DS7 Crossback E-Tense

Unique touches help DS7 stand out from the crowd

Andrew Walker

The DS7 Crossback was launched in 2019 and we had the opportunity to drive the petrol and diesel versions on launch, and both impressed.

But the motoring world stands still for no man, which is why the brand is already contemplating major changes – not least to its powertrains. As a result every new model released by the French brand from 2025 onwards will either be fully electric or a plug-in hybrid with at least a 30-mile EV range.

The first models launched to meet this goal were the smaller DS3 Crossback, the brand’s first EV, and the larger DS7 Crossback, the brand’s first PHEV. This shares its hybrid petrol set up with the Vauxhall Grandland X PHEV.

Like the Vauxhall, the DS7 E-Tense combines a 1598cc petrol engine with an electric drive system of two electric motors. They have a combined output 109hp, AWD and a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery.

The front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission, while the second motor and differential are integrated into the electrically-powered rear axle, providing all-wheel traction on demand. It’s quick too, going from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, thanks to the 200hp on offer. The petrol engine, plus two electric motors, offer a whopping 296bhp and 450Nm of torque.

The E-Tense range is offered in three trim levels. First up is the Performance Line, which features 19” alloys, a 12.3” HD touchscreen, Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED Front fogs with cornering function, Manual ‘Follow me home’ lighting, LED Daytime Running Lights, DS Active LED Vision and DS 3D LED rear lights.

Above this is the Prestige, with full leather seats, electric rear seat backrests, keyless entry, a reversing camera, wireless charging and front parking sensors.

Topping the range is Ultra Prestige, which adds 20” alloys, a panoramic sunroof, a Focal sound system, a remote tailgate and DS CONNECTED PILOT with Semi-autonomous driving.

From the outside, the E-Tense features some subtle differences to the petrol and diesel versions There’s a ‘Pearl Crystal’ paint finish that’s optional and exclusive E-Tense badging, plus a charging port flap located on the opposite side to the usual fuel cap.

The DS7 PHEV offers four driving modes; Electric, Hybrid, AWD and Sport. In pure electric mode, the car has a range of 35 miles WLTP. Electric Mode can be selected up to speeds of 83mph, although is best for city traffic. In Hybrid mode, the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion. AWD is for that wet grass you’ve parked on and Sport gives everything extra fizz.

To aid battery range, DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4×4 is regenerated whenever the driver decelerates or uses the brakes (‘BRAKE’ function) to extend the range, while ‘E-SAVE’ allows the driver to save enough energy to drive in all-electric mode for the last six or 12 miles of a journey.

All DS E-TENSE vehicles are supplied with two electric cables for 7kW AC and 3-pin 13amp DC. On a typical home 7kWh charger it

will take 90 minutes to fully charge the battery. Furthermore, all DS customers buying a new BEV or PHEV can benefit from six months free subscription to Polar Plus – the UK’s largest public charging network.

CC&V were given the opportunity to spend some time in a Prestige model and mighty nice it is. Triangular air vents at each end of the dashboard are noticeably different, as is the location of the starter button, smack bang in the top centre of the dash, flanked by the two central air vents. The landscape touchscreen is also a highlight and the angular electric window

switches set in the centre binnacle also add to ‘le difference’. Even the graphics on the PSA Group’s 12.3” digital instrument cluster can be configured with rhombus-shaped graphics.

Elsewhere, switches, door fittings, seats and steering wheel are all satisfyingly top notch, with only the lightweight plastic used on the glove box letting things down a touch.

There’s some useful storage in the cabin, including a flip cover space in front of the gear stick, good for keys and your mobile phone, with a USB socket also accessible here. The centre binnacle features a pop-up open and close arm rest with storage space within. There are two cupholders in front of this, plus decent-sized door pockets as well. Front passenger head and legroom is excellent and in the rear there’s a flat floor, which coupled to the generous space means that you could fit five adults in the DS7 if required.

A clever battery design means you get the same amount of storage as in the combustion DS7s; that’s 555 litres of boot space with the seats up, increasing to a quite considerable 1,752 litres when you fold the rear seats down.

The on-board tech is straightforward and I connected my mobile phone to the car’s Bluetooth hands-free telephone and linked it to Apple Car Play quickly. Our only negative is that like many other models, the DS7 features climate controls located in the touchscreen,

“A clever battery design means you get the same amount of storage as in the combustion DS7s; that’s 555 litres of boot space with the seats up, increasing to 1,752 litres when you fold the rear seats down...”

which can be a little frustrating.

In Electric Mode, the E-Tense is much quieter than the diesel DS7. The steering is light and precise and as a motorway cruiser it’s very impressive. The DS’s suspension makes for a comfortable ride and there is little or no body roll, even around sharp bends. We mainly utilised the Hybrid driving mode, which selects the driving mode for you. In pure Electric Mode we managed to travel 27 miles before the car switched to Hybrid. Drivers may notice the extra battery weight, but it’s not that intrusive to the handling of the car.

For fleet customers the CO 2 emissions on the DS7 E-Tense are under 50g/km, which means attractive BIK. More good news is that DS claims a maximum fuel consumption of 128 mpg. As we’ve said before, the only way you’ll see any kind of fuel economy return close to 100mpg is if you drive in Electric Mode as much as possible, plug-in after every short journey and utilise the clever on-board charge saving that’s offered. We’d guess that if you don’t do these things regularly – and let’s face it, many PHEV customers don’t – then 32-36 mpg is a more likely scenario.

While the plug-in competition hots up, especially from Germany, the DS7 E-Tenses is refreshingly different. It feels more upmarket than its sibling the Vauxhall Grandland X, though with prices starting at £47,725, so it should! In a sector stuffed with contenders, the DS7 does a really good job of being just different enough to warrant your consideration.

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It’s more spacious, looks far nicer and is more interesting to look at than its rivals. There are some unique design details, too, and it all adds up to the DS7 being a serious player.

CC&V RATING: N N N N