DS Automobiles have turned over a new leaf with the N°8. For a marque that came into being as a sub-brand to Citroen, most of their lineup have carried over the latter’s naming system in a manner. With the N°8, that’s set to change. This new naming system also heralds a shift towards full electrification, hinting what’s to follow with their future models.

What is This Exactly?

The N°8 comes under the SUV-coupe class, rivalling the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 4. One of the highlights of this vehicle is a Cd of 0.24, which makes it more aerodynamic than a Nissan GT-R. While that is an impressive feat on its own, the real fun lies in how this affects its credibility as a worthy alternative to its more established contemporaries. The battery and motor(s) are available in quite a few configurations – 230 hp or 245 hp sent to the front via a single motor, and the big daddy dual-motor setup delivering 350 hp to all four wheels.

These aren’t ground-breaking numbers, but combined with its focus on aerodynamics, it delivers an astounding range estimate with respect to a vehicle sharing the same powertrain and platform minus the slippery bodywork. The N°8 gives around 750 km on full charge for a WLPT cycle – though not reflective of real-world range, that is a large figure for any EV manufacturer to boast.

Cutting-Edge, Literally

Another place where aerodynamics had a major impact on is the design department, as every line and crease serve a purpose in contributing to the low Cd value. The exterior is characterized by very sharp styling – think thin LED streaks and clusters on both ends of the vehicle. The rear taillamp has been styled in a manner to optimize airflow around that region, with the tailgate spoiler also doing its bit. The front holds a similar story, where the ends of the bumper contain active aero to control turbulent airflow. The front end also houses a stately grille that is partly illuminated along with the DS logo.

For a SUV-coupe, the N°8 sits much lower to the ground, but voila! There’s aero underneath, with the lower stance making full use of the underbody fairings. DS offsets this with huge 21” wheels, to enhance the presence of the N°8, while still prioritizing aerodynamics.

Inside the N°8 – French Elegance Redefined

The cabin of the N°8 has been designed in a way to complement the exterior design language. Lines and streaks make their way inside, with the seats, speakers, and other points of contact making use of them. The steering wheel is four-spoked, but not in the conventional manner. Two large screens dominate the dash area, and interior lighting adds to the experience that DS is looking to give.  ‘High-tech, high-quality’ seems to be their mantra with regards to the cabin, offered in a variety of premium eco-friendly materials.

Creature Comforts and Whiz-Bangs

For the sake of occupant comfort, DS has included a boatload of features ranging from active-scan suspension, night-vision based warnings, and adaptive lights that swivel along with cornering lights. DS also offers driver assist features, including lane-change, driver attention alerts, 360 vision and sensors, and wrong pedal detection, to say a few.  As part of the Connect Plus pack, the DS Iris System 2.0 offers navigation-based route-battery optimization, along with extended speech functionalities by means of ChatGPT.

Verdict

The DS N°8 is yet another entry to the EV SUV-coupe group, but from the looks of it, it differentiates itself from the rest solidly. The love-child of current customer requirements and a quirky French obsession with aero, the N°8 presents a pretty great case for itself.