DS

DS 9 E-Tense 4×4...Citroën's luxury brand DS launched its flagship DS 9 in Europe last year and it is now also available as a plug-in hybrid in two versions. We quickly tested the stronger version with 360 hp and all-wheel drive.

The DS 9 is almost five meters long and has a wheelbase of just under 2.9 meters, which positions the car as a direct competitor to the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and, of course, the Mercedes E-Class, although the manufacturer itself does so. does not see its latest model as a challenger for the German business class, but as an alternative with its own style.

The DS 9 is available as a plug-in hybrid with a system output of 225 hp. The new top-end engine with 360 hp is actually based on the same powertrain, which means a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an 11.9 kWh battery pack.

The difference to the weaker plug-in hybrid is that the battery powers two electric motors: one that is built into the automatic transmission and drives the front axle alone or in conjunction with the combustion engine, and an electric motor on the rear axle that drives the the rear wheels.

The energy injection is enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h, but if you drive fully electric, it reaches 190 km/h. The car's electric range is 51 km, but a little cautious right foot is required.

To balance the strong powertrain, the brakes have been upgraded with 380mm ventilated discs at the front and the track width has been increased by 24mm at the front and 12mm at the rear. Of course, a sports family car should roll a little closer to the tarmac and the DS 9 does that too (15mm lower at the front, fivemm lower at the rear).

The spring and damper calibration is unique to the top engine which also has the brand's Active Scan suspension as standard. A camera scans the road in front of the car and the system adjusts the dampers for a smoother driving experience.

The flagship's main focus is on comfort and design, and they've likely been successful on that front. The DS 9 has a sleek silhouette and understated design details reminiscent of the classic Citroën DS.

The interior is the same as the weaker (and more affordable) engine options, which means plenty of leather as far as the eye can see, plush seats, massagers and climate control, and a central 12-inch infotainment screen. The screen could have been sharper and more responsive, but there are a range of nice features that include navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a host of assistance systems.

HOW'S IT DRIVING?...If you're familiar with the weaker engine options, the top model's driving characteristics aren't particularly surprising. After all, they are all based on the same transmission and the only difference is a 113 hp electric motor at the rear axle.

Do you feel any important difference in everyday life? Not really. As long as you're not in a hurry, of course. The all-wheel drive version comes equipped with 20-inch wheels as standard, but if you have the opportunity, you should opt for smaller rims. Along with a slightly tighter chassis, the large wheels detract from suspension comfort, especially at low speeds.

Do you feel any important difference in everyday life? Not really. As long as you're not in a hurry, of course. The all-wheel drive version comes equipped with 20-inch wheels as standard, but if you have the opportunity, you should opt for smaller rims. Along with a slightly tighter chassis, the large wheels detract from suspension comfort, especially at low speeds.

Initially, it was mentioned that the DS 9 is manufactured in two different plug-in hybrid versions: E-Tense 250 with 15.6 kWh battery and E-Tense 4×4 360, which has to make do with the same battery as the E. - Tense 225.

SHOULD I BUY ONE?...The DS 9 is a nice and quirky alternative, especially in terms of price. By this, however, we do not mean that the French sedan is a cheap option. Swedish prices are certainly still unclear, but if you look at the German market, the E-Tense 4x4 360 costs just over SEK 650,000 (Swedish currency) and therefore ends up in the middle of a hornet's nest dominated by the Germans and by Volvo's plug-in hybrids.

The reason for the somewhat unfair distribution is production-related: the E-Tense 4x4 360 is built like a regular E-Tense 225 at the South China factory in Shenzhen and then shipped to France where the electric rear axle is mounted. However, once the E-Tense 250 has replaced the weaker engine, the top model gets the bigger battery. When this happens, however, is unclear.

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