{"id":68087,"date":"2025-08-15T02:18:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T06:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/ds-7-reinvented-as-all-electric-suv-aims-to-revive-french-brands-fortunes\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T02:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T06:18:06","slug":"ds-7-reinvented-as-all-electric-suv-aims-to-revive-french-brands-fortunes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/ds-7-reinvented-as-all-electric-suv-aims-to-revive-french-brands-fortunes\/","title":{"rendered":"DS 7 Reinvented as All Electric SUV Aims to Revive French Brand\u2019s Fortunes"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s Changing with the New DS 7 and Why Should You Care?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been following the evolution of DS Automobiles, you know the brand has had its ups and downs\u2014especially in the wake of the pandemic. European sales dropped by 22% last year, and the company\u2019s parent, Stellantis, even considered selling the marque. But now, DS is making a bold move to turn things around with the second-generation DS 7, an SUV that\u2019s not just getting a facelift but a complete reinvention. And yes, it\u2019s going all-in on electric.<\/p>\n

Why Is DS Ditching Combustion Engines for the New 7?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest: the writing\u2019s been on the wall for combustion engines in Europe for a while. With increasingly strict emissions regulations and a growing appetite for EVs, DS\u2019s decision to launch the new 7 exclusively as an electric vehicle isn\u2019t just trendy\u2014it\u2019s strategic. The new DS 7 will ride on the STLA Medium platform, a cutting-edge architecture from Stellantis designed specifically for electric powertrains.<\/p>\n

This move positions the DS 7 right alongside heavy hitters like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, both of which are setting the pace for premium electric SUVs. For DS, it\u2019s a chance to compete where the action is hottest, rather than playing catch-up in a shrinking combustion market.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s New Under the Hood (and Floor) of the DS 7?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s where things get interesting. The STLA Medium platform isn\u2019t just a buzzword\u2014it\u2019s a game-changer. The new DS 7 will offer two battery sizes and three powertrain options:<\/p>\n

– A 73.7kWh battery paired with a 256bhp front-wheel-drive setup, delivering up to 355 miles of range.
\n– A larger 97.2kWh battery with 276bhp, stretching the range to an impressive 466 miles.
\n– A top-tier twin-motor, all-wheel-drive version boasting 345bhp and a 407-mile range.<\/p>\n

These numbers aren\u2019t just competitive\u2014they\u2019re leading the pack. For context, the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association shows that average EV ranges in 2023 hovered around 250-300 miles, so DS is clearly aiming to outdo the status quo.<\/p>\n

Could There Be a Gasoline Version Down the Road?<\/p>\n

While the launch focus is squarely on electric, DS isn\u2019t slamming the door on combustion entirely. The STLA Medium platform can accommodate an internal combustion engine, and DS\u2019s own product boss, Cyprien Laurentie, has hinted that it\u2019s \u201ca possibility\u201d for the future. For now, though, the plan is to go electric-only, at least at launch, following the precedent set by the new DS N\u00ba8 flagship.<\/p>\n

How Is the Design Evolving? Will It Stand Out?<\/p>\n

Design has always been DS\u2019s calling card, and the new 7 is no exception. Even under heavy camouflage, test mules show off a flatter front fascia, a more pronounced nose, and a wraparound light bar\u2014styling cues borrowed from the striking DS N\u00ba8. The new model is also larger than its predecessor, giving it more road presence and, presumably, more interior space.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t just about looking good in a showroom. In the premium SUV segment, first impressions matter, and DS is betting that a bold, modern design language will help it stand out in a crowded field.<\/p>\n

Why Is This Launch So Critical for DS?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not sugarcoat it: DS needs a win. The current DS 7 and DS 9 managed just over 500 combined sales in the UK this year before being pulled, with the 7 accounting for more than 90% of those. That\u2019s a drop in the ocean compared to rivals. But DS\u2019s new boss, Xavier Peugeot, is clear that it\u2019s not just about chasing volume. In his words, \u201cThe premium market is a quarter of the sales volumes, but it makes up 40% of the profits.\u201d In other words, it\u2019s better to sell fewer cars at higher margins than to chase mass-market numbers.<\/p>\n

The new DS 7 is also part of a broader strategy to refresh the entire DS lineup, alongside the N\u00ba8 and the upcoming N\u00ba4. After several years without major launches, this is DS\u2019s chance to reassert itself as a serious player in the premium segment.<\/p>\n

