It has been more than two years ago that a DS model was last reviewed in this section. Time to change that with not exactly the least model of the French luxury brand: the DS 9. What about the standard equipment of the largest Stellantis sedan in Europe? We take a look at the configurator.
DS 9 E-Tense 225 Performance Line +
€ 57,890
With its silhouette, the DS 9 bears clear similarities to the Peugeot 508 Saloon, with which it shares its EMP2 platform. Nevertheless, the DS 9 differs fundamentally from its French relative on a number of points. For starters, it measures 4.93 meters in length, 18 centimeters more than the Peugeot. Its wheelbase is 10 centimeters longer at 2.90 meters. Also, unlike the 508, the DS 9 is a sedan, which means that the boot lid and rear window are separated. With the 508, the rear window pivots upwards. In addition, the DS 9 has, among other things, a unique grille, the light clusters and bumpers have been designed differently and there are flashing lights on both sides above the rear window; a nod to the DS of yesteryear.
The engine range is clear, because the DS 9 is currently only available as a plug-in hybrid E-Tense 225 with a system power of, yes, 225 hp. The DS 9 has a battery pack with a capacity of 11.9 kWh, which should allow a theoretical purely electric range of 50 kilometers. Stronger versions with an output of up to 360 hp, the same number as in the 508 PSE, are in the pipeline, but are not yet represented on the price list. The base price of the DS 9 remains below 60 grand at € 57,890, but it is € 12,090 more expensive than the cheapest 508 with the same powertrain.
‘Sporty’ slant
No wheel covers or halogen lighting on the DS 9. No, the French beauty is already pretty good in his stuff. The ‘basic version’ is the Performance Line +. Given the name, you would expect a sporty slant, but that is actually only partly the case. The Performance Line badges on the tailgate and the sides especially betray him. The window frames and the frame of the headlights and rear lights are chrome-plated, with which the Performance Line + does not distinguish itself in that respect from the more expensive Rivoli +, which is in the price list for € 60,790. You can recognize it by the black grille. Furthermore, the DS 9 has a black roof and black exterior mirrors as standard, the base of which is painted in the body color. The sedan rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels that are partly painted black on the Performance Line + and have a red hub cap.
In any case, when ordering the DS 9 you do not have to worry long about the wheels or the color, because there are no other wheel designs available and the number of colors can be counted on one hand. Blanc Nacré is standard, the other lacquers have an additional cost of at least € 1,000. Other things that you do not have to pay for are parking sensors front and rear with reversing camera, a light and rain sensor, Keyless Entry and the DS Active Led Vision, including rotating elements in the headlights. The DS Active Scan Suspension is also standard, with the damping anticipating unevenness in the road surface. Lovers of the hydraulic suspension system on the DS of yesteryear may be somewhat disappointed: that is not there.
Alcantara everywhere
In the interior, the Performance Line + manifests itself more emphatically than on the outside of the DS 9. Alcantara is the magic word. Not only the seats are covered with it, also a considerable part of the dashboard and the center tunnel is covered in the material. In addition, aluminum pedals are available as standard. For those who are not yet clear enough, there is also a Performance Line badge on the dashboard. Another nice detail is the BRM clock on the dashboard, for which you do not have to pay extra. However, you have to adjust the seats manually. Only on the more expensive Rivoli +, the seats are electrically adjustable and they also have more adjustment options and a massage function. Seat heating is included again. To increase practicality, the rear seat can be folded down in parts as standard and has a ski hatch.
In the digital field, the DS 9 is in its stuff right from the start. The 12.3 inch digital instruments and a 12 inch touchscreen are responsible for the information provision. DAB +, navigation with DS Connected Services and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto are included. There is also a wireless charging option for the smartphone. The climate control is basically divided into two zones, where you can also preheat the car remotely via the smartphone. When it comes to safety features, you can always count on Blind Spot Assist, Active Safety Brake, Lane Keeping Assist and traffic sign recognition.
You have to pay extra for adaptive cruise control. This is included in the Safety Pack, where the car can also drive semi-autonomously for € 1,550 and warns the driver in case of fatigue. Another notable option is the night vision assistant DS Night Vision for € 1,700. If you like to outsource parking, you can tick the DS Park Pilot for € 1,050. For music lovers, the Focal Electra audio system at € 1,200 may be an interesting option. For more light in the interior, a sliding / tilting roof is available at an additional cost of € 1,300. It ends there for the expensive options. Smaller things that you can still order are climate control in the rear (€ 300), an electric tailgate (€ 500) and an ashtray for € 50. There are not many extra options on the Performance Line +. For the aforementioned things such as leather upholstery and a massage function for the front seats, you will have to turn to the Rivoli +. Then you also get the adaptive cruise control right away.