DS N°7: 740 km range and a haute-couture interior

DS’s best-selling model, the DS7, is handing over to the N°7. The French SUV brings itself up to date while heavily electrifying its line-up. Its flagship version claims a record 740 km range.

Our DS7 video review

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“A tapered roof is the best aerodynamic solution for large-bodied vehicles.” Thierry Métroz, DS design director, proudly explains the decision to use such a sharply sloping roofline. He clearly anticipated one of my questions: how can the DS N°7 travel 740 km in one go when the technically identical Peugeot 3008 runs out of steam at 680 km?

DS does not claim that it is an SUV coupé in any way. Yet seeing it in person suggests almost the opposite. Its compressed rear end reaches the top of my torso. Together with other aerodynamic measures-streamlined wheels, active grille shutters and an enclosed underbody-the package achieves a drag coefficient of 0.26. This is essential to gaining “free range”, according to the designer.

DS N°7 vs Peugeot e-3008: why the luxurious French cousin goes further

If the 740 km claimed from the French ACC 97 kWh battery seems excessive, a more modest 74 kWh option will also be available. Its range falls to 543 km, and the battery pack is supplied by China’s BYD. Does that undermine the French art of travelling? Not so fast: according to the brand’s product director, Sylvain Champomier, an equivalent French unit is planned.

At the other end of the range sits the top-spec AWD model. In other words, four-wheel drive paired with the 97 kWh battery. Range drops to 679 km, but output rises to 350 hp thanks to its two electric motors. Unlike the N°8 saloon, a 145 hp mild-hybrid powertrain will be fitted beneath the N°7’s bonnet. This should appeal to buyers still reluctant to go fully electric. No diesel option will be offered, however.

400V platform: DS’s approach to rapid charging without 800V technology

A further hybrid version will also join the range. Plug-in hybrid? Full hybrid? Mild hybrid? The product director is still keeping this under wraps. What is certain is that, in his view, an 800V platform is not essential. All that is needed is a charging curve with a sufficiently long, stable plateau to make recharging efficient. This is a strategy already seen on the N°8 we tested.

Certainly, 160 kW of DC charging power is far from a record. However, DS says this output would be maintained from 20 to 55% charge. In theory, that would restore almost 200 km of range in 10 minutes. We are looking forward to putting that claim to the test. Winter should not be an issue either, as automatic battery preconditioning also cuts charging times in low temperatures.

Strap leather and pearl stitching: an interior to unsettle the Germans

In styling terms, the DS N°7 is a raised N°8, complete with its collection of distinctive touches. Its long bonnet slopes down into a vertical grille that can be backlit. The diamond-point Matrix LED lights add a distinctive signature, while flush door handles and concealed window seals refine the profile. Wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches are joined by a rear end featuring the scaled tail-lights borrowed from the N°8.

The cabin once again showcases DS’s expertise in interior design. Taking its architecture from the N°8, the dashboard sets a benchmark for finish quality. With leather, Alcantara, watch-strap upholstery, guilloché aluminium and pearl stitching all in view, there is no sense of compromise. As in the N°8, however, the 16-inch-screen infotainment system is not among the most capable.

DS N°7 dimensions

560 litres and generous room: could this French SUV become the family benchmark?

Despite its pronounced falling roofline, rear-seat space is not compromised, with plenty of legroom and headroom. Passengers’ legs do sit slightly higher, though, because the battery is built into the floor. Hybrid versions promise a better seating position. There is also a small central tunnel to note. The 560-litre boot ranks among the largest in the segment. There is no front storage compartment, however, due to the multi-energy platform.

Semi-autonomous driving, a 14-speaker Focal sound system, heated, massaging and ventilated seats with neck heating, a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror… the equipment list is comprehensive, with several category-exclusive treats including night vision and camera-controlled suspension. Four trim levels are planned, although prices remain unknown. Order books for the new DS N°7 will open in May.

Our view of the electric DS N°7

We had doubts about the N°8’s prospects, given its rather outlandish format. The arrival of this N°7, which retains its main attributes in a more rational SUV body, is therefore reassuring. Its styling remains distinctive without becoming puzzling, while its impeccably finished cabin continues to impress for all the right reasons. And although it will not set charging-station records, the N°7 promises hassle-free journeys thanks to its substantial range.

So, with its 740 km range and haute-couture interior, does this DS N°7 finally have what it takes to make you forget Tesla and the German brands? We look forward to your thoughts in the comments!