DS has already put on sale the updated range of the DS9 E-Tense, now made up of the 250 and 360 4×4 versions. In this way, the access model is updated with more power, 250 hp, and better electric range, and a second, even more powerful option is added, with 360 hp combining a combustion engine and two electric motors, while introducing four-wheel drive. The first starts at €58,400, while the most powerful starts at €67,700.
The flagship of the French brand is updated with a renewed mechanical range as we already told you in this article: New DS9 E-Tense. Now we have had the opportunity to test it for the first time during a test day in Nice and the truth is that this DS9, both in its access version and in the most performance version, is a real great car. It is capable of combining luxury and French refinery with very comfortable driving dynamics and mechanics that fit like a glove.
In the DS9 E-Tense 250 a new 15.6 kWh battery has been installed instead of the 11.9 kWh one that was mounted to date (the 360 4×4 version still equips it). Thanks to this, it allows them to travel more kilometers in 100% electric mode. A figure that increases to 61 km in the combined cycle according to the WLTP homologation protocol, and up to 70 km in the city.
We are talking about two plug-in hybrid versions, of generous power, with a fairly tight approved average consumption. And above with the possibility of traveling a good handful of kilometers without spending a single drop of gasoline. They are, therefore, two perfect versions both for traveling and for daily commuting.
Do not pay much attention to the approved average consumption, because in this case it goes from 1.1 to 1.8 l/100 km according to its technical sheet. Here we explain why these figures are so low: The deception of the approved consumption of plug-in hybrids. But after covering a good handful of kilometres, close to 200, and testing its different driving modes, from 100% electric, through the hybrid, the most comfortable or the Sport, which when arriving at the destination the on-board computer reflects 4.2 l/100 km and that I still had a quarter of the battery left to spend, says a lot.
I will not delve too deeply into some aspects such as its design, very elegant in my opinion, as well as inside, pleasant, cozy, and well finished. Relatively recently we pitted the DS9 E-Tense against the BMW 5 Series 520d, a plug-in hybrid against a diesel: DS 9 E-Tense vs BMW 5 Series 520d and precisely in that test we show you all the interior details, its finishes and we compare it directly against one of those models that we classify as “premium”. Take a look at it.
As for driving, the DS9, in any of its versions, is a car that feels very comfortable. Both when driving it and also to be carried. The interior atmosphere is super nice and has nothing to envy to the good work of renowned German brands. I would even go so far as to say that running is quieter than some of these.
The car responds with joy, it is smooth in terms of the transitions of the combustion engine and the electric mode, the change management is correct, although sometimes it hits a little jerk, and the management of the hybrid control unit is wonderful. . The car tries to start whenever it can in electric mode, to save, and from there, if we go in hybrid mode, which is the one we should use more of, it perfectly combines when to use each engine or when to combine them to be more efficient or to deliver the necessary power.
The DS9 E-Tense 250 is powered by a PureTech four-cylinder petrol engine capable of developing 200 horsepower. It is associated with an 80 kW electric motor (about 110 hp after the conversion) which, when the driver demands the maximum possible power, is 250 hp. With the 200 hp of the combustion engine we have more than enough to move the car really well, but that extra contribution from the electric motor and its instantaneous torque mean that we have a response in any situation. In addition, 110 hp in 100% electric mode are enough to move the DS9 quietly.
To charge the new 15.6 kWh battery, an integrated 7.4 kW charger is provided, with which we can fully charge the battery from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
The maximum speed of the DS9 E-Tense 250 is electronically limited to 240 km/h, and in 100% electric mode it could reach 135 km/h. For its part, the 0 to 100 km / h is done in 8.1 seconds, which is not bad.
The new DS9 E-Tense 360 4×4 goes one step further, and not only because of the notable difference in power, but also because of its four-wheel drive system that, together with some specific adjustments to the chassis, give it greater traction. and cornering stability.
The development of this version has been supervised by the DS Performance department, the same ones that have been in charge of developing the Formula E car that won the title twice.
The DS9 E-Tense 360 4×4 uses front and rear axles with wider tracks. The braking system has also been improved with four-piston calipers with 380mm front discs and 290mm rear. The shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer bar are also specific, as is the management of the power unit.
In addition, in either of the two finishing snows, the DS Active Scan Suspension system is offered as standard. This system scans the road a few meters ahead and is capable of preparing the suspensions to more effectively absorb irregularities or potholes that we approach. So that the driver and his companions will always have a feeling of full comfort on their journey.
This version is animated by the same 200 hp PureTech petrol engine, but in this case two electric motors are added. The first is integrated with the gearbox at the front and develops 110 horsepower. The second is located on the rear axle (hence the four-wheel drive) and in this case can deliver up to 113 horsepower. When the 3 engines are combined, the maximum power is 360 hp. All this is associated with an intelligent automatic transmission capable of managing the gears and the delivery in each of the engines.
The most powerful version still mounts the previous 11.9 kWh battery with which it can travel 47 km in 100% electric mode and in combined cycle, or up to 52 km in urban cycle.
As for its performance, the DS9 E-Tense 360 4×4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, it can reach 250 km/h electronically limited or 140 km/h in 100% electric mode.
As well as mounting exclusive 20-inch wheels in Munich design and DS Performance-branded brake calipers, the DS9 E-Tense 360 4×4 adds special details with DS Performance colors at the front and on the boot lid.
Here are the prices:
DS9 E-Tense 250 Performance Line+: From €58,400
DS9 E-Tense 250 Rivoli+: From €60,300
DS9 E-Tense 360 4×4 Performance Line+: From €67,700
DS9 E-Tense 360 4×4 Rivoli+: From €69,600
We currently have 12 second-hand DS9s waiting for a buyer: See second-hand DS9s at coche.net
In addition, another 9 of Km0 and pre-owned with which you can save a few euros on your purchase: See DS9 of Km0 in coche.net
And if you want it completely new, check out our offers: See new DS9 in cars.net