The new DS 9 becomes the top of the range of the French brand… and (thankfully) it's no longer an SUV. It is the most classic of the typologies, a three-volume sedan and points directly to segment D. However, its dimensions — 4.93 m long and 1.85 m wide — place it practically in the segment above.
Underneath its three volumes we find the EMP2, the Grupo PSA platform that also serves the Peugeot 508, although here it is in an extended version. What this means is that the new DS 9, like the other models that derive from the EMP2, is a front-wheel drive with an engine in front transverse position, but it can also have all-wheel drive.
Plug-in hybrids for every taste
All-wheel drive is courtesy of an electrified rear axle, as we've already seen on the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense, only instead of the SUV's 300 hp, in the new DS 9 the power will rise to an even juicier 360 hp.
Electrification will not only be present in the top version of the new DS 9… In fact, there will be three electrified engines, all of them plug-in hybrids, called E-Tense.
The 360 hp version will not, however, be the first to be released. The DS 9 will come to us first, in a more affordable variant with a combined total power of 225 hp and front-wheel drive , the result of the combination of the 1.6 PureTech engine with an electric motor of 80 kW (110 hp) and a torque of 320 Nm. The transmission is carried out through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the only option available on all DS 9.
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Later, a second front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid variant will appear, with 250 hp and greater autonomy — engine that will accompany the launch of the DS 9 in China, where it will be exclusively produced. Finally, there will also be a pure-gasoline version with 225 hp PureTech.
The electrical "half"
In the first variant to be launched, the 225 hp one, the electric machine is powered by a 11.9 kWh battery, which results in autonomy in electric mode between 40 km and 50 km. In this zero emission mode, the top speed is 135 km/h.
Electric mode is accompanied by two more driving modes: hybrid and E-Tense Sport , which adjusts the mapping of the accelerator pedal, gearbox, steering and piloted suspension.
In addition to the driving modes, there are other functions such as the “B” function, selected through the transmission selector, which reinforces regenerative braking; and the E-Save function, which allows you to save battery power for later use.
The new DS 9 comes with a 7.4 kW on-board charger, taking 1 hour and 30 minutes to charge the battery at home or public charging points.
Heated, refrigerated and massage seats… at the back
DS Automobiles wants to give rear passengers the same comfort that we find at the front, which is why they created the DS LOUNGE concept which aims to offer “a first-class experience to all occupants of the DS 9”.
Space shouldn't be lacking in the back, thanks to the DS 9's vast 2.90 m wheelbase, but the stars are the seats. These can be heated, cooled and massaged , like the front ones, a first in the segment. The central armrest at the rear was also the focus of attention from DS Automobiles, being covered in leather, incorporating storage spaces and USB plugs, in addition to the massage and lighting controls.
Personalization is also one of the arguments of the DS 9, with the “DS Inspirations” options, which offer several themes for the interior, some named after the city of Paris neighborhoods — DS Inspiration Bastille, DS Inspiration Rivoli, DS Inspiration Performance Line, DS Inspiration Opera.
There are several themes for the interior. Here in the Opera version, with Art Rubis Nappa leather…
piloted suspension
We saw it in the DS 7 Crossback and it will also be part of the DS 9's arsenal. The DS Active Scan Suspension uses a camera that reads the road, several sensors — level, accelerometers, powertrain — that record every movement, preparing in advance the damping of each wheel, taking into account the irregularities of the floor. Everything to elevate comfort levels, at the same time with high levels of safety.Technology
As it could not be otherwise, and in addition being the top of the range of the brand, the DS 9 also comes equipped with a heavy technological arsenal, especially those that refer to driving assistants.
DS 9 E-TENSE Performance Line
Under the name DS Drive Assist, various components and systems work together (adaptive cruise control, lane maintenance assistant, camera, etc.), giving the DS 9 the possibility of level 2 semi-autonomous driving (up to speeds of 180 km/h).
The DS Park Pilot allows you to park automatically, after detecting a place (passing through it up to 30 km/h) and its respective selection through the touchscreen by the driver. The vehicle can be parked parallel or in a herringbone.
Under the name DS Safety we also find various driving aid functions: DS Night Vision (night vision thanks to an infrared camera); DS Driver Attention Monitoring (driver fatigue alert); DS Active LED Vision (adapts in width and range to driving conditions and vehicle speed); and DS Smart Access (vehicle access with smartphone).
When arrives?
With a public presentation scheduled for the week at the Geneva Motor Show, the DS 9 will start to be sold during the first half of 2020. Prices have not yet been announced.
