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DS Teases New Electric Fastback Crossover With 466-Mile Range

  • DS is ready to unveil a new electric crossover, slotting between the DS7 SUV and the DS9 sedan.
  • The EV will ride on STLA Medium architecture, offering a WLTP range of 466 miles (750 km).
  • The official teasers reveal an aerodynamic silhouette with sharp styling cues and fancy LEDs.

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.

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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.

2025 DS8 Flagship Caught Bare-Faced Ahead Of Imminent Debut

  • The DS8 is set to become the brand’s flagship model when it launches later this year.
  • A prototype with an exposed front end was recently captured by our spy photographers.
  • The model is built on the STLA Medium platform and features a dual-motor electric powertrain.

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.

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

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).

 2025 DS8 Flagship Caught Bare-Faced Ahead Of Imminent Debut

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