DS N° 8: A Glimpse Into the Future of Electric Luxury with 466 Miles on One Charge

French-inspired luxury sedan
DS Automobiles unveils N° 8
Cutting-edge technology catches the eye

DS Automobiles, the French luxury brand of Stellantis Group, has unveiled its next-generation electric sedan, DS N° 8. The DS N° 8 is positioned between the DS7 SUV and the DS9 sedan and has caught the eye with its sleek fastback style and luxurious exterior. The introduction of cutting-edge technology and a new naming strategy are garnering expectations from global consumers.

The N° 8 was initially named DS8 during its early development, but DS introduced a new naming system and named it N° 8 with the letter N° as a tribute to the French language. The Number 8 is the first production car to use the STLA medium platform of the Stellantis Group. The exterior of the N° 8 was inspired by the 2020 DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, and its drag coefficient is 0.24Cd, which is the best in its segment.

The fastback silhouette features a unique C-pillar design

In terms of size, the N° 8 is 4,820 mm (189.8 inches) in length, 1,900 mm (74.8 inches) in width, 1,580 mm (62.2 inches) in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm (114.1 inches), which is about 120 mm (4.7 inches) shorter than the DS9 sedan. In terms of exterior, it features a fastback silhouette with a low bonnet and a smooth roofline. The front features an active intake, DS Pixel Vision LED headlamps, and daytime running lights that flow along the sides of the bumper, while the smoothly falling roofline creates a sporty image.

Another feature is the C-pillar design, which resembles an arched structure. The line connecting the bottom of the C-pillar to the integrated rear spoiler leaves a unique impression. The hood, pillars, mirrors, and roof of the N° 8 are finished in black, contrasting with the body’s original color while harmonizing with the plastic cladding on the side of the body. The tail lamp design at the rear is also reminiscent of the Kia K5.

The interior emphasizes luxury
A spacious trunk with a capacity of 620 liters

For the interior of the N° 8, high-end specifications were applied, such as a new 4-spoke steering wheel with touch buttons, a large display, a digital instrument panel, a center tunnel with touch-sensitive buttons, a Focal Electra 3D audio system, and ambient lamps. For the seats, the premium sensibility is highlighted by the saddle brown color with black points.

According to DS designers, ambient lighting was applied to highlight the dashboard insert leading to the door panel. Focal’s Electra 3D audio system adds luxury to the interior. The Number 8’s first-row seats support neck warmers, ventilation and heating functions, and massage functions, and the second-row seats also have ventilation and heating functions. The trunk capacity is 620L, which provides ample loading space.

The N° 8 can travel 750 km (466 miles) on a single charge
Expected to launch in Europe in Q3 of next year

For the N°8, only a fully electric powertrain is provided, and it is equipped with a 98 kWh capacity battery, which can travel 750 km (466 miles) on a single charge according to the WLTP standard. It has secured a driving range over 50 km (31 miles) longer than Peugeot’s electric vehicle lineup that shares the platform. The front-wheel drive single-motor model generates a maximum output of 230 or 245 horsepower, and the all-wheel drive dual-motor model generates a maximum output of 350 horsepower. In addition, a dedicated suspension with a variable damping system is installed as standard to ensure optimal ride comfort.

According to DS, the N° 8 will be launched in Europe from mid-2025, and the price has not been disclosed yet. The DS N° 8 will provide consumers with a new electric vehicle experience representing DS Automobiles’ technology and design philosophy. The DS N° 8 will be produced at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy. Meanwhile, Stellantis has announced that it is preparing at least five mid-size or larger models for the European and Middle Eastern markets.