Car Fule

Premium, not surprisingly, is not the niche in which French automakers perform best. Delage, Delahaye, Facel-Vega, Hotchkiss, Voisin… However, it was not the top-of-the-range manufacturers that were once lacking in France. The last real success of French-style luxury in terms of automobiles was, of course, the Citroën DS, discontinued in 1975. The CX (1974-1991) didn’t come out so badly though. But since then, neither the XM and C6, the 604, 605 and 607, the Safrane, Vel Satis and Latitude did not meet with the expected success. Is not German who wants! If none of our three generalist manufacturers still offers a model of this standing, DS (created in 2014) is still present on the niche of premium sedans with its DS 9.

The last French sedan of its kind

Launched in 2020, it ensures the top of the range at Stellantis. Lancia and Chrysler no longer having a model of this type, it is the flagship of the group in the sedan category. It rests on a elongated platform of Peugeot 508, and is like this last assembly in China, in Shenzhen. Most of its sales are also intended for the Middle Kingdom. Road sedans are losing momentum in Europe, in favor of SUVs. Currently, the DS9 is offered exclusively as a plug-in hybrid version dubbed E-Tense. A choice, in variant of 250 or 360 horsepower. The 1.6 Puretech 225 horsepower petrol engine has not been available since September 2022. Despite its weak sales in France (it was not in the Top 100 best-selling models in 2022), DS offers him for the year 2023 some novelties.

Read also :

DS Aero Sport Lounge (2020): the 680 horsepower electric SUV!

DS 9: a modern design that pays homage to the past

Stellantis: objective of 8 million electric sales!

Two new finishes available

Let’s not talk about restyling, because aesthetically, there is no change. The main thing happens on board, where DS has updated the infotainment system. He now embarks DS4’s Iris System technology, faster and more intuitive. We especially note the introduction of the Opera finish, at the top of the range. It will eventually replace the “limited” Opera Premiere finish. Over-equipped, it notably carries the camera-controlled suspensions. But also a Focal audio systema level 2 autonomous drivingand more plush details, both inside and out.

DS also took the opportunity to introduce the Spirit of Travel special series. Specific grille with chrome insertslight interior, touches of black here and there, new rims. The brand is thus harmonizing its range, the Esprit de Voyage collection being already available on DS4 and DS7. Very subtle changes in the end for the latest French premium sedan! The prices of these two new versions have not yet been communicated.