In this DS No.7 review, Caroline Kidd gets a first look at the new DS Automobiles flagship SUV at the international press launch in France.
The DS No.7 is expected in Ireland in early 2027, with hybrid and electric versions available.
DS No.7 Review Overview
The all-new DS No.7 marks the next chapter for DS Automobiles as the French premium brand continues to reinvent its line-up. Replacing the outgoing DS 7, the No.7 arrives with sharper styling, a far more luxurious interior and a renewed focus on electrification, with hybrid and fully electric powertrains available. While DS still faces an uphill battle against established premium rivals like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the No.7 brings genuine strengths to the segment, including generous interior space, outstanding comfort and distinctive French design. Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed, but if DS gets the price right, the No.7 could become the brand’s best yet.
DS No.7 Video Review
Watch Caroline review the new DS No.7 on French roads.
Pros
- Chic styling
- Beautifully-finished cabin
- Interior space
- Premium levels comfort and refinement
- Two battery options
Cons
- Pricing still to be confirmed
- Brand lacks the prestige of German rivals
- Hybrid lacks power and polish
The new DS No.7 is the French car brand’s luxury compact SUVDS No.7 Design & Trim Levels
The DS No.7 has really grown-up in design and takes many of its style cues from the newly-launched DS No.8 fastback. The new one looks a lot more premium than the outgoing model with plenty of sleek, aerodynamic surfaces to improve efficiency. But also striking details like the slim LED headlights, V-shaped lighting signature and a choice of solid gloss black or illuminated grille with a DS badge that can now light up. Alloy wheels up to 21-inch give it a sophisticated yet modern appearance.
While the dimensions haven’t changed dramatically, the new DS No.7 is slightly longer with a 50mm longer wheelbase, giving it a more elegant stance.
It’s something sharp and different to its rivals in the segment like the Volvo EX40, BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQA, and that’s part of its appeal.
In Ireland the DS No.7 trim levels will be Pallas and Etoile, with a high level of specification.
The DS No.7 has a beautifully finished cabinWhat’s the DS No.7 like to drive?
The DS No.7 sits on Stellantis’ latest platform, shared with models like the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. But it receives extensive chassis tuning to deliver a more premium driving experience. The focus is on comfort, refinement and relaxation, and it very much delivers.
The highlight is the DS Active Scan Suspension on full electric versions, which uses a camera to continuously scan the road ahead and automatically adjusts the suspension damping for each wheel before it reaches bumps or imperfections, helping the handling and comfort of the vehicle.
On the road, the DS No.7 feels poised and controlled through bends, without too much lean in corners and plenty of grip to inspire confidence. Passengers don’t feel tossed around in the cabin on twisty roads and long drives are not tiring.
DS has also invested in strong refinement techniques like more sound insulation and acoustic glazing, which elevate the driving experience to the luxury level.
The entry into the range is the 1.2-litre petrol hybrid with 145hp and a 6-speed automatic. However, the DS No.7 is best as an electric vehicle, delivering the power and refinement of a premium car.
There are two battery options. The 73kWh has 230hp and up to 543km range. The 97kWh battery offers a more appealing 740km range with 245hp. Both these models are front wheel drive. A more powerful all wheel drive variant is also available with up to 679km and 325hp.
The electric models also feature three levels of regenerative braking, including one-pedal driving, heat pump and four driving modes: normal, eco, sport and comfort.
The DS No.7 is best as an electric SUV, offering the power and refinement you expect of a premium carDS No.7 Interior & Practicality
Inside, the transformation is even more impressive. The dashboard has been completely redesigned around a new 16-inch touchscreen and digital driver’s display, while the unusual X-shaped steering wheel gives the cabin a distinctive feel.
Material quality has taken a significant leap forward, with options including Nappa leather finished in DS’s signature watchstrap design, Clous de Paris embossed trim, pearl stitching, brushed aluminium, real wood and blue Alcantara upholstery. In a segment where interior quality has dropped in recent years, the new DS No.7 manages to feel more luxurious inside than the Q4 e-tron and iX1.
Comfort is a major focus too. The front seats feature heating, ventilation and massage functions, while optional heated neck warmers add an extra touch of luxury.
Practicality has improved thanks to the longer wheelbase, providing noticeably more rear passenger room. The rear seats split 40:20:40 and the boot measures an impressive 560 litres, making it one of the largest in its class.
The DS No.7 offers best in class boot space, ideal for familiesCharging
The DS No.7 supports DC rapid charging at up to 160kW and comes with an 11kW onboard AC charger.
With battery preconditioning activated, a 20-80% charge takes 27 minutes for the larger battery pack. This is competitive though some rivals can charge faster.
A heat pump is fitted to improve efficiency in colder weather, while Vehicle-to-Load functionality allows the battery to power external electrical devices.
DS No.7 Price
Irish pricing has yet to be announced for the DS No.7.
The outgoing DS 7 currently starts from around €51,000, although the range has been reduced ahead of the new model’s arrival to just a diesel.
The new DS No.7 is expected to reach Irish showrooms in time for the 271 registration period, with final prices expected closer to launch.
The new DS No.7 will hit Irish roads in early 2027Verdict: DS No.7
The DS No.7 is the strongest statement yet from DS Automobiles and really marks a new chapter for the French car brand. It builds on the strengths of its predecessor with far more sophisticated styling, a luxurious cabin and a driving experience that shines for comfort and refinement.
The electric versions are the stand-out models, combining strong performance with impressive range of up to 740km, while the spacious interior and class-leading, 560-litre boot make the No.7 ideal for family buyers. The hybrid should offer a lower price point, but in my experience lacks the polish and effortless performance of the EV.
The remaining question is price. If DS can undercut or closely match established rivals such as the BMW iX1, Audi Q4 e-tron and Volvo EX40, the No.7 has all the ingredients to attract buyers looking for a premium SUV with genuine style, luxury and uniqueness. It may not have the badge appeal of the German brands, but it’s arguably one of the most interesting and luxurious alternatives in the segment.
___________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year