There’s just something special about French car designs. They’re weird, they’re cool, they’re gorgeous, they’re ugly, they’re some mix of everything. Most importantly, French cars are innovative and unlike anything else on the market, which is why I’ve always been obsessed. The latest new French model to debut is the DS N°8, an electric-only crossover-sedan thing that looks like the perfect vehicle to make a grand entrance in, like at the opera, or fashion week, or the grocery store.
DS says the N°8’s SUV-coupe shape is “an invitation to cover long distances through its record-setting aerodynamics,” and to the brand’s credit it is very efficient. The N°8 has a drag coefficient of 0.24, the same as an Audi E-Tron GT despite the DS being about 7 inches shorter in length and almost 7 inches taller in height. With a battery pack up to 97.2 kWh in size, the N°8 has a range of up to 466 miles on the European WLTP cycle, putting it right in line with other models on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive models have 350 horsepower and a 5.4-second 0-to-62-mph time, while lesser FWD ones make do with up to 245 hp.
The N°8 has what DS calls the Luminascreen up front, an illuminated panel with lit vertical lines that takes the place of a traditional grille. It’s a really cool effect, and definitely a better approach than just putting on a faux mesh grille. Slim headlights stretching horizontally from the corners of the Luminascreen, with three modules of 8 LEDs in a Clous de Paris pattern. Extending down from the main headlights at the corners of the bumper are vertical light blades that, in addition to being the running lights, poke forward to help with aerodynamics by “minimising airflow detachment” like on a boat’s bow. Available two-tone paint schemes make the hood center, roof and grille surround black, with the hood using new paintjet technology that doesn’t require a baking phase.
Despite its positioning as a crossover and the presence of lower body and fender flare cladding, the N°8 looks quite sleek and car-like, and it’s offered with 21-inch wheels that are lighter than the 20s. The steeply raked roofline is fantastic, and I love the treatment of the C-pillar, which has a floating motif that’s more interesting than the ones we typically see. A ducktail-like spoiler is created by the black trim surrounding the C-pillar, which also hides the door handle. Another nice detail is the crease above the rear wheels, which flows into the spear-like taillights and forms the top of the charge port. Like at the front, the taillights have vertical spears that help with aero too, here “optimising airflow detachment like an aeroplane wing.”
We already saw the N°8’s interior a couple weeks ago, which has a weird-ass X-shaped steering wheel and wraparound trim with integrated speakers, and now we have more details and some new photos of other specs. First off, I just have to include this section from the press release, because the prose is incredible:
DS N°8 has a cockpit that embodies French comfort, serenity and luxury. The wide dashboard envelops the occupants and exemplifies the seamless spirit (“Seamless Design”). It is both decorative, like a piece of craftsmanship, and technical through the integration of the sound system, air vents and light signatures. The purity of its design perfectly combines a high level of expertise (“High Craft”) and advanced technology (“High-Tech”), which bears witness to a perfect alchemy between the technical sophistication and skill of DS Automobiles in the application of material.
Light is used in an incredible way throughout, as is that Clous de Paris pattern in places like the air vents and steering wheel. Also applied liberally is satin Light Gold trim that DS says was inspired by 1930’s luxury cars, part of a “chrome detox” that the brand is chasing after. The N°8’s lovely heated, cooled and massaging seats have fixed headrests, below which a new neck warmer that “favours heating as close to the body as possible to enhance energy consumption” is integrated with a backlit logo and crystal-like design.
You can go for three different animal-free interiors, or choose real Nappa leather if you wish. There are different stitching patterns and trim colors depending on what scheme you go for, and even the panoramic sunroof has a cool lined pattern to it. Here’s a few more bits about interior features from the release that DS said in a much more interesting way than I ever could:
Animated instrument display
When the doors are opened, the DS logo appears in the middle of the 10.25” instrument display. It comes to life and welcomes the driver with subtly shimmering gold highlights. When driving, the dynamic “Digital ART” content livens up the background of the instrument display. This animation contributes to serenity on journeys. The speed of this animation is gentle while the contours of the patterns blend into a darker background, so that the driver stays focused on the essential information. In the middle, the design of the odometer is inspired by the world of watchmaking. The readability of the battery charge indicator and the “power meter” take precedence.
X-shaped steering wheel
The new X-shaped steering wheel, inspired by our latest concept cars, is now coming to DS N°8. Its design breaks with established rules, while its architecture and enhanced ergonomics offer the driver new grip zones that contribute to driving enjoyment. Its rim is covered in different materials depending on the specification level. Fully covered, this new steering wheel also contributes to the idea of close-up thermal comfort through its heating function.
Bespoke centre console
With DS N°8, the French Art of Travel takes on a new dimension. The interior features a double-decker floating centre console. The upper part is devoted to the main interactive features. The “PRND” transmission selector, the “Drive Mode” setting selector as well as the audio system’s instant access volume control fall perfectly to hand. These features have been designed like crystals, in keeping with jewellery, while a subtle light animation alludes to the shape of a galaxy. The phone storage area, trimmed in Alcantara®, is like a precious casket. A covered palm rest contains extra hidden storage, while the armrest accommodates a large additional area. In the lower part, a large storage space that can be hidden by a sliding shutter accommodates 2 removable cup holders and 2 USB-C sockets. The sides of the console are covered and padded to be pleasant to the touch and in contact with the leg.
The DS N°8 will go on sale in Europe in mid-2025, with pricing yet to be announced. Stellantis is in trouble right now, with the mega-corp losing its CEO and considering selling off some of its many brands. I’ll at least take some solace in knowing that it’s the American and Italian sides of Stellantis that are really fucking up, while the French brands are off in their own glorious, gorgeous, weird-ass world.
