If you're looking for a luxury sedan that stands out from the crowd, you might want to take a look at the DS 9, the latest offering from DS Automobiles, the premium brand of French automaker Stellantis.
The DS 9 is a stylish and sophisticated four-door car that aims to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series, and the Audi A6 in the executive segment. But unlike its German competitors, the DS 9 offers a distinctive French flair, a choice of plug-in hybrid powertrains, and a range of exclusive features and accessories.
The DS 9 is not a new model but a refreshed version of the car launched in Europe and China in 2020. However, it is new to the US market, where it will go on sale in late 2023 as part of Stellantis' strategy to expand its presence with its European brands.
Stellantis is the fourth-largest automaker in the world by volume and owns brands such as Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Opel, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Dodge. It was formed in January 2021 by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
What's new in the DS 9?
The updated DS 9 features some subtle changes to its exterior design, such as a new front grille with a diamond-shaped pattern that echoes the DS logo, new LED headlights with adaptive beam function that adjust to different road conditions, new alloy wheels with different sizes and designs, and new exterior colors such as Pearl White, Midnight Blue, and Crystal Grey.
The interior of the DS 9 also receives some upgrades, such as leather upholstery with different colors and patterns, wood trim with different finishes and textures, ambient lighting with different colors and intensities, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The cabin of the DS 9 is designed to offer a refined and comfortable environment for both the driver and the passengers. The seats are heated, ventilated, and massaging and can be adjusted in multiple ways. The rear seats are also spacious and reclining and have their own climate control and USB ports.
The DS 9 also boasts a range of safety and convenience features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane keeping assist with road edge detection, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, park assist with 360-degree camera view, head-up display with speed limit recognition, wireless charging for smartphones, and a night vision camera that detects pedestrians and animals in low-light situations.
One of the most innovative features of the DS 9 is the DS Active Scan suspension system that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and adjust the shock absorbers accordingly. This system aims to provide a smooth and comfortable ride by anticipating bumps and potholes on the road.
What's under the hood of the DS 9?
The DS 9 is available with three hybrid powertrain options:
- A plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor that produces a combined output of 225 horsepower.
- A plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors that produce a combined output of 360 horsepower.
- A plug-in hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor that produces a combined output of 250 horsepower and can run on E85 ethanol fuel.
All three powertrain options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the model. The plug-in hybrid versions of the DS 9 can travel up to 31 miles on electric power alone, according to the WLTP cycle. The battery can be recharged in less than two hours using a 7.4 kW charger. The car also has an e-Save function that allows the driver to reserve some battery power for later use.
The DS 9 has a starting price of $49,900 in the US market (converted from €42,500), which is competitive with other luxury sedans in its class. The car also comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty (converted from a four-year or 80,000-kilometer warranty), which includes roadside assistance and maintenance service.
What else do DS automobiles offer?
Along with the renewed DS 9, DS automobiles also presented its new collection, esprit de voyage (spirit of travel), which consists of a series of accessories designed to enhance the travel experience of its customers. The collection includes luggage sets, leather goods, watches, sunglasses, headphones, and umbrellas, all bearing the DS logo and matching the style of the car.
The collection esprit de voyage is inspired by the spirit of adventure and exploration that characterizes DS automobiles, which traces its roots back to the iconic Citroen DS model that was launched in 1955. The collection is also influenced by the heritage and culture of Paris, where DS Automobiles is based.
The collection esprit de voyage will be available online and at selected DS stores worldwide starting in June 2023.
Why should you consider buying a DS 9?
The DS 9 is a compelling option for customers who are looking for a distinctive and sophisticated luxury sedan that offers style, performance, efficiency, technology, comfort, safety, innovation, exclusivity, refinement, elegance, French design, hybrid powertrain, avant-garde, adventure, exploration. The car also reflects the values and vision of DS automobiles: to create avant-garde, refined, and innovative.
