The time has come for a restyling for the DS 7, the French premium brand’s biggest SUV. A new version that changes in depth (and in name, abandoning the Crossback label), as Thierry Métroz, head of Ds design since 2013, points out. “This model now has a completely new personality. We worked on the front end, which is very close to what we saw on the Ds 4. The objective? To create a new family feeling between our cars that follows a new direction,” Métroz tells us.
The designers defined the new headlamp design that has strong references to the Aero Sport Lounge concept unveiled in 2020. The light signature develops a more expressive look while the combination of the new, slimmer Ds Pixel Led Vision 3.0 headlights and daytime running lights gives the front end a fresher style. “We have also redesigned the grille which is now very similar to the one on the Ds 4 to increase sportiness,” continues Métroz.
One radical choice was the abandonment of chrome, one of the strongest features of the previous Ds 7. “When we froze the design of the previous version, chrome was a must. Today all premium brands have abandoned them and we too decided to do a detox operation to follow this direction. The result is a more modern and elegant design, absolutely premium,’ says the French designer.
Speaking of sportiness, the Ds 7 is also available for the first time in the 360 horsepower Ds Performance version, “my favourite”, confesses Métroz, which is launched in Platinum Grey specifically for the trim, 21-inch wheels, a lowered set-up and widened track. “While respecting the personality and elegance of the existing shape, we have added an extra touch of dynamism with punchy elements. The interior retained the general layout of the previous version with two 12-inch (floating) instrument and infotainment displays, while for materials the designers made extensive use of Nappa leather or Alcantara. “Our materials have always been at the top of the class in terms of quality, a choice we will continue to adopt for all our models to come in the future,” concludes Métroz.
