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DS says its new 2023 DS 7 plug-in hybrid has sharpened and refined the French luxury brand’s distinct fashion-focused design language beyond any of its previous products.
While still based on vehicles from the Citroën range, the car features many styling touches not seen on any other Stellantis Group models. Most noticeable is the entirely new front end created by the DS Design Studio Paris team and the production team at the Mulhouse factory, achieving exceptional results in terms of quality and solidity.
It combines slimmer DS Pixel LED Vision 3.0 headlamps and the DS Light Veil daytime running lights. These change the coverage of light depending on speed. The light flow is more powerful, with a range that’s increased up to 415 yards (379 m) in main beam, at less than 30 mph (48 km/h) the width of the beam is increased to 71 yards (65 m).
The DS Wings and grille are larger, and the valance has been redesigned with a range of colors depending on the model.
Slimmer, too, are the rear LED lights that have been redesigned with a dark metallic finish. The trunk lid and badge have been reworked with sharper lines, while “DS Automobiles” now signs off the DS 7’s visually stretched rear.
Wheels, fitted with inserts, are 19-in. Edinburgh and Silverstone rims improving aerodynamic efficiency. Above these are 21-in. Brooklyn wheels with a sculpted technical design and available only on the range-topping DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 360.
The automaker promises a French fashion house feel to the interior (pictured, below), with the DS 7 Opera model offering Nappa leather colors in Basalt Black and Pearl Grey. Upholstery with a draped effect on the Nappa leather trim is now on the dashboard and door panels. Without seams or joins it maintains the feel and appearance of natural leather.
Pearl stitching is offered in the White and Zephyr colors, a steering wheel in full-grain leather with a leather-covered airbag, “Clous de Paris” embossed inserts iconic to DS Automobiles and watchstrap upholstery are offered in the Pearl Grey palette.
The Rivoli interior introduces a Basalt Black and has a stitched padded trim combined with Claudia Leather upholstery, which has a more pronounced leather grain. The Performance Line interior features a deeper black color with Alcantara microfiber textile throughout and Gold and Carmine touches. A special feature on the Nappa leather seats is that the base and back are constructed from a single piece of leather and without any stitching to improve comfort.
Hybrid options start with the DS 7 E-Tense 225, which uses a PureTech 180-hp gasoline engine and a 110-hp electric motor fitted to the 8-speed automatic gearbox. Above it is the DS 7 E-Tense 4x4 300 and the DS 7 E-Tense 4x4 360 with a PureTech 200-hp gasoline engine as well as 110-hp and 112-hp electric motors on each of the axles. The range-topper claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a start-stop over 0.62 of a mile (1 km) is estimated at 25.4 seconds.
A 14.2-kWh battery provides up to 40 miles (64 km) of range on the WLTP mixed cycle rating and up to 50 miles (80 km) on the urban cycle. Charging time is about two hours on a 7.4-kW charger.
The diesel 130 BlueHDi power unit is still available in the range. Outside Europe, PureTech gasoline engines with 130 hp, 215 hp and 225 hp will also be offered.
“At the same time as respecting the personality and elegance of the existing shape, we’ve injected an additional touch of dynamism with sharp features,” says Thierry Metroz, DS design director. “The new DS 7’s character is given a boost, particularly at the front and rear, while its design is directly inspired by our recent concept cars.”
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