Luxury, meet electricity. Stellantis’ French luxury marque, DS Automobiles, has launched the DS N°8, a fully electric fastback crossover that signals a fresh direction for the brand. If you’re typing on a tight deadline, you might prefer “DS No8,” but the former adds a touch of French flair. This flagship also marks the marks the brand’s first production model to utilize Stellantis’ STLA Medium architecture.

The exterior design draws heavily from the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, a design exercise first revealed in 2020, with an emphasis on aerodynamics. The roofline is sleek, and the bodywork is finely tuned to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.24 cd, which not only enhances efficiency but extends the driving range.

More: DS Marks 10th Anniversary With Slammed SM Tribute Concept

At the front, the standout feature is the fully covered grille with an illuminated backdrop and DS emblem. The slim DS Pixel Vision headlights are paired with sharp DRLs that extend toward the bumper, evoking Peugeot-like vibes. Their shape is mirrored by the taillights, creating a new lighting signature for the brand. Another distinctive element is the steeply raked C-pillars, leading to an integrated rear spoiler.

The extended duo-tone exterior with a deep black finish for the upper portion of the bodywork complements the subtle plastic cladding on the lower end. Additional notable details include 21-inch forged wheels of the high-spec model, the flush door handles, and the N°8 emblem on the tailgate.

The DS N°8 measures 4.82 m (189.8 inches) long, 1.90 m (74.8 inches) wide, and 1.58 m (62.2 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2.90 m (114.2 inches). This means it is longer than the Peugeot 408 and Citroen C5 X fastback crossovers from the fellow Stellantis brands. Still, it remains 12 cm (4.7 inches) shorter than the more conventional DS 9 sedan.

A Premium Cabin

Inside, the premium aesthetic is in line with DS Automobiles’ upscale positioning within the Stellantis portfolio. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is positioned behind a four-spoke steering wheel, joined by a wide 16-inch infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, and an augmented-reality head-up display.

The “double-decker floating center console” with its star-inspired backlit graphics and crystal-like switches feels like it was plucked straight from a concept car. Furthermore, DS designers incorporated ambient lighting to accentuate the dashboard inserts, which seamlessly flow into the door panels. The latter incorporate some of the 14 speakers of the Electra 3D audio system by Focal, integrated within the perforated aluminum trim.

The bolstered seats are designed for comfort, featuring massaging, cooling, and heating functions for the front passengers – including a neck warmer. According to DS, there is plenty of room for the rear passengers, who also benefit from cooled and heated seats.

Options for the upholstery include Alcantara and full-grain Nappa leather, which are manufactured from recycled materials. The available panoramic glass roof has laminated glass and an infrared treatment, while the boot has a generous capacity of 620 lt (21.9 cubic feet).

The DS-specific suspension setup includes a standard variable damping system. A camera scans the road with the help of altitude sensors and accelerometers, ensuring optimal comfort and handling. The company has also put a lot of emphasis on sound insulation, using ultra-absorbent materials and double-layer laminated glass for a silent ride. Finally, the DS Drive Assist 2.0 suite gives the N°8 semi-autonomous capabilities.

Electric Exclusivity and STLA Underpinnings

The DS N°8 shares its STLA Medium underpinnings with the Peugeot 3008/5008, Opel Grandland, and the upcoming Citroen C5 Aircross. However, unlike the aforementioned SUVs which are also available in mild-hybrid and PHEV forms, the DS N°8 will be exclusively offered with fully electric powertrains. The same will apply to the upcoming Lancia Gamma, which is expected in 2026 as a sister model to the DS N°8.

In the DS, the FWD versions are powered by a single electric motor generating 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) or 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS), with an extra 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) from a temporary boost function. The most powerful AWD model features dual electric motors producing a combined 345 hp (257 kW / 350 PS), or up to 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS) with the boost function enabled. The latter allows the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint to be completed in 5.4 seconds. Independently of the powertrain, top speed is limited to 190 km/h (118 mph).

Battery options include 74 kWh and 97.2 kWh units, offering up to 572 km (355 miles) and 750 km (466 miles) of range respectively, although the maximum figure for the AWD model is 686 km (426 miles). The 400V batteries are compatible with fast charging of up to 200 kW DC, with the 20-80% charge being completed in 27 minutes. DS hopes that 90% of the charging will take place at home or at work, which is why they offer a home charger as standard with the N°8.

According to DS, the N°8 will be launched in Europe from mid-2025. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.

DS Automobiles

DS Automobiles has announced the name of its upcoming fastback crossover, that will be called the N°8, while revealing the first photos of its dashboard. The model will be an EV-only affair, and its debut will take place in “a couple of weeks”.

The new EV was initially believed to adopt the DS8 moniker, but it turns out it introduces a new naming strategy for DS Automobiles. According to the company, the N° symbol is a nod to the French language, representing the usual way of writing “number” in French. The name is written on the tailgate of the N°8, with the ° designed like a diamond.

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A similar treatment will be applied to DS Automobiles’ future lineup, although the company didn’t set a timeline for the change. Each model’s number will be indicative to its size and segment, as with the existing model range (DS3, DS4, DS7, DS9).

The Interior Of The DS N°8

In order to hype things up ahead of the upcoming reveal, DS published photos of the N°8’s interior, which introduces a new design language for the brand. Highlights include the new four-spoke steering wheel with integrated buttons, the digital cockpit with an ultra-wide infotainment display, and the floating center tunnel with what looks like touch-sensitive controls.

