New DS flagship: chic, aero-focused EV to draw on 1960s heritage

• All-new electric car from DS
• Focus on aerodynamics
• Design to draw from brand’s heritage

The premium car market might be in for a shakeup, as French carmaker DS reveals that an all-new electric flagship could be on the way. The upcoming BMW and Audi rival would serve as the spearhead for the brand’s new EV-only future, ushering in a new era of design for the brand that leans heavily into its rich heritage.

Spun off from Citroen in 2014, DS sits as the premium offering in the Stellantis group, but it’s never enjoyed quite the same sales success as established German rivals such as BMW and Mercedes. A new flagship model that draws inspiration from the iconic and well-loved Citroen DS models of the 20th century could be what the carmaker needs to break into the mainstream as it looks to shift towards an all-electric future.

What will the new DS flagship look like?

We spoke with DS CEO Olivier François to find out about the future of DS and its plans for its next flagship model. He told us, “DS is going electric. I think that’s a good time for DS because we are the only new brand with a legacy. Not a legacy with a DNA, but with a pedigree. That’s very interesting.”

Speaking further about what DS could draw from its legacy, François says, “There are a few cars in automotive history that have become iconic because they are extremely aerodynamic. [The UK] may have the Jaguar E-Type, but for sure, the [Citroen] DSs of the sixties and seventies were exactly that. They had this incredibly iconic look, an iconic design that everyone recognised, everyone loves and everyone remembers.”

“If we can tie back to this design DNA, we can have the best-looking and, more importantly, the most meaningful aero-designed electric car in a world of new brands where we are ourselves a new brand.”

Our exclusive preview image gives an impression of this new direction of aero-focused design, leaning into the low-slung, sleek profile of the original Citroen DS. A slim air intake at the front would provide cooling for the battery pack, while rear wheel covers could be used to reduce drag. A similar daytime-running light design to that used for the DS7 SUV might be used to provide the electric DS with a recognisable visual motif.

What do we know about the specs and performance of the new DS?

As DS falls under the ownership of parent-brand Stellantis, its new model is likely to make use of the new STLA Large platform, recently deployed under the new Jeep Wagoneer S, along with other EV componentry shared between sister brands.

Talking to us about the different EV ingredients available to DS, Francois said, “it’s very, very exciting. We are going to have a 700-plus kilometre [435-mile] range, and DS will be one of the very first to introduce this battery, which is absolutely perfect. It comes at a cost, but DS is premium, so it’s perfectly fine.”

There’s even a possibility that an adjustable hydraulic suspension system could return, like the one used in the original Citroen DS, with Francois saying, “I still love the idea of the hydraulic suspension. Not just to go down when you drive, but to go up to facilitate ingress. I mean, people now love SUVs for that.”

When will the new DS flagship be released?

DS has yet to confirm a timeline for its new electric flagship, but we know that Stellantis plans to launch eight new EVs on its STLA Large platform from 2024 to 2026. So far, only models from Jeep, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Maserati are confirmed to be on the way, but that still leaves room for the new DS to appear within the next 48 months.

Read our in-depth review of the DS 9, the French marque’s current range-topper…