DS

DS 7

The DS 7 was the first all-new model from the marque since it became an independent brand in 2014. It’s a five-door SUV that offers elegant, premium styling along with a wealth of innovative features. It’s a car to turn heads and one that will challenge many premium rivals, especially since receiving a mid-life refresh in 2023.

The good

Beautiful interior, excellent lighting effects and comfortable ride

The bad

Gearbox is a little jumpy at times

Tech Specs

Price from

£36,760

Combined Fuel up to

53.3mpg (diesel) 249mpg (PHEV)

0-62 from

5.9 seconds

max speed up to

146mph

co2 from

26g/km

Test Drive

DS 7 – First Drive (2023)

If you’re in the market for a premium-quality SUV boasting its very own distinctive style, but you are not tempted by mainstream models, then French luxury brand DS could have the ideal solution.

That’s because its latest DS 7 model has been given a mid-life facelift that really raises the bar thanks to dynamic styling, a wealth of high-end technology and a cabin created from the finest upholstery and materials. Well, this is a brand that was born in Paris after all, so what else would you expect?

New DS 7 is on sale now with a wide range of trim levels to choose from called Performance Line, Performance Line+, Rivoli, Esprit De Voyage, Opera and La Premiere. Prices start from £36,760 and rise to £62,940.

The engine line-up consists of three E-TENSE plug-in hybrid models with an electric-only range of up to 43 miles dependent upon the model along with a Blue HDi diesel variant. There are two or four-wheel drive versions with all cars featuring the company’s EAT8 eight-speed automatic transmission.

New DS 7 has a strong road presence that commands attention with a completely redesigned front end featuring sharper lines, a distinctive light signature, along with a larger diamond-pattern grille and DS Wings to give it a more muscular look. At each side of the grille are DS Pixel LED headlights that offer far superior illumination to the outgoing model.

At the rear, the wraparound tailgate incorporates the 3D rear lights and the boot lid and DS logo have been reworked with sharper lines. A black strip stretches between the lights with DS AUTOMOBILES in polished stainless steel letters giving the car a wider profile.

Moving inside, the level of elegance and quality of craftsmanship cannot fail to impress with inspiration from the Paris fashion houses.

Customers can choose from a range of materials, but expect to see plenty of the finer detailing such as decorative pearl-stitching on the dashboard and door panels, plus the trademark Watchstrap leather styled seats.

On-board tech is plentiful and includes the likes of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with a 12-inch high-definition touchscreen, the latest DS IRIS system with connected sat nav, natural voice recognition, Bluetooth and over-the-air software updates. There is full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, bi-zone air conditioning, plus an exclusive B.R.M clock on top of the dash

We tested the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 plug-in hybrid model powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 14.2kWh battery. The car was in Opera specification, which is a new trim level, and cost £56,540. There were no optional extras which is very much the DS way.

With a combined 296hp and 520Nm, the car could complete the 0-62mph dash in a respectable 5.9 seconds and topped out at 146mph. It can achieve up to 42 miles of electric-only driving range between charges, a process that takes 1 hour, 55 minutes via a 7.2kW home charging box.

Despite its impressive pace out the starting blocks, the DS 7 is exceptionally refined with customer comfort at the forefront. Barely a sound filters into the cabin and the highly effective suspension set-up cushions occupants from most unexpected bumps and dips along the way.

That’s because the 4×4 model, as tested, is fitted with a clever camera-based Active Scan suspension system which reads the road ahead and adapts the suspension accordingly.

The DS 7 is well balanced when tackling twisting country lanes with impressive grip and minimal body sway, and this car is also a confident motorway cruiser sitting comfortably at 70mph. The gearbox was a little hesitant at times with a little lag mid-range, but that was certainly not the norm.

You can use paddles to change gears manually and drive modes called Electric, Comfort, Sport and 4WD alter the handling and reactions of the car. Sport certainly adds an edge.

With the elevated seating, the driver benefits from good levels of visibility, which is always a plus-point on a vehicle that will regularly feature on the dreaded school run with cars, cyclists and pedestrians darting out from all angles.

On the practicality front, the DS covers all bases well with a boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, that can swallow 555 litres of kit. Drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and that limit increases to 1,752 litres. There are the usual storage compartments scattered throughout the car, along with charging ports to keep devices connected.

The 4×4 ability on certain models makes the DS 7 a good choice for family holidays and it can tow a caravan or trailer weighing up to 1.2 tonnes.

