DS Automobiles reveals its flagship hybrid sedan

With DS 9, DS Automobiles is emphasising its expertise, design, sophistication and technology with a global vision. Following DS 7 CROSSBACK and DS 3 CROSSBACK, this is a large, stylish saloon to head up the new French premium brand’s line up.

With a length of 4.93 metres, width of 1.85 metres and large 690mm diameter wheels/tyres, DS 9 is more striking than other saloons in its class. It uses a new version of the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2) architecture with a longer wheelbase not used with a saloon car before, which greatly benefits the rear passenger space. Its design has a sleek silhouette with a steeply raked rear window, fastback style.

A three-box saloon, DS 9 continues the DS Automobiles design language with an expressive front face featuring the DS WINGS and the parametric design of the grille with its three-dimensional diamond effect giving character. On the bonnet there's a ‘Clous de Paris' sabre, the first time this DS interior signature has been used outside the cockpit. With a nod to the original 1955 DS, DS 9 also has cone shapes at the outside edges of the roof. Inspired by the legendary saloon, the cones have been reformed to house brand new tail lights, signalling DS 9's presence.

At first, DS 9 will be offered with a new E-TENSE plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a PureTech turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor combined to deploy 225hp and capable of travelling between 25 and 31 miles (40 - 50 kilometres) in zero emissions (WLTP) mode courtesy of an 11.9kWh battery. The electric motor, through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, can deploy maximum power of 80kW (110hp) and 320Nm. It is used for driving off from a standstill, boosting acceleration at any speed and for driving in zero emissions mode up to 84mph (135kph).

Electric mode is always automatically selected on start-up to maximise efficiency. It is complemented by a Hybrid mode, designed to automatically control the different types of energy by driving 100% electric, 100% petrol or combining the two if the situation requires it. The car's occupants will be mostly oblivious of this transition. An E-TENSE Sport mode gets the most out of the available power from the combined application of the combustion engine and electric motor by adjusting the mapping of the accelerator pedal, gearbox, steering and active suspension. It intensifies driver enjoyment and dynamics all with complete peace of mind.

DS 9 utilises an energy recovery system that re-charges the battery in deceleration or brake phases, amplified with an enhanced Braking function selected by pulling back the gear selector and displayed as ‘B'. In addition, an E-Save function guarantees there's always selected levels of battery-stored energy to do chosen parts of the journey in Zero Emissions mode (one of several levels available), for example when the driver knows they will be going into LEV areas or town centres. The 7.4kW on-board charger enables the battery to be charged in 1hr 30minutes from home or public charging points using the cable supplied as standard.

The line-up will shortly afterwards be topped by two more E-TENSE power units - the first with 250hp, 2-wheel drive plus increased range capability, and the second - a 360hp with an intelligent 4-wheel drive transmission. In China the 250hp E-TENSE model will be offered from launch. A 225hp solely PureTech petrol engine model will also be available. All models are equipped with a smooth and fast-changing eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With DS LOUNGE, DS Automobiles is offering first-rate expertise to DS 9 occupants. The sophistication of quality materials integrated on wide open surfaces, with a dashboard completely swathed in Nappa Leather and the watchstrap design of the seats supplements the care that's been taken over every detail. The crystal-shaped touch-sensitive buttons, the Alcantara that covers the roof lining and the sun visors, and door handles that are wrapped by hand in leather invite you to touch and appreciate or feel them.

With its long 2.90 metre wheelbase, DS 9 offers a huge amount of space in the back seats. Seats are heated, cooled and massaging, a first in the class. The central armrest plays a part in the overall comfort, boasting features from segments above such as leather upholstery, storage areas with built-in USB ports, controls for the massaging seats and multi-coloured welcome lighting.

DS 9 gives new meaning to individual comfort where each setting can be adjusted for enhanced delight. This special feature enables every passenger to be in charge of their own on-board comfort.

Resulting from research undertaken since the Brand's launch, acoustic ambience is taken to a new level with a special treatment designed to suppress exterior noise. Laminated acoustic glass combines with a hard-bonded body to enhance strength, subdue noise and minimise vibrations. The environment is enhanced with a FOCAL Electra sound system, specially developed for DS 9 with the addition of new stainless-steel tweeter grilles among the fourteen speakers positioned around the cockpit.

With DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, a camera scans the road, level sensors, accelerometers and drivetrain sensors record every movement and the system prepares the damping of each wheel for road imperfections in order to improve safety, serenity and provides ride comfort without equal. This 21st Century DS suspension combines the hushed comfort of a prestigious saloon with the dynamics of a Grand Touring coupé.

With DS DRIVE ASSIST, DS 9 enables its driver to enjoy Level 2 semi-autonomous driving which lets them cover distances in the greatest comfort with improved levels of safety. Speed is controlled according to the surroundings of DS 9. The system uses multiple sensors to position DS 9 precisely in its lane depending on where the driver decides by it controlling the steering trajectory. Usable up to 111mph (180kph) depending on the country's laws, it controls speed and direction, under the driver's supervision, in order to guarantee safety and peace of mind.

Controlling the speed is done by adaptive cruise control linked to a system that controls the power. Among other things it will control driving in traffic jams: the car will restart automatically if it's stopped for less than three seconds. If it's stopped for longer, simply pressing a button or the accelerator pedal will restart DS 9.

The on-board DS DRIVE ASSIST camera recognises broken and continuous lines. While driving, it's constantly analysing the situation and interpreting best actions to apply. It enables the car to stay in its lane, even in the area of the lane that the driver wants. If the driver wishes to re-take control of the steering, taking a firm hold of the steering wheel will override the system. It is also interrupted if the indicators are used, e.g. for lane changes. The system can be activated from 16mph (30kph). It is then operational from 0 to 111mph (180kph).

For parking, DS PARK PILOT will detect a parking place by passing it at speeds up to 16mph (30kph). The driver then indicates on their touchscreen that they want to park, parallel or into a bay. And there's just one thing to do: keep the Park button pressed and wait for the technology to get to work. Acceleration, braking and steering are automatically controlled during either entry or exit of the parking place. Releasing the button halts the movement.

During long journeys, poor visibility or lack of attention are often synonymous with danger. To make driving safer DS SAFETY brings together six major functions: DS NIGHT VISION, DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, DS ACTIVE LED VISION, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and extended traffic sign recognition.

With DS SMART ACCESS, DS 9 enables the car operator to forget about the key by giving right of access to a smartphone. When unlocking, the flush fitting door handles deploy from the bodywork ‘as if by magic'. It's possible to access and start the car. Even remotely, this control can be shared to five other people's phones. The MyDS app can also unlock the doors of the shared car. This feature enables authorising access to and starting of DS 9 by another telephone according to a timetable set by the owner. Using Bluetooth, the system is operational even without GSM network coverage.

Created in France and produced in China, DS 9 is a car that will be sold all around the world with sales commencing in China during the second half of 2020.