The DS 7 crossover has undergone a scheduled mid-life update, has already reached Ukraine and has started selling – this is already enough reason for a review and test. But this particular crossover, which became the hero of the material, has the full name DS 7 E-Tense 4×4: this indicates a plug-in hybrid and all-wheel drive – a real double exclusive! I propose to consider this material not only as a review and test of the DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 crossover, but also as a basis for discussing Plug-In hybrids in general. Let’s go!

Design: sophisticated design – both inside and out

DS is a fairly young automotive brand, but it is persistently trying to find its own identity. The general direction has been clear since the first DS cars of the new era, which began in the 2010s – French-style luxury, elegance in detail. Hence the many decorative elements in the exterior design: the large DS Wings grille, multi-section headlights, diamond-shaped taillights. However, the DS 7 Crossback has had all of this since its introduction a few years ago.

The updated DS 7 dropped the word Crossback in its name, but added a new grille and headlight expression, new stripes for the running lights and turn signals, new wheels and DS Automobiles on the trunk lid. Plus, a lot of black, dark chrome, and tinted design elements make the updated car stand out and make it look more “focused” (maybe a strange word, but that’s the impression I got).

The new DS crossover 7 has a significantly updated design, but with familiar body proportions and dimensions: length – 4.59 meters; width – 1.9 meters; height – 1.62 meters; wheelbase – 2.74 meters. The headlights have lost their triple rotating elements; but instead, they received a more modern technology of adaptive matrix light. A pair of hatches on the rear wings (one for charging, the other for fuel) immediately indicate the sophisticated hybrid technology under the hood. For comparison, the last two photos are of the DS 7 Crossback before the update it first appeared to the world in 2017.

However, in the interior, the DS 7’s updates are barely noticeable. After all, the philosophy of DS cars is to offer exclusive materials, change “collections” and versions of the model; and with this, change the interior trim. I’ve seen this crossover with a dark Alcantara interior, marbled black or brown leather, with different logos on the front panel. And now I see an updated DS 7 with light leather and sloping lines reminiscent of a shell. Is this just another variant of the interior? Oh, what? It turns out that this is the distinction of the updated car?… Well, let it be…

In any case, the DS 7’s interior deserves to be commended for its superior materials and phenomenal attention to detail – such as the pearl stitching, the BRM 180 rotary clock and start button below it, and the pyramidal side ventilation deflectors. At the same time, the basics of ergonomics were not overlooked: wide ranges of seat adjustment, good visibility, and sufficient space in front and behind – albeit not excessive, but fully in line with expectations for the size and class of the car.

The interior of the DS 7 may seem luxurious and sophisticated to some, and too “gaudy” to others; however, everyone will agree that very high quality materials are used – delicate leather, metallized decor, glossy surfaces. The updated car is distinguished by a new front panel decor in the form of sloping lines, as well as slightly changed graphics of the central display (a more modern multimedia system DS Iris IVI HIGH) and digital instrument panel. If you move away from the first “wow” impressions, you can appreciate the ample space and practical 555-liter trunk.

Technology: about PHEV hybrids on the example of DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 and in general

Let’s start with the basics – in the form of the EMR2 platform, a supporting body, a transversely mounted engine, a familiar 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine, a classic 8-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. Doesn’t sound familiar? Of course: this is the description of the Opel Grandland! The only difference between the DS 7 and the DS 7 is the rear independent suspension and the extended wheelbase.

But things get much more interesting if we look at the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 version, which is the subject of this article. It is worth noting that the E-TENSE designation for DS vehicles means electrified vehicles; but it can be in different forms – either a fully 100% electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid with the ability to drive on electric power. The DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 test vehicle is a hybrid: its powertrain includes a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, two electric motors (front and rear) and a 14.2 kWh battery with a promised range of 63 km.

The gasoline engine alone develops 147 kW or 200 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The front electric motor is rated at 81 kW or 110 hp and 320 Nm of torque, all of which is achieved at a fairly low revs (2500 rpm); and it’s worth noting that the electric motor is integrated into an 8-speed automatic transmission. The rear electric motor produces 83 kW or 113 hp (14,000 rpm) of power and 166 Nm (4,760 rpm) of torque. Moreover, it rotates the rear wheels directly through its own gearbox: that is, it is a separate module for driving the rear wheels, no driveshaft from the front engine is provided. The total output of the hybrid system is 300 hp – as is often the case with hybrids, the outputs of all engines cannot be simply added arithmetically, as they reach their maximum power output in different operating modes.

Please note: the video shows three versions of theDS 7 Plug-In Hybrid: front-wheel drive with 225 hp, all-wheel drive with 300 hp, and all-wheel drive with 360 hp – we in Ukraine received the middle version. I would also note that an identical 300-horsepower hybrid was once seen in the range of the Peugeot 3008 model, and a junior 225-horsepower hybrid with front-wheel drive is still offered for the Citroen C5 Aircross. In general: theseare Plug-In hybrids with a capacity of 225/300/360 hp. and with front or all-wheel drive are offered for many cars DS, Peugeot, Citroen, Opel – the only question is whether they are present (or not) in Ukraine.