How Does the DS 7 Stack Up Against the Competition?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a tough crowd out there. The BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are both formidable, with strong brand recognition and loyal followings. But DS is carving out a niche by focusing on design, technology, and electric performance. With longer range options and a fresh look, the new 7 could appeal to buyers who want something a little different from the usual German suspects.<\/p>\n

Real-world example: In Norway, one of Europe\u2019s most advanced EV markets, buyers are increasingly looking beyond established brands for something unique. DS\u2019s French flair and attention to detail could resonate with those who want to stand out without sacrificing performance or range.<\/p>\n

What Should You Watch for Next?<\/p>\n

The second-generation DS 7 is expected to be revealed next year, and anticipation is building. If DS can deliver on its promises\u2014especially on range, design, and tech\u2014it could mark a turning point for the brand. For buyers, it means another compelling option in the fast-growing electric SUV market.<\/p>\n

The bottom line? DS isn\u2019t just updating a model\u2014it\u2019s betting its future on the new 7. Whether you\u2019re a longtime fan or just EV-curious, this is one launch worth keeping an eye on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"DS<\/a><\/p>\n

Second-generation SUV will arrive next year, and could offer electric power exclusively<\/p>\n

\n

The second-generation DS 7<\/a> will arrive next year, with the new SUV set to be sold exclusively with an electric powertrain as it moves onto a new platform, putting it in the sights of the incoming BMW iX3<\/a> and Mercedes-Benz GLC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Arriving eight years after the current model first went on sale in the UK, it will be the latest addition to a new-look DS line-up headed by the new N\u00ba8 flagship<\/a>. The DS range is being heavily refreshed as part of a plan to rejuvenate the French brand following a difficult period post-Covid. This downturn culminated in European sales dipping 22% last year.<\/p>\n

The first pictures of the new DS 7 testing on public roads come as the current car along with the 9 (which has been indirectly\u00a0replaced in the line-up by the N\u00ba8) have been pulled from the UK range. The pair amassed just over 500 combined sales in the UK this year before being withdrawn \u2013 and more than 90% of those were 7s.<\/p>\n

In a bid to give the 7 prominence in the new electric SUV segment in which it will now compete, it has been heavily redesigned and, as suggested by road-going test mules, made larger than the car it replaces.<\/p>\n

The design of the 7 will be influenced by last year\u2019s segment-straddling N\u00ba8, which ushered in a new design language for DS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"DS<\/p>\n

Despite being covered by heavy camouflage, the disguised 7 mule appears to carry some elements from the N\u00ba8, including a flat front fascia, raised nose and wraparound light bar.<\/p>\n

The biggest changes, however, will be underneath,\u00a0with the second-generation SUV moving to the STLA Medium<\/a> platform.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This will enable the car to be offered with two battery choices and three powertrains: the 73.7kWh pack in the 256bhp front-wheel-drive model has a 355-mile range; a 97.2kWh unit in the 276bhp front-drive version extends the range to 466 miles; and the top-rung twin-motor option has 345bhp and the bigger battery for a range of 407 miles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Combustion power is not part of the 7\u2019s launch plan,\u00a0but given the new platform can accommodate an engine, it is potentially not off the table. DS future products boss Cyprien Laurentie previously told Autocar it was \u201ca possibility\u201d that the N\u00ba8, which uses the same STLA Medium platform as the 7, could be offered with an ICE powertrain in the future. The N\u00ba8 is the only car based on the architecture to be offered exclusively with electric power.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The second-generation 7 SUV is expected to be revealed next year, suggested new DS boss Xavier Peugeot. Without confi rming the 7 by name, he told Autocar last month: \u201cThere will be a third [after N\u00ba8 and N\u00ba4] major reveal next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking about what a new addition to the line-up would mean for the struggling firm, he added: \u201cAfter three to four years without any major product launches, it is important for us to initialise this new step in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"DS<\/p>\n

The addition of the 7 could also help to bolster DS\u2019s falling sales. Such has been its troubles that parent Stellantis questioned selling the car maker last year.<\/p>\n

However, Peugeot told Autocar that volumes weren\u2019t what DS was focused on: \u201cI have to say, I don\u2019t think we, a premium brand, should be managed with volumes only. Of course, it\u2019s important but not [the] only [metric].\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cThe premium market is a quarter of the sales volumes, but it makes up 40% of the profits. So you understand it\u2019s also relevant for a group like ours to have a premium brand like DS automobile.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-68087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68087"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68087\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}