Ds, a brand of the Stellantis group, presented the N°8, the French brand’s first 100% electric model. The flagship will be produced at the Italian plant in Melfi and inaugurates a new naming philosophy. To embody elegance and glamour, ‘N°’ is now included in the model’s name, meaning ‘number’ in French, with the ‘°’ sign on the rear of the car designed like the tip of a diamond, a symbol of perfection and purity, the epitome of the Ds brand. This approach, with ‘N°’ alongside the actual number, acts as a link between the model names of the existing range and the brand’s future ones: this new model naming convention will be maintained throughout the future range.
The new model is inspired by the Aero Sport Lounge concept car. ‘Ds N°8 is a mix of character, with a strong identity at the front and rear, and elegance, visible in the purity of its aerodynamic fastback saloon profile, emphasised by a flowing roofline that continues all the way to the tailgate. We wanted to imagine the evolution of coupe SUVs, condensed into an efficient and elegant form with a spectacular and highly technological light signature,’ says Thierry Metroz, head of design at DS. The exterior dimensions give the N°8 balance: 4.82 m long, 1.90 m wide and 1.58 m high. At the front there is a new light signature while the grille is illuminated by vertical lines and the logo.
The three-module headlights are defined by eight LEDs that echo the Clous de Paris theme, evoking the embossed finish of the interior. The N°8 is the first Ds to adopt the vertical light signature on the front to make it instantly recognisable at night, at a distance of over 100 metres. The trihedral shape of the vertical lights improves airflow separation at the rear. Finally, scaled patterns finish the inside of the tapered horizontal tail lights. They are now three-dimensional to be more dramatic.
N°8 has a cabin that embodies French comfort, serenity and luxury. The large dashboard replicates the car’s sleek contours and envelops the occupants in seamless design. The embossed Clous de Paris inserts on the steering wheel and air vents, as well as the pearl stitching on the dashboard and armrests, iconic elements of DS Automobiles, are still present. Together with the Nappa leather upholstery with a metal strap design, these essential details contribute to declining the art of travel according to French savoir-faire, the brand’s manifesto.