Safety systems and driver assistance aids are comprehensive too with the likes of an emergency braking system, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, extended traffic sign recognition, a driver attention monitor, speed limit warning, adaptive cruise control and plenty more besides.

All in all, the fresh-faced new DS 7 has plenty of great qualities to shout about. Its design is far sharper, the on-board tech is more advanced and the latest line-up offers something for everyone. My only grip was the sat nav with its ultra-slow instructions – a problem that’s sadly experienced inside all Stellantis models these days.

Test Drive

DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE 4×4 Ultra Prestige Automatic (2020)

When DS became an independent car maker splitting away from the Citroen umbrella in 2014, the first model it launched was the DS 7 Crossback – now the plug-in hybrid version of the family SUV really ups the ante.

With its dynamic styling, it boasts performance figures that would impress any driving enthusiast and running costs that will keep you on the bank manager’s Christmas card list. That said; the initial cost will raise some eyebrows with a price-tag of £56,075 – increased to £59,020 with options fitted. But it’s worth remembering this is the premium brand in the PSA stable.

The DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine along with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, delivering a combined 296bhp. And that translates into a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 149mph. According to official figures, the five-door vehicle emits just 33g/km of carbon dioxide and can deliver up to 235.4mpg. Realistically this fuel economy is only achievable if the battery levels are kept fully charged.

There’s no denying the fact that the DS 7 Crossback is a stunning looking car with very distinctive lighting features. If viewed from the back, the tail lamps feature 3D illuminating scales with a mesh of diamond shapes bonded together. Then at the front, there are DS Active LED Vision headlights that emit a purple glow when the car is initially unlocked before pivoting 180 degrees into action. These state-of-the-art lights offer superb visibility at night with a sweeping beam that adjusts according to the road conditions.

Other eye-catching design cues include a gloss black grille housing the DS emblem, chrome DS wings, E-TENSE badging on the bonnet and tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, privacy glass, plus 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Move inside and the interior is just as impressive with a modern, upmarket, premium feel along with a wealth of on-board technology to explore. There is luxurious quilted leather upholstery with powered seats that can be heated, cooled and even offer a massage function.

Creature comforts include a 12-inch touchscreen, sat nav, an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, wireless phone charging and the traditional BRM clock that emerges from the top of the dashboard when the car is started up.

When it comes to performance, the DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE delivers impressive levels of firepower with sprint times akin to a hot hatch. The road holding is assured and well balanced meaning tight bends can be attacked with confidence and the excellent suspension set-up smooths out any bumps and dips along the way.

It’s a car that cruises effortlessly at the national speed limit on motorways and is just as happy proving its worth on the winding B roads where the acceleration through the eight-speed transmission is smooth and responsive.

You can flick through drive modes called Electric, Comfort, Hybrid, Sport and 4WD that alter the way the car reacts, with Sport proving most fun when faced with the open road.

The DS 7 Crossback is also nice and agile when manoeuvring through busy town centres and the excellent all-round driver visibility is another plus factor. The car can be driven in electric-only mode for approximately 34 to 40 miles and takes less than two hours to charge to 100 per cent from a 7.2kW home charger.

Comfort levels within the vehicle are good with ample room in the back for two adults to stretch out or three at a bit of a squeeze. Storage space also impresses with a boot that can swallow 628 litres of kit which increases to 1,752 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped down.

The DS 7 Crossback was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating with a range of driver assist systems such as lane keeping assist, active blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert and lots more besides. And the 4WD system will keep you motoring during more adverse driving and weather conditions.

All in all, the DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE is a complete all-round family SUV. It looks fabulous, drives beautifully. It’s practical, packed with top notch kit and has all the safety systems to protect occupants and pedestrians alike.

Test Drive

DS 7 Crossback Ultra Prestige PT 225 Auto

Every day the routine journeys are taking longer with gridlocked roads a common experience. But as you sit in the queues of traffic inching forward bit by bit, it’s the perfect opportunity to take in the surrounding cars. You soon realise we are under siege by SUVs.

They come in all shapes and sizes with all sorts of defining features. There’s 2WD or 4WD, soft roaders or serious mud pluggers, five or seven seaters along with budget models or ultra-expensive versions from the premium marques.

My latest test car was at the higher end of the scale although not outrageously pricey. It was from DS which is the prestige arm of the PSA Group and while the brand once carried Citroen badging and chevrons on its vehicles, it branched out on its own back in 2014.

