DS electric and hybrid car guide

With DS Automobiles making headlines recently by stating they would only offer electric cars from 2024 onwards, it’s been a rapid ascension for the brand since its launch over a decade ago.

With their involvement in all-electric Formula E racing, the avant-garde premium brand is pre-empting wide-ranging changes in the car industry and using technology developments in that field to inform their public offering going forward.

Having given a brief history of DS Automobile and looked at their regular line-up, let’s find out what DS electric and hybrid cars are available.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense: Fully electric car

DS Automobiles range of cars has a reputation for elegance and style, and their first electric car certainly continues that theme.

Carrying all the DNA of conventionally powered DS 3 Crossback models, the E-Tense version features the familiar DS grille and lights originally introduced on the larger DS7 as well as flush-fitting door handles and access to an app for locking and unlocking the car.

With a range of between 191 – 206 miles depending on driving style, speed, and temperature, and a modicum of energy able to be recovered via regenerative braking, its 100kW/260Nm motor and 50kW battery can be fully charged in five hours on a dedicated domestic supply and will charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes on a 100kW rapid charge.

Three driving modes help the DS electric car achieve this: Eco maximises the range, Normal offers driving without compromise and Sport with an immediate increase in torque. These are complemented with two energy recovery systems, developed from the learnings of DS’s Formula E involvement and controllable by the driver.

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense: Plug-in hybrid

At launch, this large SUV aimed to combine the latest technological innovations with the brand’s Parisian savoir-faire, while also offering optimum driving comfort and performance. 

Characterised by a large diamond-shaped grille, angular headlights, and wraparound rear taillights, the DS 7 looks and feels premium and individualistic in a segment which has always had a generic design template. This extends to the interior too, with exquisite attention to detail and elegance of premium materials perfectly encapsulating the refinement of the DS brand.

While the PHEV retains the DNA and identity of the regular DS 7 Crossback, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain comprises a 200hp petrol engine mated to two electric motors which produce 300hp combined. This allows for all-electric driving of up to 37 miles with recharging taking up to five hours.

DS 9 E-Tense: Plug-in Hybrid

Launched in early 2021 following lengthy COVID delays, the DS 9 continues the trends kickstarted by the DS 7 with the executive saloon offering the same levels of elegance and personalisation.

With a length of 4.93 metres, width of 1.93 metres and large 690mm diameter wheels, the DS 9 certainly has size on its side. With those stats in mind, you’ll want to be a rear passenger whenever you’re offered the opportunity as huge amounts of space are on offer and the rear seats can be heated, cooled or even offer a massage (a first in the class).

The plug-in hybrid variant mates a 1.6-litre 180hp petrol engine with an 11.9 kWh battery to offer an all-electric driving range of 25-31 miles. This also boosts the consumption to a potential 188mpg.

Coming soon: DS 4 E-Tense Plug-in hybrid

DS 4 is the latest premium hatchback to be offered by the brand, with pricing and specs revealed on Hippo Leasing recently.

The all-new DS 4 features a striking new design, characterised by a distinctive front end and new light signature. It will be available with a highly efficient E-Tense 225 plug-in hybrid powertrain with CO2 emissions as low as 34g/km (WLTP).