Overview
The all-new DS N°7 is a premium, mid-sized family SUV designed to challenge established executive contenders like the Volvo EX60 P6 and BMW iX3 40. Positioned as a core pillar in the French brand's luxury lineup, it sits underneath the DS N°8 crossover while replacing older generations with a bespoke electric platform. Built on the advanced Stellantis STLA Medium architecture, this French-designed SUV aims to disrupt the luxury C-segment by prioritizing an ultra-refined, high-end cabin experience alongside segment-leading efficiency.
Design
The exterior styling of the DS N°7 blends sharp, avant-garde design cues with slippery aerodynamics. The front end features an imposing, fully illuminated brand badge flanked by highly distinctive daytime running lights. The main lighting is handled by the advanced DS Pixel Vision, which are highlighted by eight diamond-shaped LEDs that mirror traditional Clous de Paris metalwork engraving. Down the sides, the profile is clean and uncluttered, using flush-fitting electronic door handles that pop out automatically. The specialized aerodynamic alloy wheels range up to 21 inches. At the rear, the vehicle sports 3D scale-patterned LED tail lamps that create a stark, recognizable light blade signature at night.
Interior
The cabin is crafted with French luxury, using heavy soundproofing and dual-layer laminated acoustic glass to keep road noise to a minimum. Premium materials dominate the interior, with surfaces draped in textured leathers, optional aubergine-shaded Nappa finishes, real wood trim, and textured aluminum inserts. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a centrally mounted 16-inch high-resolution touchscreen operating the latest DS Iris System, which features standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected 3D navigation. This is paired with a clear 10-inch digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver and an optional HD digital rear-view mirror that receives a feed from a wide-angle rear camera. Storage is integrated seamlessly throughout the minimalist layout, while comfort is enhanced by heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with built-in neck warmers in the headrests.
Performance & Powertrains
The DS N°7 E-TENSE launches with two electric powertrains, all featuring a Boost function that temporary increases output under heavy acceleration.
- The entry-level setup is FWD, pushing out 227 bhp, which increases to 256 bhp under Boost. This model relies on a 75kWh battery that delivers a range of 322 miles. It handles the 0-62 mph sprint in 7.7 seconds.
- The higher-tier option is the FWD Long Range. This variant uses a larger 97kWh battery, developing a standard 242 bhp that jumps to 280 bhp with Boost active. Thanks to its larger capacity, it claims a class-leading range of 438 miles. The 0-62 mph time sits at 7.8 seconds.
When hooked up to a high-power DC rapid charging station, the DS N°7 handles peak charging rates of up to 160 kW. This takes the larger 97kWh battery 27 minutes to top up from 20% to 80%, while the smaller 74kWh unit completes it in 31 minutes. Ride comfort is managed by an advanced active scan suspension system, which constantly reads the upcoming road surface and adjusts each damper dynamically to iron out any imperfections.
Practicality
Designed to cater directly to families, the interior layout leverages its flat floor to offer generous legroom and excellent rear passenger headroom despite the sloping roofline. The rear bench is divided into a versatile 40-20-40 split-folding layout, letting owners slide long objects through the middle seat while keeping the outer passenger positions usable. The boot opening is wide and accessed by a hands-free motorized tailgate. Luggage capacity is highly competitive, offering a large 560-litre cargo area with all seats in place, which is further aided by a height-adjustable boot floor to hide smaller items or eliminate the loading lip.
Buying
The DS N°7 is priced at £49,190 for the entry-level FWD configuration, rising to £53,090 for the flagship Long Range version. Trim levels follow the premium brand structure, moving from the well-equipped Pallas entry model up to the mid-tier Étoile, and topping out with a lavishly appointed La Première edition. Standard equipment across the board is generous, including a built-in heat pump for winter efficiency, a full parking sensor suite with a reversing camera, and a three-year subscription to the Connect Plus pack, which enables intelligent EV routing and smart trip planning via live charging station data. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the FWD Long Range model in the Étoile specification. This specific version strikes the absolute best balance of premium executive luxury and everyday usability, securing the 435-mile range while adding the upgraded comfort seats and advanced Drive Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous driving package without the overly premium price tag.