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From DS 7 Crossback to DS 7

The DS 7 Crossback appeared on the market in 2017. It was the first fully DS-developed SUV with one goal in mind: to be the ultimate travel car, French style. And in 2017 – witness our 2017 DS 7 Crossback driving test of that year – it liked it very well. DS Automobiles is now taking its DS 7 to the next level, or at least that’s the intention. What’s new? More importantly, how does the updated DS 7 drive?

Adjustments

First, the name. Crossback is no more. On the tailgate, DS now writes its brand name in full below the rear window. DS Automobiles also modified the bumpers and installed a new grille. The design of the vortex-effect LED taillights is also new and features a dark metallic finish.

New daytime running lights

The daytime running lights of the new DS 7 are inspired by those of the DS X E-Tense and DS Aero Sport Lounge. DS Light Veil consists of daytime running lights and four vertical light points consisting of 33 LEDs. The laser-etched polycarbonate surface is painted on the inside, giving it an alternating light and body color appearance. DS Light Veil turns on and off when the DS 7 is locked and unlocked, so make sure you’re at the front of the car during those moments, otherwise all of DS’ efforts will have been for nothing.

DS Pixel LED Vision 3.0 headlights

The light signature has been polished thanks to sleeker units with DS Pixel LED Vision 3.0 headlights. This system requires some explanation, so that’s what we asked a techie from DS Automobiles to explain for you. “This light system has three modules. The Pixel function provides a stronger beam, while the high beam range has increased to 380 meters. At speeds below 50 km/h, the beam shines 65 meters wide. The inner part of the Pixel module houses two low beam and city light modules that together illuminate the road. In the outer part, the high beam module features 84 LEDs in three rows. Cornering lighting is controlled by the outer LEDs of the Pixel module, based on the steering angle.”

Six colors

Of course, even with a facelift, very obvious things have been changed. For example, DS Automobiles is introducing new alloy wheel designs (19- to 21-inch) as well as some new colors. A total of six graceful body colors are available. Lacquered Grey and Sapphire Blue colors are new. Other colors include metallic Platinum Grey, as well as pearlescent paints Perla Nera Black, Crystal Pearl and Pearl White. Finally, the window surrounds and roof rails are offered in a variant in Gloss Black.

Strong asset: interior DS 7

Well you, in conclusion: these were just the exterior modifications. The DS 7 also has an interior, of course. And let that interior in particular be a strong asset of the DS 7. Because once again, the French car brand uses fine materials and unusual design. That design has drawbacks, as the buttons for the window controls in particular are deeply recessed into the center console, and some dust and dirt quickly creep in there. Anyway: those who want to be beautiful must make some effort.

DS Iris System

The interior has another novelty: a brand new infotainment system called DS Iris System. This 12-inch touchscreen system has an updated interface that is fully configurable. It also supports voice recognition. The menu consists of widgets, which allow the functions of the navigation system, climate control, audio sources and travel information to be accessed with a single flick of the finger.

Cameras

This hefty touchscreen also shows the camera image during parking actions. Also, the screen provides access to the Mirror Screen function via Wi-Fi. The instrument panel, also 12-inch in size, offers new graphics for important powertrain information, such as energy management in the plug-in hybrid versions (E-Tense).

PHEVs

OK, so let’s talk about the powertrains. For the Dutch market, the range is nice and clear, as DS only supplies plug-in hybrid powertrains in 225, 300 and 360 hp flavors. All plug-in hybrid variants have a 14.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Charging time is about two hours with a 7.4 kW charger. The engine variants in a nutshell.

DS 7 E-Tense 225

The new DS 7 E-Tense 225 has a PureTech 180 gasoline engine and a 110-hp electric motor, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The electric driving range comes out to 65 kilometers (WLTP).

DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 300

The DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 300 – the second version in the lineup – combines a 200-hp PureTech gasoline engine with a 110-hp electric motor on the front axle and a 113-hp electric motor on the rear axle. The electric top speed is 135 mph. The electric range comes out to 63 kilometers (WLTP). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.9 seconds.

