We’ve updated this article with live images of the 2023 DS-7 from its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show that runs Oct 17-23, 2022. Check out our complete coverage of the show here.
Following its debut in June and the release of pricing details in September, the facelifted DS 7 Crossback is making its public debut in Paris with fresh styling cues, more tech, and the addition of a more powerful plug-in hybrid variant at the top of the range.
Spicy Pricing For The French SUV
DS Automobiles announced indicative prices for the DS 7 in France, with the configurator going live on the official website. Predictably, prices have gone up compared to the outgoing model, following the market’s trends.
DS 7 BlueHDi 130 Automatic Bastille: €44,700 ($45,438)
DS 7 E-Tense 225 Performance Line: €55,100 ($56,010)
DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 300 Rivoli: €58,300 ($59,344)
DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 300 Opera: €64,600 ($65,667)
DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 360 La Premiere: €78,400 ($79,695)
The close-to-€80k figure sounds too high for a premium compact SUV. In fact, the flagship DS 7 is more expensive than the larger BMW X3 xDrive30e (€62,250) PHEV, getting into the territory of the much larger entry-level ICE-powered BMW X5 (from €74,600).
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Still, we have to acknowledge that the French SUV is more powerful than its plug-in hybrid rivals, including the Alfa Romeo Tonale, BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The aforementioned SUVs are expected to be cheaper even compared to the lesser DS 7 E-Tense 225 which is a closer match in terms of power and performance. Interestingly, the mechanically-related Peugeot 3008 in its top-spec GT trim is around €10k cheaper than the equivalent DS 7, but then again, DS is positioned as a more premium brand in the market.
Focus On Plug-In Hybrids
Setting aside the entry-level 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel engine producing 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS), the facelifted DS 7 range is dominated by electrified powertrains. All of them are using the turbo 1.6-liter petrol as a base, combined with one or two electric motors, and a new 14.2 kWh battery offering up to 65 km (40 miles) of EV-only range.
The FWD-only E-Tense 225 has a combined output of 222 hp (166 kW / 225 PS), while the E-Tense 4×4 300 steps up the game with dual electric motors for a combined 296 hp (220 kW / 300 PS). On top, there’s the E-Tense 4×4 360, which brings the more impressive figure of 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS). The latter accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.6 seconds, and benefits from a model-specific chassis setup by DS Performance, including lowered suspension, wider tracks, and larger brakes.
Interestingly there is no mention of the 1.2 Puretech and 1.6 Puretech petrol engines which were said to be carried over in the updated DS 7, although their availability could be limited to specific markets.
Premium Equipment
We talked about prices and powertrains, but the available features are quite important for a premium SUV offering. All of the E-Tense PHEVs come standard with the DS Active Scan Suspension, featuring a camera that scans the road ahead to optimize damping on each wheel accordingly. Also standard on the electrified DS 7 models is the new DS Iris infotainment system housed in the central 12-inch touchscreen and a new 12-inch digital instrument cluster. All trims besides Bastille and Performance Line come standard with the DS Pixel Led Vision 3.0 headlights which were introduced with the facelift, although the DS Light Veil DRLs are featured in every single facelifted DS 7.
Each trim brings different wheels (from 18-inches up to 21-inches) plus different color and trim options inside the cabin, including the Peruzzi Bronze Cloth (Bastile), Deep Black Alcantara (Performance Line), Basalt Black Leather (Rivoli), Nappa/Grain Leather (Opera). The DS 7 Opera is packed with features including heated, massaging, and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, an electric panoramic sunroof, laminated acoustic side windows, and the full DS Drive Assist package of Level 2 autonomous driving.
Also Read: DS Design Chief Thinks Covering The Dash With Screens “Is A Little Bit Stupid”
Finally, the La Premiere is further distinguished by the exclusive 21-inch Brooklyn alloy wheels, DS Performance badges, and gloss black accents all around the exterior. As the flagship of the range based on the Opera trim, it comes standard with all the aforementioned features, adding the premium Focal sound system, the DS Night Vision, and the new DS Driver Attention Monitoring which are included in optional packages for the other trims.
The facelifted DS 7 is produced in Mulhouse, France for global markets and in Shenzen, China for the Chinese market. The SUV reached DS Stores in Europe on September 16, though customer deliveries will start towards the end of the year. Besides the DS 7, the current range of DS Automobiles includes the DS 3 subcompact SUV, the DS 4 compact hatchback, and the DS 9 flagship sedan.