2025 DS N°8, French electric flagship, unveiled

France's DS unveiled the N°8 on Thursday, an electric crossover with coupe-like styling, presented as the brand's new flagship and the first model powered solely by batteries.

Its shape is more akin to a high-riding sedan with a fastback roof than a conventional crossover. [N°8's design was foretold in the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept presented in 2020, and its name introduces the brand's new naming strategy.

Underpinning the car is Sterantis' STLA medium platform, designed to support both EVs and plug-in hybrids. The platform debuted last year in the Peugeot 3008 compact crossover and will be used in several vehicles sold in the U.S., including the redesigned Jeep Compass, which will be available in Europe next year and in the U.S. in 2026.

With the N°8, buyers can choose between single-motor front-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive. The most powerful setup delivers 350 hp, with a boost feature that temporarily raises output to 375 hp; DS says the 0-62 mph time in this configuration is 5.4 seconds and the top speed is 118 mph.

Front-wheel drive models will be powered by a 74 kwh or 97.2 kwh battery. All-wheel drive models will come standard with a larger battery; DS gives the front-wheel drive model with the 97.2 kwh battery a maximum range of 466 miles under the WLTP cycle used overseas. Using the more stringent EPA test cycle, a lower estimate would be expected.

The N°8's overall length is just under 190 inches, but due to the packaging advantages of the EV platform, interior space is similar to some larger vehicles. The interior design uses many angular details that mirror the exterior design, and according to DS, the various shapes help achieve a low aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.24. The angularity extends to the steering wheel, which features a distinctive X pattern. Premium features include active suspension, a heads-up display, and night vision.

Production will take place at the Sterantis plant in Melfi, Italy, and sales in markets where DS operates are expected to begin by mid-2025. There are currently no plans to expand DS to the U.S.