DS Automobiles has opened orders for its No8 SUV-coupé, springboarding plans to take the brand upmarket.

The No8 SUV-coupé provides a luxury flagship for DS

The brand’s new flagship is inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept and intended to inspire the avant-garde approach of the original DS introduced in 1955, which currently marks its 70th anniversary.

Key rivals include the Tesla Model Y, although the newcomer takes direct inspiration from Bentley.

Available in two specification levels, three electric drivetrains and either two- or four-wheel drive, it delivers power up to 350hp and range up to 466 miles.

The line-up starts with the N°8 (pronounced Number Eight) in Pallas trim and with a 74kWh (useable capacity) battery and 230hp front-mounted motor, delivering up to 260hp with its boost function. Priced from £50,790, it accelerates from zero to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and has a 341-mile range. The line-up also includes an Étoile FWD model, priced from £54,790.

The mid-range FWD Long Range is priced from £54,690 in Pallas grade and £59,290 for Étoile. This features a larger 97kWh battery, enabling the headline WLTP range of 466 miles, and a 245hp motor (280hp with boost) that gives 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.

At the top of the range is the Étoile AWD Long Range, priced from £63,290. It carries over the 97kWh battery but gains a dual-motor configuration, giving 350hp (375hp with boost) and all-wheel drive. Official WLTP range is 427 miles.

Regardless of drivetrain, the top speed of N°8 is limited to 118mph.

The No8 can charge at up to 160kW at a DC public charger, rising from 20 to 80% battery in 27 minutes. The 11kW onboard charger enables the same charge in six hours with a three-phase 11kW wallbox or eight hours 50 minutes at a 7.4 kW single-phase wallbox.

The Pallas trim comes with the DS Iris multi-media system with 3D connected navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry and start, front, lateral and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, regenerative braking, heated seats and heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, power tailgate with hands-free access and a head-up display.

The Étoile specification adds in the DS Luminascreen grille, DS Drive Assist 2.0, DS Pixel LED Vision, digital driver’s mirror and 360 Vision camera.

Pallas versions can also be equipped with the Tech Pack while Étoile models can be upgraded with the Absolute Tech Pack. Tech Pack adds DS Pixelvision, digital rear-view mirror, rear traffic alert system, DS Drive Assist 2.0, 360 Vision, electrochrome and electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors. The Absolute Tech Pack upgrades Étoile models with DS driver attention monitoring, DS night vision and electrically folding door mirrors with DS LED spotlights.

The first deliveries of N°8 are scheduled for the second half of 2025.