Our DS 7 Crossback was the first all-new model following that breakaway move and it’s certainly worthy of its flagship title. It looks stunning, is packed with luxurious features and delivers superb driving dynamics too. It’s also a practical car so ticks yet another vital box for SUV hunters.

It was priced at £44,280 which included an extra £550 for metallic paint, and powered by a lively 1.6-litre 225hp petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Our range-topping Ultra Prestige car could reach 62mph from a standing start in a very respectable 8.3 seconds and topped out at 141mph. According to official figures, it delivers a combined 47.9mpg with carbon emissions of 135g/km.

There’s no getting away from the fact that the DS 7 Crossback is a great looking car and is easily recognisable thanks to very distinctive lighting. From the rear, the tail lamps feature 3D illuminating scales with a mesh of diamond shapes bonded together. Up front there are DS Active LED Vision headlights that emit a purple glow when the car is unlocked before pivoting 180 degrees into action. These state-of-the-art lights deliver fabulous visibility at night with a sweeping beam that adjusts according to the road conditions.

Other design cues that help the DS 7 Crossback stand out are a blacked-out grille with the DS emblem taking pride of place, chrome wings leading into the light clusters, a panoramic sunroof, tinted windows and 20-inch Tokyo black Onyx diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Step inside and it’s impossible not to be wowed by the beautifully styled and spacious cabin that oozes elegance and sophistication at every turn. The luxurious quilted leather seats can be power adjusted and heated or ventilated. They have memory settings plus a massage function to take the strain out of a long day in the office.

There are four interior design trims to choose from and our top-of-the-range version was called DS Inspiration Opera which refers to the opulence of the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, so expect a car dripping with luxury and you won’t be disappointed.

For example, there is ambient lighting with a wide choice of colours and brightness settings, along with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and neatly decorated door inserts. And, of course, there is a wealth of techno treats to explore, including a 12-inch HD touchscreen, an eight-speaker FOCAL sound system, Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, plus a really smart BRM timepiece (clock) that folds neatly away into the top of the dashboard when the ignition is turned off.

The touchscreen is easy to use and there is a row of quick-key buttons at the bottom that offer shortcuts to functions such as the climate control, navigation and music options.

Comfort levels within the car are very high and there’s oodles of space in the back for two or three passengers to stretch out in style with ample leg, head and shoulder room. The rear seats can also be power adjusted for extra comfort and the cabin has a bright, airy feel thanks to the panoramic sunroof that allows light to flood through.

So the DS 7 Crossback looks the business and is packed with all the technical wizardry you could wish for. But how well does it perform out on the open road? The answer is very well indeed.

It offers a refined driving experience with very little road surface, engine or wind noise filtering through into the car. The acceleration through the gears is both smooth and responsive with steering wheel-mounted paddles to manually change gear if you want. There are different driving modes called Eco, Normal, Comfort and Sport that alter the way the car handles, with Sport proving great fun out on the faster country lanes where the road holding was ultra grippy and there was little sign of any body sway into bends.

The boot is generously sized and accessed via a powered tailgate. It has a capacity that ranges from 628 litres to 1,752 litres with the 60:40 split folding rear seats dropped flat and there is additional storage room beneath the boot floor. Throughout the cabin, there are further storage options including a deep central bin, a practically-sized glovebox, door pockets, a handy tray in front of the gear lever, nets in the back of the front seats, along with front and rear cup holders.

Safety is vitally important in all vehicles, especially those that will regularly be used to transport the family and the DS 7 Crossback secured a maximum five-star rating when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety score. Features include the likes of lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, hill start assist, a reversing camera and a full suite of airbags.

All in all, the DS 7 Crossback is another very worthwhile and welcome contender pitching for sales in the bustling SUV sector. It looks fabulous, drives beautifully, is packed with technology and will definitely appeal to anyone who wants to get away from the high-volume sellers.

Test Drive

DS 7 Crossback – first drive (2018)

I’ve got a confession to make. Occasionally on lengthy night-time journeys when I’m struggling with the boredom I play a little game entitled ‘identify that car by its tail lights’ and it’s been known to keep me amused for hours on end with all sorts of shapes, sizes and special effects on offer these days.

But now that game has taken on a whole new dimension thanks to the introduction of the first completely-new model since the DS marque went independent in 2014. It’s called the DS 7 Crossback, it’s an athletic yet elegantly styled five-door SUV and the illumination front and back is fantastic.