DS 7 E-Tense 4X4 360

The top version is the new DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 360. It was specially tuned by DS Performance. This top version actually has the same powertrain as the 300 version, only the system power comes out higher due to different software. Then again, a PureTech turbocharged gasoline engine of 200 hp with an electric motor on the front axle (110 hp) and an electric motor on the rear axle (113 hp). The electric range is 57 kilometers (WLTP), with a maximum speed of 140 km/h. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h, combined with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/35 R21 tires, takes just 5.6 seconds. The sprint from standstill to 1,000 meters takes 25.4 seconds.

Undercarriage DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 360

DS Performance also focused on the chassis. The suspension of the 1,885 kg DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 360 has been lowered by 15 mm, while the track width has been widened (+24 mm at the front, +10 mm at the rear) and the front brakes are fitted with 380 mm brake discs with DS Performance-printed calipers. 21-inch Brooklyn wheels with very narrow tire sidewalls complete the party. With these wheels, pay close attention to curb damage and also realize that you are sacrificing some comfort.

Softer undercarriage is preferred

We drove in both the 225-hp and 360-hp variants. With smaller wheels and a softer suspension, the DS 7 is much more comfortable. Do you prefer that because you know which version to have. Is some extra power reserve desirable and does a harder suspension not matter to you? Then you can go for 360 hp. That one can genuinely be called rap. The 520 Nm of torque in particular makes intermediate sprints feel very quick.

Engine sound somewhat raucous

One thing DS Automobiles did not fix: the gasoline engines have a somewhat raucous sound. That is a mismatch with the character of the car. In terms of power, fine, but in terms of engine noise, there is room for improvement. On the other hand: very little effort is going to be put into this by DS either, as the brand is going to phase out its gasoline engines and focus entirely on 100 electric drive in the future.

Eight-speed automatic transmission for DS 7

Those who drive the DS 7 the way you should drive it – that is, as a comfortable family car – need not worry. In that case, the powertrain stays nicely in the background and, in particular, the electric motor – or several electric motors depending on the version – provides sufficient pulling power. In the process, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and comfortably. With flippers on the steering wheel, you can still change gears yourself. Response time is then remarkably short.

Driving assistance systems in DS 7

On the road, one notices that the DS 7 has several driving assistance systems. Think lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and more. Less noticeable is the presence of DS Active Scan Suspension. Which is a good thing, as the British say. This camera-controlled damping system independently controls each wheel based on the unevenness of the road surface, thus smoothing the road. You notice this better with a version with smaller rim. The version with 21-inch alloys is a bit less comfortable anyway.

DS Night Vision

The DS 7 further features DS Night Vision. This system can detect cyclists, pedestrians and animals at distances of up to 100 meters by using infrared technology to scan the roadway. The driver receives the information on the new digital instrument panel, enhanced by a special warning in case of possible danger.

Comfort

DS Automobiles is a brand for gourmets and for fans of comfort. DS Automobiles’ Nappa leather is inspired by the metal band of luxury watches. The seats are made of high-density foam with more material than before. As a result, comfort is improved and lasts longer. Depending on version, the front seats also have a massage function, seat heating and seat ventilation. You can hear the seat ventilation quite nicely in the interior, but once the system is at “working speed,” the ventilation noise fades into the background.

Buying online is possible

But comfort is also part of the purchasing process. This can be done entirely online, for example. Thanks to the so-called DS Delivery Valet service, the new DS 7 is delivered to an address chosen by the customer. Production takes place in Mulhouse (France) for all markets outside China and in Shenzen for the Chinese market. The first models will be in DS Stores starting in September 2022. Delivery to customers will begin in late 2022.

The new DS 7 is available in five special trims: Bastille+, Rivoli, Opera, Performance Line and Performance Line+. Prices start at 54,040 euros and go up to 77,540 euros. Worth the effort? That depends, because for those euros you also have a serious all-electric car. You should buy the DS 7 especially if you fall in love with it. Its design, luxury and comfort should pull you in over the head. So in that sense, it is primarily an emotional purchase.