Overview
The DS N°8 is a fastback coupe-SUV that serves as the flagship EV for the premium French brand. Built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, it positions itself as a distinct alternative to mainstream premium executive EVs like the BMW i5. Measuring 4.8 metres long but standing under 1.6 metres tall, the N°8 blends the presence of a saloon with a slightly elevated crossover stance, prioritising aerodynamic efficiency and long-distance comfort over traditional boxy SUV proportions.
Design
The exterior of the DS N°8 focuses heavily on aerodynamics to maximise efficiency. It features a fastback silhouette with a sloping roofline and smooth surfaces. The front is dominated by the 'Luminascreen' grille, which is finished in translucent polycarbonate and houses an illuminated DS badge accompanied by the DS Lightblade vertical LED daytime running lights. To maintain clean airflow, the vehicle uses flush-fitting door handles at the front and handles hidden within the window line at the rear. The rear styling mirrors the angular, sharp look of the front, with 3D LED taillights featuring a distinct scale effect.
Interior
The cabin of the DS N°8 has a very luxurious atmosphere, moving to combinations of Nappa leather, blue Alcantara, and upcycled fabrics. The dashboard layout features a backlit design incorporating a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a floating 16-inch HD touchscreen running the DS Iris System, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and ChatGPT integrated. The two-tier centre console separates driving functions on the upper floating section from storage below. Traditional chrome trim has been replaced with painted finishes, and the interior architecture is accented by 'Clous de Paris' embossed inserts on the steering wheel and air vents, alongside visible pearl stitching.
Performance & Powertrains
The DS N°8 is offered with two battery capacities and three distinct power outputs, all operating on a 400V architecture:
- The Standard Range FWD features a 74kWh battery paired with a front electric motor producing 256 bhp, achieving a range of 328 miles and a 0-62 mph time of 7.7 seconds.
- The Long Range FWD utilises a 97kWh battery pack with an upgraded front motor producing 276 bhp. This configuration delivers a headline range of up to 445 miles, completing the 0-62 mph sprint in 7.8 seconds due to a higher weight of 2,180 kg.
- The Long Range AWD combines the 97kWh battery with a dual-motor setup generating 345 bhp. This drops the 0-62 mph acceleration time to 5.4 seconds while providing a range of up to 411 miles.
All models feature a maximum DC rapid charging rate of 160 kW, enabling a 20% to 80% charge in approximately 27 minutes. Driving dynamics are tuned for comfort and isolation, utilising progressive suspension to absorb road imperfections.
Practicality
Despite its sleek fastback styling, the DS N°8 offers a boot capacity ranging between 560 and 621 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding up to 1,553 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The rear roofline impacts the vertical loading height compared to traditional mid-sized SUVs, but the overall length allows for competitive legroom. The rear cabin drops the bulkhead and angles the seating position backward to preserve headroom under the sloping roof. Storage inside includes a ventilated wireless smartphone charging bay on the upper console tier and a larger open storage area on the lower tier.
Buying
The DS N°8 range starts from £50,790 for the entry-level specification. The line-up is structured across three core trim levels: Pallas, Etoile, and the top-tier Jules Verne. The base Pallas trim comes equipped with standard LED headlights, the 16-inch infotainment array, and 11 kW AC charging capabilities. Upgrading to the Etoile trim adds a gloss black roof, the illuminated front grille, 360-degree cameras, and choices of premium interior upholstery. The top-spec Jules Verne trim includes acoustic laminated glass, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Focal Electra 3D sound system. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Pallas 97kWh Long Range because it represents the strongest value proposition in the line-up. At a price point of approximately £54,690, it undercuts many premium executive German rivals while unlocking the maximum 445-mile range without the added cost of the AWD system.