Try Ds7: the plug-in hybrid premium SUV gets an update. How’s it going and the price

Tommaso Marcoli

September 22

– Nice (France)

Ds is running fast towards his future. A historical past interpreted by the “Goddess” (car that also accompanied General De Gaulle); a present that was able to show the potential of the reborn brand; a future that starts with good conditions given the recent updates for Ds 4 and Ds 7. The SUV reaches the second generation, loses the substantive Crossback, reduces the external chrome (for reasons of sustainability) and has a less abundant customization for the interior. In summary: it has matured a lot. A generously sized but certainly very comfortable vehicle that chooses all petrol plug-in hybrid engines but decides not to give up diesel. Which remains the most balanced choice, together with the 225 HP power unit, the protagonist of the preview and whose prices start at 52,800 euros.

DS 7: how it is made

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The front changes significantly compared to the previous generation, remaining faithful to the DS personality but managing to give a pleasant glance and in line with the expectations of the segment. It is still a premium SUV, a membership that must move and be recognizable from its appearance. The daytime running lights are certainly the most distinctive element: thanks to a sophisticated laser processing, they are an integral part of the bumper. The resulting image is biting and captivating, pleasant and not very abundant, given the absence of chrome which would have been superfluous. The main optical groups do not change design but integrate a new lighting technology called Ds pixel led vision 3.0. The LEDs that make up the structure are 84, they illuminate up to 380 meters away and thanks to the dynamic configuration they do not “dazzle” other motorists. Few innovations for the rear area which remains very similar except for the design of the thinner optical groups and the disappearance of the word “crossback” on the tailgate, now replaced by “Ds automobiles”.

Interior

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Even less significant are the updates for the passenger compartment, which however loses most of the elements that made the previous generation, in certain situations, excessive. No geometric details, rather a rational organization where attention to detail has been improved: on the other hand, DS will represent the premium hub, together with Alfa Romeo and Lancia, of Stellantis. Among the novelties, the introduction of Alcantara coverings. The plastics are all soft and of good quality and the environment is finished with excellent care. The on-board entertainment system is on a 12 “screen: the graphic quality has improved but the fluidity of the software still leaves something to be desired. Apple Car Play and Android Auto remain available, with wireless compatibility.

Engine range

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The engine range gas consists of three plug-in hybrid offers: 225 hp, 300 hp and 360 hp all-wheel drive. It also remains the diesel fuel, with a 1.5-liter 130 hp. The most balanced choice, in consideration of the characteristics and the intended use, is (depending on the needs of use) certainly the 225 Hp plug-in or the 1.5 diesel. The plug-in hybrid proposed as access to the range is a well-proven power unit: it consists of a 1.6-liter 180 hp engine and a 110 hp electric element. The battery grows in capacity and reaches 14.2 kWh. This improves the electric range and makes the vehicle more efficient.

How’s the DS 7

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At the wheel, DS 7 proves to be a comfortable, versatile vehicle developed to meet even the most intense requests from motorists. There smooth running it is excellent and the management software for the input of the heat engine has been improved, which is not noticeable except for a slight vibration; the eight-speed automatic transmission is very precise and satisfies any request. At cruising speed you can appreciate the soundproofing and the quality of life on board which is really of a high standard. The new suspensions are an important support for traveling with serenity and the driver assistance systems are all of the latest generation. The “weight” of the steering wheel is also good, adequate for the wheels and dimensions. The performances are more than satisfactory and allow you to move with ease in any scenario. The electric motor is certainly a valid proposal to improve city driving, because there are no vibrations and the torque delivery is instantaneous. As for electric range and consumption, DS declares up to 65 km on the battery alone and 1.4 l / 100 km in the Wltp cycle. The preview was too short to actually evaluate the data, but the integrated updates seem to promise renewed and improved efficiency as well.

Pros and cons

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• Like it: renewed style and less abundant than in the past
• High-level on-board comfort
• The choice to keep the diesel engine in range is acceptable

• Do not like: The in-flight entertainment system has a bit too slow software
• The absence of physical controls for adjusting the air conditioning can distract the motorist