DS No.7 Review (2026) | French Luxury
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
DS 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.
What'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.
DS 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.
Charging
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.
Verdict: 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.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
DS N°8 launched in Ireland
DS Automobiles has introduced the flagship DS N°8 luxury electric car to Ireland, with pricing starting from €56,495.
The DS N°8 is part of a revamped DS line-up of cars and SUVs that also includes the DS N°4 hatchback. Before the end of the year, the new DS N°7 family SUV will join too.
The charismatic DS N°8 fastback features the best of the French premium car brand, with an elegant, aerodynamic design and luxurious interior with premium materials like Nappa leather and Alcantara.
It's available with the choice of two different batteries: the 73kWh with up to 550 kilometre range and the 97kWh with up to 750 kilometres.
There are front wheel drive versions on sale, along with all wheel drive reserved for the top of the range 97kWh with 350hp.
DS N°8 is available in Ireland in two trim levels: Pallas and Etoile. Standard features include a 16-inch central touchscreen, 12.25-inch instrument cluster, head-up display and digital rear view mirror. There's also 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
Etoile versions add active scan suspension for more comfort, 21-inch alloy wheels and the option of a black bonnet.
DS N°8 Pricing for Ireland
PALLAS
- FWD 230hp (Standard Range): €56,495 (After State Subsidies)
- FWD 245hp (Long Range): €64,995
ÉTOILE
- FWD 230hp: €62,995
- FWD 245hp: €67,995
- AWD 350hp: €73,995
Alan Kilroy, Managing Director of DS Automobiles Ireland, said:
“DS N°8 and DS N°4 mark a major step forward for DS in Ireland, showcasing our commitment to electrification, design and comfort. With the new DS N°7 SUV arriving later this year for 271 registration period, we will have a fully refreshed line-up, giving Irish customers a compelling premium alternative across every key segment.”
DS N°4 on sale in Ireland
DS Automobiles has enhanced its line-up in Ireland with the arrival of the new DS N°4 compact hatchback.
It's a significantly updated version of the former DS4 from the French luxury carmaker that's been on sale since 2022.
The DS N°4 now gets the new face of the brand, just like the newly launched DS N°8 flagship executive car. It features a bold new front design with an illuminated grille and distinctive light signature, as well as DS badge that can light up for the very first time.
There are two trim levels for the DS N°4 range in Ireland in 2026: Pallas and Etoile.
Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels and a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrading to the Etoile adds more luxurious features like Alcantara seat upholstery, power adjustment for the front seats, matrix LED headlamps and a head-up display.
For 2026, DS Automobiles has also adjusted the engine line-up. The plug-in hybrid has been removed from sale and there's no diesel option for now. Instead buyers can choose from the Hybrid 145 with fuel consumption as low as 5.2-litres per 100 kilometres, or a full battery electric with up to 450 kilometres of range from a 58kWh battery.
The hybrid range starts from €35,995 for the Pallas and from €42,995 for the Etoile.
The electric starts from €44,010 for the Pallas and from €49,870 for the Etoile.