Overview
The DS E-Tense Performance is a fully electric supercar concept developed by DS Performance, the motorsport division of DS. Serving as a high-performance technology test, the prototype bridges the gap between the brand's race-winning Formula E team and its future electric road cars. Originally unveiled as a lower-output concept in 2016, this heavily revised version showcases a shift in powertrain capability and styling, positioning DS at the forefront of premium and sporty electric mobility.
Key Features
- Formula E-derived twin-motor powertrain delivering a combined 600kW or 815hp
- Massive 8,000 Nm of torque through a specialized 4WD system
- Blistering acceleration launching it from 0-62 mph in under 2 seconds
- Structural carbon-fibre monocoque shared with open-wheel racing series
- 600kW regeneration system with the total elimination of traditional brakes
- Ultra-fast 350 kW DC charging speed enabling 0% to 100% just in 5 minutes
Design & Interior
The exterior presents a dramatic evolution of the French brand's premium design language, incorporating an aerodynamic coupe silhouette with a striking paint finish that morphs in changing light and viewing angles. The traditional front grille is replaced by an angular, three-dimensional digital surface housing an illuminated DS emblem and a new iteration of the DS Wings lighting signature. Jewel-like LED daytime running lights feature a complex, beaded-stitch pattern, while the rear features scale-like LED light clusters and roof-integrated indicators that pay direct homage to the original 1955 Citroën DS.
The driver-focused cabin prioritizes track-inspired ergonomics and absolute precision, lifting hardware directly from single-seat racing series. The driver and passenger are held by deep, high-sided bucket seats with a unique carbon-fibre and premium leather weave. A motorsport-spec Formula E steering wheel features integrated digital displays and physical rotary dials, while an immersive Focal Electra premium audio system provides acoustic insulation and high-fidelity sound profiling inside the stripped-back, performance-oriented cockpit.
Other Technical Specifications
The high-voltage electrical architecture uses a unique compact battery pack developed in partnership with TotalEnergies. Housed securely within a central carbon-fibre enclosure behind the cockpit, this advanced battery features liquid-cooling that facilitates extreme discharge and rapid thermal management under track conditions. The dual-motor layout deploys a 250 kW motor on the front axle and a 350 kW motor at the rear, directing power through a specialised transmission setup to manage the immense mechanical loads.
Production Plans
There are no plans to put the exact DS E-Tense Performance concept into large-scale commercial production, as it remains a one-off engineering prototype and rolling testbed. DS has indicated that a strictly limited, track-only production run for wealthy collectors could be viable with sufficient demand, though its primary purpose is accelerating road car development. The innovative battery, styling, high-output electric motors, and advanced software in this concept are designed to be put in the next generation of mainstream premium DS production models.