When Citroën first unveiled the DS at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, it stunned the world. With its sleek, flowing lines and technological innovations — including hydro-pneumatic suspension, advanced steering hydraulics, and even swiveling headlights that followed the driver’s line of sight — it stood in stark contrast to the boxy, utilitarian cars of the era. The DS may have been let down by a dated engine, but it became a design icon, still celebrated today as one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Fast forward to 2025, and DS Automobiles has grown into a standalone luxury marque, no longer tied directly to Citroën. Its new flagship, the DS 8, aims to recapture some of that magic while staking its claim in the modern luxury EV segment alongside BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.
Design and Road Presence
The DS 8 is an imposing machine — 4.8 metres long and 1.9 metres wide — yet it avoids appearing bulky thanks to its sloping roofline and coupe-like stance. Its bold front end is defined by intricate LED lighting and a large faux grille, a stylistic choice rather than a functional necessity for an EV.
DS designers have taken cues from the past without mimicking rivals, creating a car that feels distinctive rather than derivative. The result is a presence that’s both modern and subtly nostalgic.
A Premium Cabin
Inside, the DS 8 leans heavily into luxury craftsmanship. Buyers can choose between Nappa leather or Alcantara upholstery, both of which complement seats designed for exceptional comfort. Heating, cooling, and even a neck-cooling function underline its focus on indulgence.
The rear seats, despite the sloping roofline, remain comfortable and spacious — good enough, in fact, for President Emmanuel Macron, who used the DS 8 during the Armistice Day parade, marking the first time a French president rode in an EV for the event.
The infotainment approach is refreshingly restrained. Instead of dominating the cabin with a giant tablet, DS fits a 16-inch elongated infotainment screen that blends into the dashboard, alongside a 12.25-inch driver display. This allows the premium materials and textures to remain the stars of the interior. A 14-speaker, 690-watt sound system completes the premium experience, capable of delivering concert-level acoustics.
Driving and Performance
On the road, the DS 8 impresses with its composure. The ride is smooth, the soundproofing superb, and handling precise for a car of its size. It may not be blisteringly quick, but with a 0–100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds, it has enough punch — especially when sport mode is engaged, which sharpens throttle response and adds a welcome sense of agility.
Two powertrains are available. The 73.7 kWh battery delivers 230 horsepower and up to 550 km of range, while the 97.2 kWh version offers 245 horsepower and a claimed 750 km range. Charging is competitive too, with 20–80% fast charging achievable in around 27 minutes. Of course, as with all EVs, real-world figures will vary.
The Price Question
Luxury comes at a cost. The DS 8 will launch in France at just under €60,000, with Irish prices set to be higher when announced this autumn. That puts it firmly in competition with established German marques.
The question remains: will buyers loyal to BMW, Mercedes, or Audi be tempted to switch to a French contender, no matter how strong its heritage? DS is betting that the blend of design flair, comfort, and modern EV performance will be enough to win them over.
Verdict
The DS 8 doesn’t attempt to out-Tesla Tesla, nor does it simply copy German luxury rivals. Instead, it offers a distinctive, elegant alternative that pays homage to one of the most celebrated cars in automotive history while looking firmly to the future. It may not revolutionize the industry like the original DS did, but as a stylish, premium EV, it makes a confident and compelling case for itself.
