A year after the official launch of the brand, and a mere matter of days after completing the modernisation of its entire European fleet, DS has again caused a stir with a unique vehicle: the DS E-TENSE. The sporty coupé concept will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, March 1st, and Auto&Design is publishing, exclusively, the complete design story on issue no. 217, coming out next week.
DS E-Tense a one-off, as much for its exterior design features as for the drive sensation it provides. The experience is one of luxury, high-tech capability and exceptional performance in one sleek package, this avant-garde creation opens the way to the future with a top-notch electric powertrain. Sculptural shapes, fluidity of line, perpetual motion – anyone and everyone who sets eyes on the DS E-Tense will instantly think of these three characteristics to describe it. With the silhouette of a grand tourer coupé emphasised by a central chrome-plated spine and an exclusive metallic green ametrine body colour, the concept kindles just one desire: to see this car drive.
The mind-set required to create exquisite jewelry and luxury watches was the influence behind the LED modules (DS Active LED Vision) fitted at the front, detail by detail; the notion of giving the customer that extra “plus” paramount at all times. The daytime running lights – picked out as if in beaded stitches, a nod to the world of high fashion – accentuate the car’s expressive gaze. At the rear, the indicators integrated into the roof are inspired by the DS 1955. Finally, the light signature’s show stoppers are the tail lamps: equipped with full LED technology and scale-like in design, they seem to spring to life whenever the car is in use, setting the trend for future DS models.
As for the car’s interior, it is an example of the alchemy that occurs when French-style luxury savoir-faire is combined with superior materials. Other noteworthy features include the cold steel used for the dashboard, creating a futuristic look, and the strongly marked tulip-shape of the steering wheel. The ultimate confirmation of this attention to detail specific to DS is the guilloché work with the clous de Paris (hobnail) pattern around the toggle switches of the central console.
