Ds shifts gears: electrification drives future plans, eliminates internal combustion

DS Automobiles is betting heavily on a fully electric future, announcing ambitious profitability goals and a complete overhaul of its lineup. The French marque plans to phase out internal combustion engines by 2031, starting with the revamped DS 7 model.

Ds 7 evolves: hybrid and electric options replace diesel

The new DS 7, arriving in the coming weeks, marks a significant departure from its predecessor, the DS 7 Crossback. This five-seater SUV boasts a longer wheelbase and increased window area, creating a more elegant profile. The interior mirrors the DS 8, featuring a minimalist 16-inch central display and a 10-inch instrument cluster. The DS IRIS SYSTEM 2.0 offers seamless smartphone integration and ChatGPT-powered voice assistance.

The DS 7 will be offered in hybrid (Hybrid 145 HEV) and fully electric (E-TENSE) versions. The entry-level Hybrid 145 combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with a 29 hp electric motor, delivering a total of 145 hp. The E-TENSE lineup includes the E-TENSE FWD with 260 hp and a 73.7 kWh battery offering 543 km of range, the E-TENSE FWD Long Range with 280 hp and a 97.2 kWh battery extending to 740 km, and the E-TENSE AWD Long Range with 375 hp and the same 97.2 kWh battery providing 679 km of range.

Notably, both the battery and electric motors are produced in France, while final assembly occurs in Italy. This arrangement allows DS to leverage the full benefits of the Auto+ plan. The DS 7 will incorporate advanced technologies like DS PIXELVISION headlights with a 400-meter range and DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 autonomous driving system. A DS EXTENDED HEAD-UP DISPLAY and DS NIGHT VISION are also available, alongside the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION.

The brand is positioning itself as the