Overview
DS Automobiles is a French luxury automotive brand, which was launched in 2009. Though it was initially part of the PSA Group (Citroën DS), it was launched as a standalone brand in 2014. The French marque was developed by the PSA Group to include a more premium brand in its portfolio. DS Automobiles was inspired by the original DS unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. The company is also involved with Formula E.
In fact, electrification has been part of the brands strategy from its creation. The company claims, ‘the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe (100.2 g/km of CO2 according to the WLTP cycle per registered car in the first half of 2021) and more than a third of its cars are electrified. This strategy is accelerating: from 2024, every new DS Automobiles model will be exclusively 100% electric”.
The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- DS 3 E-TENSE
- DS 4 E-TENSE Plug-In Hybrid
- DS 7 E-TENSE Plug-In Hybrid
- DS 9 E-TENSE Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The DS 9 E-TENSE PHEV Saloon
The DS 9 saloon has been available since 2020. The DS 9 is also based on the Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2 platform). Though the DS 9 PHEV has many positives i.e. a premium electric car, quality build, comfortable ride and a good level of standard features and onboard technology, in an ever changing world of electric cars, the DS 9 does not offer class-leading electric credentials.
The EV is available in two battery sizes: 11.9 kWh and 15.6 kWh. The smaller 11.9 kWh has a claimed emission-free electric range up to 31 miles (WLTP) and for the 15.6 kWh, the claimed e-range is up to 46 miles (WLTP).
Of course, these need to be adjusted for real-world driving conditions, and expect the 11.9 kWh to achieve closer to a 25 mile electric range. Far from impressive compared to rivals, and with such a limited electric range, the benefits of electric driving are also limited.
The larger EV battery has more to offer. Expect a real-world zero-tailpipe emissions electric range closer to 40 miles. Though not class-leading, still a useful emission-free e-range for families and company-car drivers, whose day-to-day needs are shorter commutes (work, gym, grocery store, school runs etc.).
From the two EV battery options, in our view, it makes more sense to choose the larger battery. The longer the electric range, the lower the cost of motoring on e-mode!
Bottom-line, to truly leverage the benefits of driving a PHEV on electric mode, adequate electric range is imperative. If the electric vehicle (EV) is driven primarily using the internal combustion engine (ICE), it would be a significant challenge to achieve anywhere near the claimed fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle. The manufacturer claims up to 305 mpg. Like the real-world e-range, the real-world fuel economy will be lower!
Though the DS 9 PHEV has lower tailpipe emissions (26g – 43g CO2/km), compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (155g CO2/km), the emissions are not class-leading. As an example, the Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid has tailpipe emissions as low as 20 – 18g (CO2/km), which is certainly class-leading. Though worth keeping in mind that a PHEV driven on electric mode has zero-tailpipe emissions.
Like most PHEVs, the DS 9 saloon PHEV does not incorporate DC charging. However, not surprising, given the size of the onboard EV battery. The EV does incorporate a single-phase 7 kW AC onboard charger. We discourage using a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an EV, and encourage the use of a dedicated residential EV charger like myenergi zappi.
Using a single-phase EV charger, the 11.9 kWh EV battery can be fully charged in 1 hour and 45 minutes (0%-100%). The 15.6 kWh onboard EV battery will take up to 2 hours and 25 minutes to achieve a 100% charge. Using a domestic socket will take significantly longer. We encourage plug-in hybrid owners to adopt a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car. This way, there is always available emission-free electric miles!
We also encourage businesses and families to install an on-site renewable energy system, like, a solar PV system or wind turbines, coupled with battery storage. It further enhances the benefits of electric driving, to include, zero-tailpipe ‘well-to-wheel’ emissions when driven on e-mode. Of course, there are also financial savings when a plug-in hybrid is driven on electric mode. Far cheaper than calling on the petrol engine!
The electric car is available in two variants, the front-wheel drive (FWD) E-TENSE 250, and the all-wheel drive (AWD) E-TENSE 4×4. The 1.6-litre petrol (4 cylinders) direct injection turbocharged DS 9 E-TENSE 250 plug-in hybrid can achieve 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds (maximum power: 250 hp/ torque: 360 Nm).
The top speed of the EV is 149 mph. The DS 9 E-TENSE 4X4 plug-in hybrid can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds (maximum power: 360 hp/ torque: 520 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 155 mph. The EV incorporates regenerative braking.
In terms of technology and features, the EV offers: rear parking sensors, front parking sensors, reversing camera – 180° Vision, cruise control with speed limiter, hill start assist, 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, 12 inch HD touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other features include: emergency braking system, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, extended traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert.
The interior cabin quality is premium, and does reflect the brands upmarket positioning and pricing. There is ample legroom and headroom, however, for taller adults seated at the rear, it may feel like a squeeze. The available boot space is 510 L.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK- from 12%) for the PHEV. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric cars via e-zoomed at fantastic prices.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Attractive exterior styling | Electric range not class-leading |
| Comfortable ride | Tailpipe emissions not class-leading |
| Premium interior cabin | Expensive. Cheaper alternatives available |
Gallery
The DS 9 E-TENSE PHEV Saloon (credit: DS Automobiles)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | Saloon |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| DS 9 E-TENSE Rivoli (from £53,500) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 11.9 kWh/ 15.6 kWh |
| Charging: | DC Rapid Charging not available. Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0%-100%: 1 hr 45 mins/ 2 hrs 25 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 26g – 43g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | £1.27 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | £1.67 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | £1.73 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | £1.89 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | £2.03 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1460 |
| Width (mm): | 1855 |
| Length (mm): | 4934 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2895 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.0 |
| Boot Capacity (L): | 510 |
| DS 9 E-TENSE | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 11.9 kWh/ 15.6 kWh |
| Electric Range (WLTP): | 29 – 46 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 199 – 238 |
| Fuel Consumption (MPG): | 156 – 305 |
| Charging: | DC Rapid Charging not available. Onboard charger: 7 kW AC (0%-100%: 1 hr 45 mins/ 2 hrs 25 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 149 – 155 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 5.6 – 8.1 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD)/ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 186 – 268 |
| Max Power (hp): | 250 – 360 |
| Torque (Nm): | 360 – 520 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,839 – 1,909 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Four-Star |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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