New DS No 8: Radical 466-mile flagship begins brand's reinvention


The pursuit of range is also evident in the cabin. DS has fitted the seats with a neck-warmer system of the kind typically reserved for cabriolets because it is claimed to be a more efficient way of warming the body than a conventional heater while using 5-10% less energy. Moreover, heated seats will be included as standard because they are also more efficient than heating the entire interior.

ds no 8 steering wheel

As with its radical exterior, the rest of the No 8’s interior represents a dramatic departure from the brand’s existing models. Most notably, it uses a novel four-spoke steering wheel, while the cabin is clad in monolithic, geometric panels.

In the pursuit of a more minimalist look, designers have also removed traditional buttons from the dashboard and placed most of the car’s controls within the centrally mounted 16in infotainment screen.

The No 8 will be offered with a choice of three powertrains and two batteries. The entry-level car gets a single front-mounted motor that puts out up to 256bhp and 254lb ft. It’s paired with a 74kWh battery, giving a range of 355 miles and a 0-62mph time of 7.7sec.

The middle-rung High Range car also has a single motor, which delivers up to 276bhp, but gains the 97.2kWh battery. Supplied by France-based Automotive Cells Company, it’s composed of 12 modules that each weigh 34.45kg and gives the headline range figure of 466 miles. The extra mass slows the 0-62mph to 7.8sec, though.

The range-topper uses the same battery but adds a second motor on the rear axle, boosting combined power to 370bhp. This cuts its 0-62mph sprint to 5.4sec but also compromises efficiency, reducing its range to 426 miles.

ds no 8 rear badging

Given DS’s push for efficiency, all three powertrains have been programmed to reduce power outputs when charge levels are low. The entry-level car drops to 227bhp, High Range to 242bhp and the top-rung car to 345bhp.

Prices for the No 8 in mainland Europe will range from €60,000 to €75,000 (£50,000 to £62,000). However, Autocar understands the model is likely to be priced lower in the UK to compete with rivals – such as the £51,270 BMW i4 – and to rebuild DS’s presence in the market after selling just over 1000 cars here in 2024, a far cry from its UK peak of 15,000 sales in 2016. 

UK deliveries are expected to start by the end of next year. 



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