attractive compromise between a fully electric and a petrol car. But above all, the DS 7 distinguishes itself with its quirky and graceful design, a smooth and powerful powertrain and wonderful comfort.
Additional test notes
This is not a real off-road vehicle, but the fact that it is a bit higher on its wheels can be useful in some situations. Think of a swampy grassland, a heavy layer of snow or a high curb.
If you put the shock absorber characteristic in the most comfortable position, the DS 7 will occasionally sway considerably. If you are annoyed by this, you simply choose a different position that gives it a firmer and therefore sportier handling.
Setback: with this engine variant of the DS you are not allowed to tow a trailer, while the lighter engine variants can have about 1200 kilograms behind the towbar.
TomTom’s traffic information is fine, but the navigation system sometimes struggles to find obvious destinations.
Special: a clock with a classic dial adorns the top of the dashboard.
Not so handy: the buttons of the electric window controls are placed between the front seats and not near the windows in the side doors.
With a charged battery pack and a full petrol tank, you can easily reach more than 500 kilometers with this plug-in hybrid. The big advantage compared to a fully electric car is of course that you are not only dependent on charging stations. Fill up quickly at the gas pump and continue.
The CO2 emissions of the tested version amount to 40 grams per kilometer.
The DS7 Crossback was presented in 2017 and was then the first completely new model of the reborn brand.
This car shares its technical basis with the Peugeot 3008.
The DS 7 was previously available with petrol and diesel engines, but is currently only available as a plug-in hybrid. His price list starts at €53,640 for the E-Tense with 225 hp. The DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 with a combined engine power of 360 hp/265 kW has been tested and you can buy it from €69,090. In this case, it has the lavish La Première gear, bringing the price to $77,640.
In our extensive autotest file you will find all previously published tests.
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