Let me add a few words about Plug-In hybrids in general. Among the advantages of PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has always been the ability to drive in the city on an electric drive and outside the city on a gasoline or diesel engine. That is: they solved the problem of “clean” urban travel, like an electric car; but without the need for frequent stops for recharging during country trips. However, the disadvantage is the complexity of the design: you actually need to have the components of a conventional car (internal combustion engine, fuel tank, cooling system, exhaust system…) and the components of an electric car (electric motor, charger, battery). All of this leads not only to the complexity of the design, but also to an increase in the weight and price of the car.

To disguise the latter point, manufacturers usually emphasize the additional benefits of PHEV hybrids. However, it all depends on the specific car model. For example, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have been available in good hybrid versions from the start (we are talking about a regular HEV hybrid without the need for recharging), and they are combined with all-wheel drive. Therefore, the emergence of PHEV-hybrid versions is not decisive, especially in the case of the Honda CR-V, where even the power has not changed.

But here’s another example: the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 crossover gets the most out of PHEV hybrid technology – it gets both a significant increase in power and the implementation of all-wheel drive (it is impossible to get it otherwise). In addition, the DS 7 in the E-TENSE 4×4 version is also equipped with the DS Active Scan Suspension. How does all this feel on the road?

Behind the wheel: pleasant comfort, good dynamics, hybrid features

The first impression of the DS 7 is incredible comfort, incredible softness of the suspension! And again, I will recall my previous encounters with this car and note that it has always been like this, with different engines, in different versions, with different suspension options – always very comfortable and soft on the road. For those people who want to get a comfortable car of this format, I definitely advise you to take a closer look at the DS 7 crossover in any of its manifestations.

However, if you want to add good dynamics, then it is the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 version that can provide this: here are all the passport characteristics – the promises of acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds are all true! Moreover, I measured the dynamics with the battery at a charge level of 60-70% and the car consistently “left” from six seconds. But then I also made a cycle of measurements with an almost empty battery (this can be problematic for PHEV hybrids when there is not enough support-power from the electric part) – and the result was very similar: about 6.3 seconds, a loss of dynamics of less than half a second!

But don’t even expect the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 crossover to ever turn into a sports car. In every corner, you’ll find a lot of body roll due to the soft suspension, the steering wheel makes about three turns from stop to stop and is always light. The sport mode affects not so much the steering wheel as the hybrid system: now the gasoline engine runs almost constantly (even with a sufficiently charged battery), the responses to accelerator pedal presses are as sharp and quick as possible, and all available motors are always engaged, meaning that the car is driving on all-wheel drive. A similar story happens in 4WD mode: the rear electric motor is permanently connected, the front wheels are driven by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine; however, all this happens without sharp pedal responses, and the movement is as smooth as possible.

Instead, the electric mode involves the use of only electric motors for driving: this happens until the battery is completely drained – and only then does the car start the internal combustion engine and switch to hybrid mode. Finally, about the hybrid mode: it is the main “default” mode and is quite logical: the movement begins on the electric drive (usually by the rear electric motor), then the gasoline engine takes over. Moreover, the connection of the gasoline engine is smooth, without jolts; the beginning of its work is rather recognized by its characteristic sound.

The sophisticated hybrid powertrain system delivers good power, and with it good dynamics. However, the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 crossover is far from being a sports car; its element is the softness of the suspension on any road and fast acceleration in a straight line. The 0-100 km/h time is given in 5.9-6.3 seconds, depending on the battery level – everything is simple. But the issue of fuel consumption is much more complicated…

The technical specifications declare fuel consumption at 1.2 liters per 100 km (mixed cycle WLTP) – and this figure can indeed be obtained, but only if you remember to constantly charge the battery; a full charge takes about two hours. If this is not done, then with the gradual discharge of the battery, the PHEV-hybrid actually turns into a conventional hybrid: it drives with constant switching between a gasoline or electric motor. In this case, the fuel consumption of the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 will increase to 8-9 liters per 100 km in the city. There are a lot of intermediate results between these figures: 3-6-8 liters, depending on the ratio of electric to gasoline engine driving. If you want to leave a certain level of energy in the battery, you can activate the E-SAVE function and select the required amount: 10/20 km or maximum. In this case, the gasoline engine will start more often and partially work as a generator to generate energy – accordingly, fuel consumption will increase to 10-11 liters, but there will be a reserve of “electric” kilometers.

