DS

DS Nº8: the luxury tram with 750 km of autonomy

After a few teasers, DS Automobiles has finally revealed its latest creation, the DS Nº8. The French manufacturer is launching a new way of naming its models, which until now were identified only by reference to the DS brand, followed by a number that defined the model, as is the case with the DS3, DS4, DS7 and DS9. Now the brand felt the need to introduce the number symbol (Nº), for customers who had doubts that it was a… digit.

Measuring 4.82 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.58 metres high — making it slightly taller than normal — the new DS Nº8 has the elegant shape of a slim 2.0-litre saloon. 5 volumes due to a very inclined rear pillar, which gives it a certain coupe look. The greater height, which is 12 cm higher than the DS9, aims to attract those looking for a vehicle with a more voluminous interior and a higher driving position, not at the level of a traditional SUV, which would limit aerodynamic efficiency (and, therefore, autonomy). , but rather a crossover, which offers a compromise solution.

DS Automobiles extensively lists the work done to optimise the No.8's aerodynamics, but the model ultimately claims a Cd of 0.24, the same as a Tesla Model X, which is larger, wider and 10cm taller. Still, the manufacturer did a good job, as with the larger battery — the new crossover offers two different capacities — the Nº8 announces the ability to travel up to 750 km between charges, which is a very respectable autonomy according to the WLTP method.

Built on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform, the DS Nº8 will offer three power levels, always with the engine at the front, the least powerful with 260 hp and the intermediate with 280 hp. The top of the range is the only 4×4, installing a second engine on the rear axle, to make up 375 hp, although these are peak powers, available only for short periods, as they continuously provide 230, 245 and 350 hp. cv, respectively.

Powering these engines are two levels of accumulators. One has just 74 kWh gross capacity and is reserved for the most affordable version, with 260 hp. For the long range versions, DS has opted for a total capacity of 97.2 kWh, almost similar to that fitted to Peugeot's E-3008 and E-5008, with 96.9 kWh and, as with the Nº8, rechargeable at 160 kW in direct current (DC). The 260 hp and 74 kWh version of the DS crossover promises a range of 572 km, while the Nº8 with 280 hp and 97.2 kWh is the most generous in terms of range, at 750 km. When equipped with two engines, 375 hp and 97.2 kWh, the new DS announces 686 km in WLTP. The DS Nº8 will begin to be delivered to customers in 2025.

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