DS has finally managed to differentiate itself from the Citroën brand and create an image of distinction and refinement that is quite interesting. It was not an easy task and required perseverance and time. And, above all, quality and a way of making it that would place it above what we usually call general manufacturers. DS thus embodies a very French vision of luxury, of its admired savoir-faire.
And the new DS 7 is a prime example of how far the luxury French brand has come now under the umbrella of the Stellantis industrial group. Can we compare this DS 7 with an Audi Q5, a BMW X4 or a Mercedes GLC? Definitely. In quality, presentation and equipment. And also in price (the version we have tested costs almost 70,000 euros).
This version of the DS 7 that we have driven has left us with a very good taste in our mouths, a good feeling behind the wheel and the clear idea that well-used plug-in hybrids are really efficient.
In any case, the E-TENSE 360 4×4 is the most powerful and high-performance version of the range. The most remarkable thing is undoubtedly the plug-in hybrid technology that allows it to display the DGT ZERO emissions label and have about 50 km of 100% electric autonomy.
This new edition of the DS 7 certainly looks similar to the previous model, but it is fresher and more modern looking. And it stands out, mainly, for the great technological contribution and the complete finish of DS which, in this case, is the Opera level.
Regarding the design, it is worth mentioning the attractive large front grill, very powerful visually, the matrix headlights and the daytime running lights with LED technology. It is the front identity of the brand and, as a whole, it draws quite a lot of attention.
With its 4.59 meters in length, it is not a particularly large SUV, but it looks like it. Due to size and positioning, it competes with cars of great prestige and background, mainly from German brands. It also highlights a large trunk with a capacity of 555 liters with which to satisfy any family need.
But the DS 7 is a car designed for those drivers who are looking for difference, who want an original car and who want to depart from the current reference models. That is its added value.
This DS 7 mounts in the front a 1.6 gasoline engine, four cylinders, with 200 CV of power. Also at the front there is a 110 hp electric motor that adds power and traction capacity.
Likewise, and as a complement to traction and power, it incorporates a second electric motor on the rear axle of 113 CV. This second engine is responsible for sending power to the rear wheels and turning it into a 4×4 SUV. It is, therefore, an all-wheel drive system without a physical connection, lighter, with fewer mechanisms and, ultimately, with less maintenance and the possibility of breakdowns.
Another novelty of the DS 7 E-TENSE 360 is the larger capacity battery, now with 14.2 kWh, and which allows an electric range of 58 km to be approved (WLTP). For its part, the 8-speed automatic transmission is the one used by the group in other models. It’s a true, geared, torque converter type change and it’s smooth and very easy to use. And it works really well on the highway or in the city.
The total sum of power, between the thermal motor and the two electric ones, is 360 CV. Consequently, the benefits are very good; We can conclude that they are similar to any sports car with a compact size and a lower weight, which speaks highly of the work carried out by the French technicians.
Top speed is 235 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.6 seconds. Excellent. However, nobody tries to get a combined consumption on the road like the official one, the one approved by the manufacturer. The 1.8 liters per 100 km, as in all plug-in hybrids, are far from reality.
One of the advantages of this plug-in hybrid is that with a charged battery we can travel more than 50 kilometers in 100% electric mode and in complete silence and comfort. Therefore, if the daily journeys do not exceed this distance, we are facing an excellent solution to move without polluting.
It has three energy management modes that can be selected manually from a dedicated control: Electric (the car moves solely with the electric motor as long as the load allows it), Sport (uses all the power of both engines and provides maximum performance) and Hybrid (the system automatically manages the engines automatically to try to consume as little as possible).
In addition, it has a really interesting additional function -like other plug-in hybrids- that allows you to conserve the battery charge for later use, for example, in the city. It’s called E-SAVE. We can choose to store energy for 10 or 20 km, or until the battery is full. This function obviously has an impact on gasoline consumption, since it is the heat engine that charges the battery.
In any case, this plug-in hybrid technology allows us to choose in a way what suits us at all times. Considering that by road it will always be better to rely on hybrid mode and by city, or interurban environments, we can do without the gasoline engine.
Once the battery is exhausted, when you get home or at a charging station, we will need about 2 hours for a complete recharge, if we have a 7.4 kW charger.
On a long journey on the motorway and highway, the battery becomes empty, if we do not use the E-SAVE mode. After a period traveled in electric mode, which can be about 40 km, the heat engine comes into operation and consumption rises to approximately 5 liters.
In hybrid mode, when we no longer have a battery, the average consumption is close to 8 liters. And if we choose to charge the battery on the go, with the E-SAVE mode, consumption can reach 9 liters. It should be noted, however, that we are talking about an SUV of almost 2 tons, with a power of 360 CV and true sports performance. A balance, therefore, more than positive.
In general, it is a very comfortable car, which prefers a calm behavior and a leisurely ride due to its family approach. In addition, this DS 7 incorporates an adaptive frame that, through cameras on the windshield, reads the ground in front of the car and adapts the firmness of its shock absorbers to guarantee the greatest comfort and driving efficiency. French refinement.
Still, it’s more dynamic than its sleek styling suggests. The driver can vary the behavior with the driving modes (Drive Mode) Electric, Hybrid, Sport and 4WD. And with Sport mode the car hardens and assumes a more precise and sporty touch.
Upon entering the cabin we breathe glamour, refinement. The driving position conveys luxury, with elements such as the leather steering wheel, sewn by hand, or an elegant analogue clock located in the center of the dashboard manufactured by the BRM firm. The dashboard has two large 12.3-inch digital screens to access all the information and connectivity.
There are other original details in the passenger compartment such as the diamond-shaped window buttons, located in a large central console that divides the two front seats, next to the automatic gear lever. In the back of the DS 7, two people will travel with plenty of space at all possible heights.
The correct central rear seat has less space and its backrest is somewhat harder to include an armrest with drink holders. Rear passengers can control the temperature in their area and also the electric inclination of their backrest through the controls located on the doors.
It also includes, as security devices, a night vision system or an infrared camera capable of detecting driver fatigue. The equipment of this Opera unit is completed with heated and air-conditioned leather seats, panoramic roof, wireless charger for smartphones, DS Active LED Vision headlights or 360º camera.