DS 8: The Upcoming Luxury Flagship Poised To Redefine Electric Driving

Next year, the automotive world will see the arrival of the new DS 8, a luxury flagship poised to revitalize the French brand and usher in its electric era. A decade after emerging as a standalone brand, DS is on a mission to electrify its entire lineup and boost its market presence, with this high-riding fastback poised to lead a complete transformation.

Designed as a successor to the current DS 9 saloon, the DS 8 arrives at a critical juncture for the marque, which has been struggling to establish itself in the competitive European market. As of August, DS sales plummeted by 33% year-on-year, totaling just 26,173 vehicles sold in the region, with fewer than 800 units finding homes in the UK.

This year, the DS 9, which is based on the Peugeot 508, sold a mere 234 units across Europe, with three of those sales occurring in the UK. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has openly supported each of the group’s 14 brands, including Maserati, which has faced criticism for its financial struggles. The company has committed to a 10-year financial support strategy for each brand, giving DS seven years to enhance its competitiveness in the mainstream market, undertake a comprehensive product overhaul, and aim for an all-electric lineup by 2027.

The ambitious new DS 8 aims to make a bold statement as the brand embarks on this fresh chapter. It will introduce daring new design elements and powertrains, positioning itself against rivals like the Genesis GV60 and Audi Q6 E-tron. Production of the DS 8 will take place at Stellantis’s Melfi factory in Italy, alongside a similarly styled successor to the Vauxhall Insignia and Lancia’s upcoming Gamma crossover. Its design will blend elements of a saloon, fastback, and SUV, reminiscent of the C5 X from Citroën’s range.

While DS is primarily known for crossovers (except for the slow-selling 9 saloon), the brand recognizes the ongoing popularity of SUVs in European markets. Therefore, the new flagship will likely maintain a high driving position and spacious interior while also moving away from traditional crossover design cues for a more distinctive look. The DS 8 is expected to draw significant inspiration from the recently unveiled DS SM Tribute concept. Citroen's iconic GT car from the 1970s inspires the design of this sleek, aerodynamic saloon concept, reflecting the brand's future.

Thierry Métroz, DS’s design chief, hinted that elements from the SM Tribute’s retro-futuristic design will influence production models. “We’ve reinterpreted the SM while integrating details from our existing models and future projects,” he explained. The concept’s aerodynamic silhouette suggests a new design focus on efficiency, indicating a shift away from the more conventional Aero Sport Lounge SUV concept introduced in 2020. Technically, the DS 8 will share a platform with models like the Peugeot 3008, Vauxhall Grandland, and next-gen Citroën C5 Aircross.

Built on Stellantis’s STLA Medium platform, it will accommodate hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains. The electric version, likely dubbed E-Tense, is expected to offer 73 kWh or 98 kWh battery options for a range of up to 435 miles. Buyers will have the choice between single- or dual-motor configurations, with the dual-motor setup producing a spirited 316 hp. Tavares has previously stated that Stellantis brands will adopt a flexible approach to powertrains ahead of their full transition to electric vehicles, so the DS 8 may initially be available as a high-capacity 192 hp PHEV or a 48V petrol hybrid.

Inside, the DS 8 will likely follow the SM Tribute’s lead with a more airy, minimalist aesthetic. Expect a projector display for the infotainment system instead of a touchscreen, along with extensive ambient lighting and premium materials. One noteworthy feature of the SM concept was its yoke-controlled steer-by-wire system, which could make its debut in a Stellantis vehicle with the DS 8—though Peugeot has also hinted at similar plans. More details will emerge at the car’s unveiling, likely slated for late this year.