DS describes the vehicle’s rear lights as hypnotic 3D illuminating scales and it’s difficult to disagree with that description as there is a mesh of diamond shapes bonded together. At night, they look amazing and also have dynamic directional indicators.

The view from the front is pretty spectacular too thanks to the DS Active LED Vision headlamps that emit a purple light when the car is unlocked before pivoting 180 degrees. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all just a gimmick because these are state-of-the-art lights that produce a sweeping beam that adapts according to road conditions and vehicle speed. And this, according to DS, is a first for the automotive world.

There are five lighting modes called Parking, Town Beam, Country Beam, Motorway Beam and Adverse Weather. In addition, there are high beam and dynamic bending lights to complete the package.

But the innovative technology doesn’t end there because the DS 7 Crossback boasts a Night Vision feature. An infra-red camera is concealed within the grille and is able to detect pedestrians or animals up to 100 metres ahead. When something is spotted the driver is alerted via a warning on the dashboard prompting them to react accordingly.

These are a just a few of the stand-out features to discover on the DS 7 Crossback which is priced from £28,050 to £43,535. There are plans for a plug-in hybrid model to be introduced next year which will be priced from £50k.

Customers can select from four generously-equipped trim levels called Elegance, Performance Line, Prestige and Ultra Prestige and the engine choice comes in the shape of two diesel and two petrol powertrains, along with the option of manual or automatic gearboxes.

It has to be said the DS 7 Crossback looks classy from any approach and is a clear indication that the brand has distanced itself from its bygone Citroen links. There is a diamond-effect grille housing the chrome DS emblem, a rippled bonnet, striking alloys, privacy glass and horizontal chrome DS wings – all features that give the car its stand-out athletic appeal.

The interior oozes premium branding through and through with two 12-inch screens. The first is where systems such as the sat nav, multimedia and DS Connect functions are found. The second is a personalised screen located behind the steering wheel. This is where the Night Vision set-up is displayed when activated.

DS has ensured the emphasis is on premium with a plethora of soft-touch materials, Nappa leather upholstery, adjustable ambient lighting features and plenty more besides.

Comfort levels are exceptionally good and some versions offer massaging seats which can be a bonus on longer journeys. In the back, a trio of adults can travel with ease and there is ample leg, head and elbow space to stretch out. The boot is also generously sized with a capacity of 628 litres – a limit that can be increased further with the rear seats dropped flat.

From the second you take you seat inside the DS 7 Crossback it’s impossible not to be wowed by the level of on-board technology and the elegant surroundings. We tested a couple of diesel-powered models and they both performed well.

First up was the 1.5-litre 130hp model mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in Prestige trim. This vehicle was priced at £34,435 (£37,685 with options) and could reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.8 seconds, topped out at 121mph and, according to official figures, can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 68.9mpg with carbon emissions of 107g/km.

The DS 7 Crossback proved itself to be an accomplished all-round performer offering plenty of agility in busy town centres yet sufficient fire-power out on the open road. The advanced suspension system makes light work of any bumpy road surfaces and the cabin is well insulated against noise intrusion. The visibility is excellent and my only slight gripe was the over-complicated process of adjusting the temperature within the car which meant going via the touchscreen.

Next up was the 2.0-litre 180bhp model featuring an eight-speed automatic gearbox in Performance Line. Priced at £36,335 (£38,285 with options), it could sprint from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, maxed out at 134mph, delivered combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 128g/km.

This version felt more powerful and responsive as it moved swiftly through the gears. There are varying driving modes to alter the car’s dynamics and handling and, once again, it was difficult to find any major criticisms of the car.

We also tested the Night Vision system after dark and it was very effective. The digital instrument cluster displays the area ahead of the car and a red line highlights any potential dangers such as pedestrians. This acts as an excellent early warning system and is yet another high-tech feature on a car packed with world class technology.

Admittedly, you can get caught up in all the somewhat pretentious naming rituals. For example, varying interior design grades are called ‘inspirations’ and are aptly inspired by great landmarks of Paris – the birth place of DS. There is DS Inspiration Bastille, DS Inspiration Rivoli, DS Inspiration Opera and even the clock is referred to as the BRM R180 timepiece – need I say more!

But that aside, the DS 7 Crossback is a beautifully crafted newcomer that oozes premium design styling, is packed with innovative technology, is fun to drive and also competitively priced. Yes, there are more dynamic rivals out there, but this is a very worthy contender for sales especially if someone is looking to steer clear of the German marques. And don’t forget to look out for those tail lights.