DS 9 - French luxury and elegance

DS is certainly a brand completely unknown to a large part of the public. From 2014 onwards, the DS model name has been used on Citroën’s higher-end cars, but today DS is its own brand, like Citroën and Peugeot, under the PSA banner.

However, the roots of DS go back much further. First introduced in Paris in 1955, DS already offered first-class French luxury in the world of motoring. The roots of that history can be seen in today’s DS models, where the core of the DS family is comfort, technology and history.

The DS 9, on a quick visit to Finland, is the third model in the current DS range. In addition to the DS 3 and DS 7 crossback models and the new DS 9, the highly anticipated DS 4 will be launched later this year.

The DS 9 is for backseat drivers

Where possible, the DS 9’s soft ride and interior space is best enjoyed with spacious rear seats. The interior quality is a pleasure to the touch and the design captivates the eye with its detailing. Available air-conditioned and massaging seats pamper passengers both front and rear.

The level of interior detailing is reflected in the beautiful pearl-like trim of the DS Lounge leather upholstery, which is now also used in the world of high fashion. The dashboard features a B.R.M R180 clock that appears when the car is started.

In the driver’s seat, the best thing about the ride is the car’s chassis, which absorbs road imperfections discreetly for a smooth, luxurious feel. DS Active Scan Suspension scans road irregularities at speeds of 13-130 km/h and makes the driving experience as comfortable as possible by adjusting the feel of the chassis.

Another obvious luxury car feature is the quietness of the cabin. Tyre noise and external sounds are kept at a representative low level, ensuring a maximum of quiet driving experience. Safety is enhanced by an infrared camera that monitors people and animals coming from the front in the dark for a distance of 150 metres. Equipment levels are available in the sportier Performance Line or the more refined and dignified Rivoli .

On the outside, the DS history is evident in the rear C-pillar indicators, among other things. A chrome-style grille runs through the bonnet, reminiscent of the two-piece bonnets of cars of yesteryear.

The electrified DS range

The DS 9 on test was powered by the E-Tense 225, a lower-powered charging hybrid with a combined output of 225 horsepower from a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor.

The smaller petrol engine produces up to 180 hp and the electric motor 110 hp. The E-Tense 225 is always front-wheel drive and has a battery capacity of 11.9 kWh, which the manufacturer claims provides 48 kilometres of pure electricity.

The DS 9 is also available with a petrol-only engine, and engine options will later be complemented by the E-Tense 360 4×4 model, which as its name suggests is four-wheel drive and offers 360 horsepower.

The specifications of the E-Tense 225, which was tested in terms of power train, set expectations for an excellent seamless gearbox/engine partnership, but the DS 9 does not offer the best driving experience in terms of power train.

The eight-speed automatic does its job gracefully in normal driving, but the busier driver will occasionally have to wait for the powertrain’s slow response to the accelerator pedal. Given the car’s prestige-class ride, sportiness is a secondary consideration, but the upcoming E-Tense 360 will hopefully be refined with a sharper driving experience.

Of the other models, the DS 3 is available as a fully electric model with a 50 kWh battery capacity, while the DS 7 is available as a rechargeable hybrid with two different power outputs.

DS has an interesting personality as a brand, as evidenced by the stunning DS store in Petiko, Vantaa. The darkly lit shop makes the customer feel welcome.

Getting to know the DS models, materials and accessories on the spot makes for a pleasant experience for both the car buyer and those interested in the brand.

As an exception to the spirit of the times, DS offers the possibility to be guided by a salesperson through a video, if this is more convenient and safer. You can book your own DS Video Chat appointment on the dsautomobiles.fi website.