DS Automobiles has premiered the DS No7 SUV, heralding the first total renewal of a model since the brand’s inception in 2014.

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Replacing the outgoing DS 7, the new premium compact SUV aims to redefine the premium segment by “blending refinement, comfort and technology”.

As with its predecessor, DS No7 positions itself at the heart of the premium market in the compact SUV segment and “offers a distinctive style that combines generous onboard space with a refined, comfortable and bright interior”.

Its arrival follows the launch of the flagship DS No8 and the new model will usher in design elements from the brand’s flagship, including the DS Light Blade – a sharp V-shape light display – and illuminated DS ‘Luminascreen’ grille. Customers can further customise the look with a contrasting deep-black roof and 21-inch wheels.

It’s built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform – which also underpins models such as the Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland – and is 7cm longer than the DS 7, most of which goes to the wheelbase to maximise passenger legroom. Despite its more aerodynamic, curved roofline – inspired by the Aero Sport Lounge concept – the vehicle offers up to 560 litres of boot space, consolidating on one of the major strengths of DS, and also comes with a two-position boot floor.

Powertrain line-up will span a single hybrid along with three fully electric variants; the latter using the E-Tense sub-brand.

The E-Tense FWD Long Range variant leads the line-up in driving range. It features a 97.2kWh battery and a front motor producing 245hp. This model achieves the highest efficiency with a range of up to 460 miles.

The line-up will also include the E-Tense AWD Long Range, which employs the same 97.2kWh battery but adds a second electric motor to the rear axle for a total output of 375hp. Due to the extra weight and power, the range is slightly reduced to 422 miles.

The entry-level model is the E-Tense FWD Standard, which features a 73.7kWh battery and a single front-mounted 231hp electric motor. It offers an official range of up to 337 miles.

All of these powertrains have a boost function. The E-Tense FWD version can temporarily deliver up to 260hp, while the E-Tense FWD Long Range version reaches 280hp and the AWD version ups power to 375hp in these conditions.

All electric versions can charge at up to 160kW DC, enabling recovery of 118 miles of range in 10 minutes or a 20% to 80% recharge from 27 minutes. They’re also equipped as standard with an 11kW onboard charger and can be specified with an optional 22kW charger. Energy management is boosted by three-stage regenerative braking, which can be adjusted via the paddles behind the steering wheel, and the DS No7 also gets one-pedal driving.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling the DS No7 to power external electrical devices directly from the car’s high-voltage battery.

For customers not ready for full electrification, a hybrid version will be available from launch, teaming up a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 28hp electric motor in the gearbox for 145hp, 53mpg and CO2 emissions between 121 and 127g/km.

DS N°7 is also available with the Active Scan Suspension; a controlled damping system linked to a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen and able to anticipate road irregularities to “offer a remarkable balance between driving pleasure and comfort”.

Inside, the No7 is positioned as a “first-class” SUV. It features a suite of high-end assistance tools, including DS Drive Assist 2.0 for semi-autonomous driving, Night Vision and PixelVision lighting, extended head-up display, digital mode for the rearview mirror and next-gen connectivity.

Comfort-focused features include acoustic laminated glass in the front and rear doors to complement the acoustic laminated windscreen and the many damping materials arranged around the passenger compartment. There’s also an Electra 3D sound system by Focal, developed for DS Automobiles by the premium French audio specialist.

The front seats feature high-density foams alongside width-adjustable side bolsters and, depending on the version, offer heated, cooled and massaging functions, complemented by the DS neck warmer.

The cabin comes with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and16-inch central touchscreen integrated into the dashboard, along with the X-shaped steering wheel under the new DS Brand signature. Five interior “moods” are available.

“DS No7 embodies a new stage of maturity,” said Xavier Peugeot, CEO of DS Automobiles. “It stands as a key strategic milestone for the brand.”

The DS No7 goes on sale this autumn, with prices expected to start at around £40,000 for the hybrid version.