PARIS: Since the demise of the Renault Vel Satis, Citroen XM and Peugeot 605, French carmakers have not had much to offer in the upper middle class. But now DS is lining up the DS 9 model, set to go on sale in September.
The flagship of the French division in the Stellantis Group is to compete against cars like the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class.
The 4.93-metre-long sedan with a hatchback and plenty of chrome details is said to be unmistakable even at night because of its characteristic lights.
In addition to the exterior design, the French maker claims to have chosen particularly fine materials and to have applied a great deal of finesse with artisan methods.
In addition, the car's interior will bring high-tech equipment with a night vision system and online infotainment, as well as comfortable seats and a forward-looking chassis, the premium marque says.
Under the bonnet, DS is going with the trend and phasing out diesels. Instead, they want to attract frequent drivers and company car customers with three plug-in hybrids.
Some of these will also have all-wheel drive and will deliver an electric range of between 48km and 60km. The most powerful plug-in hybrid has 360hp.
The first two models are a 2.0-litre petrol engine and only one plug-in. Both achieve an output of 225hp.
The internal combustion engine has a standard consumption of 5.6 litres (CO2 emission 128 g/km), while for the part-time electric DS gives figures of 1.6 litres and 35 g/km. This makes top speeds of 236kph and 240kph possible.
The second plug-in will be a version with 250hp and a range of around 60km later in the year.
The DS9 is priced at upwards of €47,550 (RM240,000) in its home market.
At the top of the spectrum, there will then be a version with two electric motors and all-wheel drive for at least €64,250 (RM324,000), which achieves a system output of 360hp.
