DS 7 (2022 - )

If you're considering a luxury SUV, a model with roots in Citroen might not be your first thought. 

However, that's the essence of the DS brand, which emerged in 2009 to signify luxury within Citroen. It became an independent marque in 2014, focusing on refined designs that stand apart from Citroen, even if some share similar underpinnings.

Today, we're examining the DS 7 - the brand's largest SUV - in Rivoli E-Tense 4x4 300 guise. Launched in 2017 as the DS 7 Crossback, it dropped the "Crossback" name after a facelift in 2022.

Targeting rivals such as Audi, BMW, and Volvo, along with the Mazda CX-5, the question is how it fares in this competitive segment. Let's find out.

The DS 7’s lower grille is divided by a horizontal bar directly beneath the registration plate. It features claw-like daytime running lights that appear to cascade down the front at either side while the headlights gently taper towards the centre.

From the side view, the French car presents a less aggressive stance, characterised by indentations and elegantly sculpted side skirts alongside a subtly sloping roofline.

At the rear, the taillights are slender and horizontally arranged, joined by a strip bearing the words ‘DS AUTOMOBILES’ in a small, spaced font. The logo is positioned underneath this strip, nestled between the registration plate, just above two rear fog lights. The lower bodywork is styled to resemble a diffuser, with impressively large tailpipes on either side.

Overall, it boasts a striking exterior that exudes sophistication and, from certain angles, an athletic appeal. It certainly holds its own when compared with models like the Audi Q3 or the BMW X1.

The interior strikes a balance with a captivating design that includes a concave dashboard, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and impressive infotainment screen adorned with silver accents.

However, while many surfaces feel pleasant to the touch, the fit and finish don't quite match the standard of established German brands, with some materials feeling cheap and disjointed.

As an aside, DS has recently simplified its trim levels, now offering just two: Pallas and Etoile. Previously, models like Performance Line, Rivoli, and Opera were available, along with limited editions like La Premiere and Esprit de Voyage.

For testing, we received a 2024 edition in the Rivoli trim, as mentioned. This model features 20-inch alloys, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a DAB radio, satellite navigation, and a digital instrument cluster. Keyless entry, heated massage front seats, pixel LED headlights, chrome roof rails, a basalt black leather interior, and an analogue timepiece are also included.

The infotainment touchscreen is visually appealing and responsive, with customisable features and shortcut buttons. However, the buttons may be too small for some to use reliably while driving. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster effectively displays navigation information and can be customised to show your preferred data.

It is worth noting that the Pallas trim closely matches Rivoli, while Etoile is akin to the old Opera trim. The latter had extras like Nappa leather, ventilated seats, an electric tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof. The Pallas also now includes a panoramic sunroof, so it's wise to check the specifics before pulling the trigger.
 

The DS 7 E-Tense 4x4 300 certainly delivers on acceleration. It is capable of 140mph and completes the 0-62 mph dash in just 5.9 seconds.

During our drive in the E-Tense, we found that the engine activates and deactivates as needed. However, the transition isn't always as seamless as hoped, with several competitors managing a more refined performance. Nonetheless, it's not a significant drawback.

SUVs typically don't excel when it comes to handling, and while the DS 7 aims to position itself as a premium option, it has some catching up to do if it wants to throw down the gauntlet to established German brands like Audi and BMW.

The DS 7 offers plenty of grip, and the steering provides a lovely weight around corners, instilling confidence when navigating bends. However, if you push the limits too far, it doesn't exhibit the same level of composure as some of its more prestigious rivals.

Traditionally, car manufacturers often have to choose between comfort and handling, with few able to excel at both - Audi and BMW being notable exceptions. While the DS 7 may not quite reach their level, it's still comfortable for a vehicle with reasonably good handling, even if it's not as appealing as its German counterparts.

An impressive feature in the 4x4 E-Tense models is the Active Scan technology. When in Comfort mode, a camera analyses the road ahead and tweaks the adaptive suspension to tackle whatever terrain lies in front of it.

Ultimately, the DS 7 delivers excellent ride comfort without compromising on handling, and its performance is a plus.
 

Entering the DS 7, you're greeted by a sense of sophistication and luxury.

The Gallic whip features electric front seat adjustments, making it straightforward to achieve a spacious, comfortable driving position. The appealing massage function further enhances comfort, complemented by the pleasantly absorbent ride quality.

Both the seats and the electrically adjustable steering wheel offer ample movement, allowing you to sit in a commanding position when behind the wheel. Consequently, forward visibility is relatively good, although the front pillars are broad, and the windscreen has a swept-back design.

However, rear visibility falls short as the pillars are significantly thicker, and the large borders around the glass hinder your over-the-shoulder view. Fortunately, the vehicle has a 180-degree reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Plenty of space in the front provides generous headroom and legroom, even for taller adults. The back seats offer less room, making you feel a bit cramped. The sloping roofline and panoramic sunroof also deprive you of a few inches more in the rear. Furthermore, under-thigh support is not the best in the back, as your feet sit relatively high when resting flat on the floor compared with some competitors.

For convenience, higher trim levels feature a reclining rear bench and an adjustable boot floor. The boot measures 555 litres and can expand to 1,752 litres with the rear seats down.

Interior storage is impressive as well, featuring spacious, carpeted door bins, a large cubby in the centre console, a lidded compartment behind the gear lever, and two cupholders. However, the glove compartment could be larger.
 

The official mpg of the test car here is 223.3 - 154.9 mpg (WLTP) - and the electric range is 42-38 miles WLTP. CO2 emissions are 29-41 g/km (WLTP).

All models in the E-Tense range come with a 14.2kWh battery. Charging the hybrid via a 7.2kW home wall box takes three hours and 45 minutes to reach 100% capacity.

As DS is still a relatively new brand, it's challenging to accurately predict long-term reliability, although its parent company, Citroen, appears to perform quite well.

However, the warranty provided is just three years or 60,000 miles, which is less generous than many competitors' warranties, which offer either longer distances or even unlimited mileage. On the other hand, the battery system in the E-Tense range comes with a separate eight-year or 100,000-mile guarantee.

Whatever the case with warranties, when selecting a company car, opting for an E-Tense model is a shrewd choice due to the reduced Benefit in Kind tax. BiK banding is 12%, and the insurance group is 35E.
 

The DS 7 makes a good effort as a premium SUV, boasting numerous appealing features. 

With its distinctive aesthetics, a well-appointed interior, generous standard equipment, and practicality, it certainly holds its own, especially with the economical E-Tense. 

The comfort levels are fabulous, particularly in models equipped with the Active Scan technology, which comes factory-fitted on the all-wheel drive E-Tense models. Despite its cushioned ride, it handles acceptably well.

However, the DS 7 does face challenges. It lacks the sophistication of competitors like Audi and BMW, which provide greater refinement and higher-quality interior materials for a similar price. 

If DS had priced this model lower than its Teutonic foes, it would have a stronger case. Unfortunately, given the stiff competition, it comes across as steeply priced despite the potential savings offered by its plug-in hybrid setup. This is disappointing, as it is otherwise a rather commendable vehicle.