The boat-inspired cabin features premium materials, highlighted by the extensive use of ambient lighting. We can also see the Electra 3D audio system by Focal mounted high on the door cards.

An earlier teaser was focused on the exterior of the DS N°8, with photos of a lightly camouflaged prototype. The EV will have a drag coefficient of 0.24 cd thanks to the sleek roofline, the grille-less nose, the active bumper intakes, the low hood, and the flying buttresses. At the front, it features the DS Pixel Vision lights, mirroring the shape of the slim LED taillights.

The DS N°8 rides on the STLA Medium architecture and has an impressive electric range of up to 466 miles (750 km) between charges. DS has yet to reveal the specifications of the electric powertrain and didn’t say whether the N°8 will use a single-motor or a dual-motor setup. Furthermore, while the platform is compatible with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, DS made it clear that the N°8 will be an electric-only offering.

We will learn everything about the DS N°8 on its official debut, which is only “a couple of weeks” away.

DS Automobiles has published teasers of an upcoming fully electric model, featuring a fastback crossover bodystyle. The yet-unnamed EV – expected to adopt the DS8 moniker – will offer a WLTP range of 466 miles (750 km) when it arrives before the end of the year.

While this is the first time that DS shows us the upcoming EV, we are already familiar with its design thanks to spy shots. These gave us an early look at the front end, and the interior design.

More: Here’s What We Know About DS’s Upcoming Premium Electric Crossover

The teasers show a prototype with a camouflage wrap highlighting the impressive range. The gold and black graphics are inspired by the livery of the DS Formula E single seater, and do little to hide the design underneath.

According to DS, the EV was designed with a focus on aerodynamics. The sleek roofline, the active intakes on the front bumper, the low hood and the flying buttresses contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.24 cd. The front end adopts a grille-less look with aggressive “DS Pixel Vision lights” featuring vertical DRLs, a design that is mirrored by the sharp LED taillights.

DS Automobiles

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The discreet plastic cladding on the profile and the raised suspension result in a crossover stance, with DS designers trying to offer a stylish alternative to coupe SUVs. The company didn’t show the interior, which promises to offer “extraordinary technology and refinement”, with a mysterious feature on the driver’s seat. Earlier spy shots have revealed a four-spoke steering wheel, a digital cockpit, futuristic switchgear on the center tunnel, and premium materials for the upholstery.

More: 2026 DS7 Gets Bigger, Badder, And More Electrified

DS has previously revealed that the EV will ride on the STLA Medium architecture, which already underpins the Peugeot 3008/5008 and Opel Grandland SUVs, and will serve as the base for the successors of the Citroen C5 Aircross and DS7. Despite using the same 98 kWh battery pack, the 466-mile (750 km) range of the DS model is 29 miles (50 km) longer compared to the mechanically-related Peugeot E-3008.

As for today, the French brand hasn’t backed-up from its decision to only introduce EVs from 2024 on. However, it’s worth noting that the STLA Medium platform is compatible with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, meaning that the new DS doesn’t have to be an EV-only affair. Given that the launch of the fastback crossover is only a few weeks away, our questions will be answered soon.

Stellantis’ DS Automobiles employees seem to be slipping when it comes to camouflaging their prototypes. Take, for example, the upcoming flagship DS8 model, which was recently spotted with its front end exposed, giving us a sneak peek—perhaps unintentionally—at what’s to come.

The DS8 sports an aggressive face, with slim LED headlights and sharply defined DRLs integrated into the front bumper. While the large grille is mostly shrouded, black trim connects it to the lower bumper intakes. Other notable design elements include flush door handles, a charging port on the rear fender, and angular LED taillights that make no effort to blend in.

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According to our spy photographers (who clearly had a field day with this one), the exposed front bumper might have been the result of previous damage. Maybe they ran out of duct tape? Or, more likely, DS just didn’t bother camouflaging the entire thing for these late-stage development tests. After all, with the official debut looming, who cares about keeping a secret anymore?

Overall, the production model has been significantly toned down compared to the 2020 DS Aero Sport Lounge Concept. Additionally, the five-spoke wheels on this particular prototype seem undersized for the bodywork, suggesting it could be an entry-level trim.

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Earlier spy shots have uncovered the interior of the DS8, showcasing a four-spoke steering wheel, a high-tech center console, and premium upholstery finished in blue. DS has promised that the new model will offer “extraordinary technology and refinement,” thanks to Stellantis’ parts bin.

The DS8 will adopt a fastback bodystyle with crossover cues, somewhat reminiscent of the Peugeot 408 and Citroen C5 X. However, while those models ride on the EMP2 platform, the DS8 will be built on the newer STLA Medium architecture, powered by a fully electric drivetrain. Stellantis previously confirmed that a 98 kWh battery would deliver a WLTP range of over 435 miles (700 km).

More: Electric Peugeot E-408 Is A Stylish French Fastback With A Disappointing 282-Mile Range

DS has pledged to only introduce EVs from 2024 on, but we can’t help but wonder if they will rethink their strategy for the DS8, given the current challenging market conditions. After all, the STLA platform is versatile, supporting mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups—something we’ve already seen in the Peugeot 3008/5008 and Opel Grandland, which share its underpinnings.

The new DS8 is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, replacing the DS9 and joining the DS3, DS4, and DS7 lineup. DS Automobiles has confirmed they’ll show off the SM Tribute concept at the 2024 Paris Auto Show. Could the production-ready DS8 make a surprise appearance alongside it? It’s possible but nothing has been confirmed (yet).

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