Test DS9: chic on the plug

DS9 E-Tense 360 ​​4X4 (360 hp/265 kW), from €70,890

A four-door sedan is not that popular in the Netherlands, but is still sold well in the top segment. This DS looks original in that form: graceful, with an eye for detail and inside it is just as authentic. A lot of effort has been put into the finish with beautiful materials, which exudes quality. Striking is, among other things, the analog clock that appears quite theatrically when starting. And in the leather upholstery we see the watch strap pattern that you often encounter in expensive cars.

You sit comfortably both in the front and in the back. In the back seat, the considerable legroom is particularly noticeable, but if you end up there with the three of you, the middle passenger does suffer from that large tunnel in the floor.

Downright clumsy and inappropriate in a car of this price is the hidden climate control in the central touchscreen. The position of the buttons for the window controls is also inconvenient: between the front seats.

With its 1.6 liter petrol engine, two electric motors and smooth automatic transmission, the DS9 is nice and fast (0-100 km/h in 5.6 sec.). This powertrain (test consumption 1 in 22.7) also immediately brings 4×4 with it. It’s just a shame that the plug-in hybrid can drive at most 41 km electrically. Competitors are already heading towards 100 km these days.

Furthermore, this limousine turns out to be sharp and light to steer and it has comfortable enough suspension, partly thanks to intelligent technology. If the camera ‘sees’ a bad road surface coming, the damping is tuned more smoothly to better absorb the impact. Furthermore, its straight-line stability is fine, but it behaves too restlessly when changing course, as a result of a chassis that does not act adequately adequately. Air suspension, such as some German competitors offer, is not included here.

Plus
+ Strong and smooth drivetrain.
+ 4×4.
+ Lots of legroom in the back.
+ Original, stylish and beautifully decorated.

min
– Handling could be better.
– Sometimes clumsy to operate.
– Limited range for electric driving.

The French DS9 lacks the tight handling that the German competition in the top class offers. But it surprises with its original design, a beautifully decorated interior and plenty of legroom in the back. Its hybrid powertrain makes it lightning fast.

In the Netherlands we will not see the DS9 often, but the makers realize that. They mainly see opportunities in China. The DS9 is even built in China and stands on a chassis that Peugeot uses for the 508, but for this DS it has been extended: the car has become exactly 18 centimeters longer.

The trunk does not disappoint with its 510 liter capacity. For electrical operation of the trunk lid you have to pay no less than 500 euros and then the necessary technology also eats another 3 liters of the load capacity.

DS has taken a good look at what the competition in the top class has to offer. For example, the seats in the back can be cooled or heated at an additional cost and they can massage you there. This is common in the front seats these days, but still a rarity in the back.

The DS9 was already available in the Netherlands for a while, but now there is also the most interesting version for our market: a plug-in hybrid.

When most people think of the name DS, they still think of the iconic Citroën from the fifties. That model, popularly known as ‘the Pike’ because of its streamlined design, would become one of the most important Citroëns ever and has become a style icon in the history of the car industry. Today, DS is no longer a model name, but an independent brand under the Stellantis umbrella, which also includes Citroën, Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Opel.

Additional orange-coloured lamps on either side of the rear window are intended to evoke memories of the characteristic clignoteurs on the roof of the classic DS. But here there are no turn signals. Also not allowed by the legislator; these now simply have to be installed near the rear lights.

Remarkable: the battery meter goes back very quickly as soon as you get even close to empty. At 30 km for example. And then the meter suddenly shows zero. So it’s better to always have a few liters of petrol ready in the tank, if you don’t want to stall.

The DS9 E-Tense 360 ​​4X4 (360 hp/265 kW) is for sale from €70,890. Then you get the Performance Line + trim level. There is one higher trim level and it’s called Rivoli + (price €73,790).

You will find all previously published tests in our extensive Autotest file.