We Have Driven Macron's Latest Car, the Most Premium Model to be Manufactured in France
The new sedan from Stellantis' premium 100% electric brand is here and this is what we thought.
The 2025 DS No8 is a point and apart for DS Automobiles, offering a fairly high level of refinement and technology, with a design that has that distinctive French touch and proportions that totally distinguish it from the rest of the rivals on the market. In fact, despite being a 4.82-metre-long sedan, due to its considerable height of 1.58 metres it has a shape that is more similar to that of an Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback than to that of a BMW i4.
Built on the STLA Medium platform, which it shares with models such as the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot E-3008, the DS No8 features an elongated wheelbase and a lower roofline. This design gives the car an aerodynamic and elegant silhouette that pays homage to iconic Citroën models such as the DS. Its efficiency is impressive, with a Cx of just 0.24, which helps to optimize the vehicle's range. On the other hand, headroom in the rear seats is quite limited.
A 100% Electric Luxury Sedan Designed for Comfort
The DS No8 is available exclusively in all-electric versions, offering single and dual motor configurations, as well as two battery options. The base model is equipped with a 73.7 kWh battery and a 230 hp motor, while the long-range variant offers a 97.2 kWh battery with a single 245 hp motor and front-wheel drive, or with a twin-motor and 350 hp all-wheel drive. The range figures are especially remarkable, with the base model capable of reaching 550 km on a charge, and the long-range single-motor variant offering 750 km, which in real conditions traveling on the road would stay at around 500 km, placing it among the electric cars with the longest range on the market. In comparison, rivals such as the Polestar 4 lag behind with a maximum range of around 620 km, and to match the numbers of the DS No8, you would have to opt for more expensive models such as the Audi A6 e-tron or the Mercedes EQE. While the charging power of 160 kW is good, it does not mark any milestone in the segment.
On the Road: Smooth Ride and Comfort
The DS No8 impresses with its smooth ride and comfort. Its adaptive suspension and road scanning system allow it to handle potholes, speed bumps, and difficult terrain with ease, offering a refined driving experience, thanks in large part to its great sound insulation. The car feels balanced and offers good control, with direct steering and an appropriate weight, which contributes to a relaxed but at the same time quite dynamic driving experience.
The weakest link would be the brakes, due to capacity and their spongy feel. However, being a vehicle with rather a soft suspension and not demanding rough driving, the brakes appear adequate for its philosophy and character.
Interior: Luxury Meets Functionality
The interior is striking, though with mixed impressions. It offers at first glance a luxurious, high-end experience that rivals other premium electric models. The cabin is finished with materials such as Alcantara and Nappa leather, with many padded areas where you rest your elbows or knees. The central screen is well integrated, featuring slim frames without the overused glossy black plastic trims.
However, the button panels on the center console and steering wheel leave something to be desired, and some details such as the plastic trim of the console or the extravagant X-shaped steering wheel might not convince everyone.
The DS No8 offers generous space in the front seats, but the rear seats feel a bit tighter compared to competitors in its class. The sloping roofline impacts headroom in the rear row, and legroom under the front seats is limited, although knee room remains ample. The trunk excels with a volume of 620 liters, complemented by usable shapes and good depth.
Technology and Performance
The DS No8’s technological suite includes a 16-inch touchscreen serving as both the main display and passenger display, providing a modern and intuitive interface. This is complemented by an additional screen for the driver and an optional heads-up display.
Though some technologies may not be the latest compared to BMW or Audi, the DS No8 does not lack essentials. It offers a comprehensive level of driver assistance, including Level 2 autonomous driving with the ability to perform automatic lane changes triggered by the indicator.
Performance-wise, the single-engine variant reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, while the dual-engine AWD version does it in 5.4 seconds. The difference is noticeable, but for most drivers, the less powerful version with a larger battery strikes a better balance, feeling lighter and less compromised in braking.
Summary
The DS No8 is a serious contender in the luxury EV sedan segment. It offers the refinement expected at its price point alongside the elegance and distinctiveness of French design. For those who appreciate a luxurious yet unconventional brand, the DS No8 provides compelling reasons to consider it.