Certain car manufacturers are convinced people need more crossover coupes, preferably with partially or fully electrified power, so they are prepping them as we speak. DS Automobiles has one such model in the making, which will be the spiritual successor to the DS 9 sedan.
Details surrounding its name are unknown, as the French premium auto brand, which is part of Stellantis, might either call it the DS 8 or the DS 9. And if you feel like that quirky styling is somewhat familiar, then you most certainly remember the company's Aero Sport Lounge Concept from four years ago.
Mind you, the overall styling was seriously toned down for production. The upcoming model has a pair of slim LED headlamps accompanied by an intricate DRL (daytime running light) signature that protrudes into the bumper, a closed-off grille as this tester was electric, and a decent-sized air intake below it.
The sloping roofline, which was heavily arched behind the C-pillars, gives it a sporty profile and makes it look like a high-riding fastback sedan. Nevertheless, we reckon DS automobiles would want us to refer to it as a crossover coupe. The tester had black five-spoke alloys wrapped in snow tires for the cold-weather testing in northern Europe and a rather clean tailgate flanked by slim taillights. The rear license plate sits in a recess on the bumper, and further down, it has a sporty diffuser with a multi-fin styling.
Photo: Baldauf
Word has it that DS' yet-unnamed flagship uses the STLA Medium platform. This is the foundation stone of the latest Peugeot e-3008 and will also be used by the next Jeep Compass, future Opel Grandland, and other upcoming models. As you already know, the platform supports both ICE and EV powertrains, and besides the all-quiet proposals that should make up most of the lineup, we also expect the DS 8/DS 9 to launch with at least one plug-in hybrid. After all, DS plans to launch only EVs and PHEVs as of 2025.
Certain outlets state this model will come to life at Melfi in Italy and will be closely tied to the successor of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. It should also get a tech-infused cockpit featuring gesture control, voice commands, and maybe a clever infotainment system and digital gauge cluster duo said to be projected onto a large glass panel by a few nodes in the dashboard, boasting two focal lengths. This means the driver will see the usual information, whereas the passenger will be able to watch videos on the go.
It is possible that the upcoming DS flagship model is due at the end of the year or in early 2025 and should launch shortly after the unveiling. But what's your take on the quirky look?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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