“DS 9 2023 Model Year: Luxury Plug-In Sedan Competes with German and Swedish Brands”

Even in the 2023 model year, the flagship of the French brand continues to bet exclusively on plug-ins. However, it adds comfort, luxury and modern technology to keep up with the more established German and Swedish competition.

The DS 9 sedan, which is produced exclusively in China for global markets, is a minority issue, at least in the Czech Republic. An attempt to rival the Audi A6, BMW 5, Mercedes E and Volvo S90 on our market in the first four months of this year saw only one registration. For example, the more expensive Lexus LS and Rolls-Royce Wraith have the same number. Nevertheless, the Czech Republic also received a slightly revised design for the 2023 model year.

This remains true to the pair of plug-in hybrid drives, the basis of which is the PureTech 16-cylinder gasoline engine. But while the basic version of the E-Tense 250 with a system output of 184 kilowatts (from CZK 1,875,000) spins only the front axle, the top version of the E-Tense 360 ​​4×4 with 265 kW (minimum of CZK 2,275,000) essentially adds the rear as well wheels assisted by another electric motor. Both plug-ins have a battery with a capacity of 15.6 kWh, which according to official data is enough for 62 to 75 emission-free kilometers.

New for both versions is the DS Iris System multimedia system with a twelve-inch central display and a fully configurable interface. There are also widgets for quick access to selected components of the system, online navigation with three-dimensional display, monitoring of current traffic, display of zones with speed controls (if the legislation of the given country allows it) or a panoramic parking system with new high-resolution cameras for an even sharper image . In addition, the multimedia is connected to the MyDS mobile application, which allows you to send destinations from your phone to the DS 9 car’s display, program the cabin temperature or battery charge, check the battery charge status or data from previous trips, receive proactive maintenance alerts or use the digital remote control to lock the vehicle and unlock the door, turn on the lights or blow the horn.

The 2023 model year also brings the new Opéra equipment level, which includes as standard the camera-controlled suspension DS Active Scan Suspension, an extended safety package with semi-autonomous control level 2 DS Drive Assist, DS Driver Attention Monitoring systems and night vision, or comfort-enhancing elements such as Focal Electra hi-fi system, DS Pack Lounge for rear seat passengers including rear luxury center armrest in leather, Lounge headrests on side seats, buttons for moving the front passenger seat from the rear seats, extended dual-zone automatic climate control and heated rear seats with with a massage function and side seat ventilation, as well as a sunroof, an electrically operated boot lid, a heated windscreen and an alarm. This second of the three levels will be available with a trio of colored interiors in Rubis red, basalt black and Perle grey.

Regardless of the shade chosen, the elegance of the Opéra trim is embodied in Nappa leather on the seats with the DS logo embossed on the front of the headrests, on the rear bench, on the center console and on the extended dashboard. The red and black interior is additionally decorated with exclusive and charming Art Leather elements. Another new feature of the DS 9 model year 23 is the ceiling upholstery in Alcantara in Galet gray.

The Esprit de Voyage line stands one step higher, which will only be connected to a more powerful plug-in. In this case, the interior is characterized by light and bright shades, the seats in Nappa leather are all in the shade of Pearl Gray with the motif of the Bracelet watch strap. The center panel, decorative elements on the instrument panel and door panels are in Pearl Gray Nappa leather. The ceiling upholstery is entirely made of Alcantara in the gray shade of Galet, the armrests in the doors are also in the same shade, as well as the border of the front and rear carpets with specific Zéphir stitching. The Pearl Gray Nappa leather on the panel below the center display has been heat-embossed using a technique developed by DS Automobiles experts, giving it a uniquely plastic appearance. The Clou de Paris motif, taken from the legendary guilloche pattern used by Parisian watchmakers, symbolizes where DS Design Studio Paris is located. The rays emanating from it create a map of Europe. Created for the Esprit de Voyage version, this design is executed in several different ways in this collection. The same lines are repeated on the thresholds and the logo on the front doors and on the mirror caps decorated with laser engraving.

Author: Ondrej Šamal