The DS N°4 Electric: Très Chic, Très Electric
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the latest concoction from those chic folks over at DS Automobiles. The DS N°4 is trying to make an entrance into the rather crowded party of premium compact hatchbacks in Europe. This new kid in school is impeccably dressed, smells faintly of croissants, and is hoping to impress.
DS Automobiles, for those of you perhaps not familiar with the more boutique end of the European car scene, is the posh cousin in the Stellantis family. And their new N°4 is their big electric statement, wrapped in a rather fetching French frock.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
First impressions? It's definitely got a look. The front is all wide and a bit dramatic, like it's pursing its lips. It has this bold black grille with tiny, intricate details. And the lights! DS calls the new setup "light-veiled," which sounds mysterious for no apparent reason.
The daytime running lights stretch out like little illuminated arms, meeting at a glowing DS logo in the middle. It's quite the welcome, and apparently, this snazzy face will be on all future DS models, electric or not. The fancier "ÉTOILE" version (that's "star" for us non-Francophones) even gets special DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights that do a little dance depending on where you're going. Very clever, though I do wonder if they also offer a simple "on and off" for us Luddites.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Since the size really does matter, the DS N°4 is about 14.44 feet long, 6.14 feet wide, and stands about 4.82 feet tall. It's a neat package, designed to look sporty yet elegant. The sides are smooth, with flush door handles (very sleek, less to snag your handbag on), and it usually sits on 19-inch wheels, though the plug-in hybrid can strut around on even bigger 20-inch ones. And the roof can be painted in a different color, making it look like it's floating.
Around the back, the light show continues. The taillights are LED, naturally, with a "Dark Chrome" finish and a pattern that apparently "catches the light." They're connected by a dark strip, making the car look quite broad in the beam, if you catch my drift. It's all very sculpted and a little bit sassy. There's even a shiny black bit near the rear windows with "DS Automobiles" written on it, just in case you forgot who made this chic machine.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
The all-electric N°4 E-TENSE (their naming convention is a mouthful, isn't it?) sports a single electric motor delivering a perfectly respectable 213 horsepower and about 253 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean in real-world get-up-and-go? Well, they say it'll whisk you from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds. Not exactly warp speed, but quick enough to merge onto the freeway without causing a pile-up or spilling your latte.
More importantly, it has a usable battery capacity of 58.3 kWh. DS claims this will give you a range of up to 280 miles on the WLTP cycle. Now, WLTP is always a bit optimistic, like my chances of sticking to a diet, but it's a decent number to start with. DS even popped in a new heat pump system to keep the battery and cabin cozy or cool without hogging all the precious electricity.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
To help the Nº4 slip through the air a bit easier, DS lowered the car by about 0.4 inches and added some secret little aero bits to the grille. Every little helps, as they say. When it's time to refuel with electrons, it has an 11 kW onboard charger for your home setup or public AC points. Find a zippy DC fast charger, and it can guzzle electricity at up to 120 kW. DS says that'll give you about 62 miles of range in just 11 minutes, or juice it up from 20% to 80% in around half an hour. That's just enough time for a decent coffee and a scroll through Instagram.
Step inside, and DS really wants you to feel like you're in something a bit special. I can spot some design cues from watchmaking, and there's a pattern called "Clous de Paris" on some bits. The driver gets a new 10.25-inch high-definition screen, and there's an optional head-up display, which I do appreciate for keeping my eyes on the road. In the middle, there's another 10-inch touchscreen for the DS IRIS SYSTEM – the command center for your music, maps, and making the seats toastier.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
One rather nifty touch is the hidden air vents. They keep the dashboard looking all smooth and minimalist while still, presumably, blowing air in your face when requested. Depending on how much you splash out, you can have fancy fabrics, Alcantara, or Nappa leather with intricate stitching. The seats promise to be comfy, and on the leather ones, you can even get heating, cooling, and a massage.
Trunk space is always a crucial point for hatchbacks. How many shopping bags, or in my case, dog accessories, can it hold? The all-electric N°4 E-TENSE offers 13.77 cubic feet. The regular hybrid has a bit more at 15.18 cubic feet, and the plug-in hybrid a tad less at 12.71 cubic feet. The opening is nice and low, which my back appreciates, and you can even get a tailgate that opens with a jaunty wave of your foot. Handy when your arms are full of Parisian pastries.
Image Credit: Stellantis.
Tech-wise, it's got the DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0, with its semi-autonomous driving features like helping you change lanes on the highway. It also has a system that watches the driver, presumably to check if you're paying attention or have nodded off dreaming of electric sheep. For the EV version, the navigation system can plan routes, including charging stops, which is becoming rather essential. And it has Vehicle Load (V2L) capability. This means, with the right adapter, your car battery can power your hair dryer or a small kettle during a power outage or a glamorous camping trip.
DS will offer the N°4 in different trims, like PALLAS and ÉTOILE, each with its own level of bling and kit. PALLAS is the elegantly understated one, and ÉTOILE adds a bit more sparkle. You can choose from five exterior colors, including a new one called Cashmere (sounds expensive!), and different wheel designs. As for the price, well, the crystal ball is a little hazy, but whispers suggest it will hover around the €40,000 mark - $45,500 at current exchange rates - when it graces European showrooms later this year. That's quite a few pennies, but then, French chic rarely comes cheap, does it?
Image Credit: Stellantis.
The terribly-named DS N°4 E-TENSE is certainly bringing a dose of Gallic charm to the electric hatchback party. It's stylish, packed with tech, and promises a decent electric experience. Will it set the world on fire? Perhaps not. But it's another lovely option for those of us looking to electrify our lives with a bit of flair. Isn't it nice to have choices that make you say "Ooh la la" instead of just "Oh, another one?"