Speaking of driving on the electric drive. In general, the updated DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 crossover promises 63 km thanks to an increased battery of 14.2 kWh (previously it was 58 km and 13.2 kWh); however, on the dashboard I see a battery charge of 62% and a range of 20 km exclusively on electric drive. How is this possible? It turns out that a full 100% battery charge will mean 32 km of electric mileage? I set off on a test route (around the city, backyard streets and highways, traffic lights and stops) and here’s the result – minus 33% of the battery charge and minus 10 km of the calculated range, but plus 20 km of real mileage. So the meter was too pessimistic and underestimated the expected mileage by almost half? So it turns out that it is possible to drive 50-60 km on an electric drive? Yes, but you’ll have to work hard: use the B-mode of enhanced recovery (switching with the automatic lever) and drive smoothly and carefully as if you were driving an electric car. You bought a 300-horsepower 6-second crossover, and you need to drive smoothly and slowly – a joke! Although it depends on how you look at it. After all, the strength of the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 is that it allows you to drive exactly as the owner wishes – fast, dynamic, smooth, economical… And even over long distances.

So, on the highway, when driving at a speed of 100 km/h, a car consumes about 6 liters of fuel per 100 km. However, if you start charging the battery (for example, you need to make a reserve of energy before entering the city center), fuel consumption will increase to 10-11 liters per 100 km, which means that fuel consumption will increase by 1.7-1.8 times. However, keep in mind that for every +1 km of mileage, you can get +1% of the battery charge: if you drive 100 km, you get 100% of the battery. And this can give you 40-50-60 km of city driving exclusively in electric mode. In other words, the increase in fuel consumption has translated into a corresponding increase in “electric” kilometers. By the way, more about driving on the highway: the maximum speed of the car is declared at 235 km/h, and only on the electric drive can it reach up to 135 km/h.

Price: how much does the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 cost and who is the competition

The DS 7 crossover is offered in Ukraine either with a small 1.5-liter 130-horsepower turbodiesel engine and front-wheel drive, or with this powerful gasoline-electric PHEV hybrid and all-wheel drive; plus you can choose from several configurations and option packages. It is a pity that there is no intermediate option – for example, with a large 2-liter turbodiesel engine or all-wheel drive, but without the need to purchase an expensive PHEV hybrid. But let’s take a closer look at what is already available.

The model range is opened by the DS 7 Rivolicrossover , which already offers a lot: ABS and ESP systems, front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, automatic braking system in city conditions, mirror blind spot monitoring, sign recognition, lane keeping assist, cruise control with speed limiter, Active Scan Suspension (PHEV version only), dual-zone climate control, double-laminated soundproof side windows, keyless entry and engine start, rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors, heated front seats and power seat adjustment with memory, DS Iris IVI HIGH multimedia system with 12-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, wireless charging, digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, BRM 180 watch, DS Inspiration RIVOLI interior trim with black leather, DS Pixel LED Vision adaptive matrix headlights, DS Wings chrome inserts, 19-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear door and trunk lid glass, etc. The cost of the DS 7 1.5 BlueHDi 130 S&S automatic transmission-8 Rivoli – from 1.66 million UAH or $40 thousand. The price of DS 7 1.6 PHEV 3004×4automatic transmission-8 Rivoli starts from 2.68 million UAH or $65 thousand.

The next variant is the DS 7 Antoine de Saint Exupery, which has been added to the list of equipment: Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, lane keeping assist, power trunk lid with opening sensor under the rear bumper, heated and ventilated front seats with back massage function, premium FOCAL ELECTRA HiFi system, customizable interior lighting, DS Inspiration OPERA interior trim with brown Nappa leather, etc. DSprice 7 1.5 BlueHDi 130 S&S automatic transmission-8Antoine de Saint Exupery – from UAH 1.88 million or $45.5 thousand.

Finally, the maximum variant is the DS 7 Operacrossover : the list of equipment is almost similar to the Antoine de Saint Exupery version; but there are differences – there is a panoramic sunroof, there is no FOCAL ELECTRA audio system, the DS Inspiration OPERA is finished in black Nappa leather. The cost of DS 7 1.5 BlueHDi 130 S&S automatic transmission-8 Opera – from 1.885 million UAH or $45.6 thousand. The price of DS 7 1.6 PHEV 3004×4ATC-8 Opera starts from UAH 3.05 million or $74 thousand.

Any DS 7 variant offers adaptive headlights, black and silver wheels, a digital instrument cluster and the latest multimedia system, leather seating, and various safety systems. The maximum equipment includes Nappa leather, a panoramic glass roof, HiFi-audio, etc. For the convenience of the driver and front passenger, there are seats with massage and ventilation; for the convenience of the rear passengers, there is an electric backrest angle adjustment. I would also like to note that the prices for 2024 cars were given above. However, now there are also prices for 2023 car stocks, and there you can find DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 with prices of UAH 2.3-2.6 million (or $56-63 thousand); although this is also quite a lot.

A few words about the competition. The first group of competitors are Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and GLB, Lexus UX and NX, Range Rover Evoque – that is, compact crossovers of well-known premium brands; everything seems to be logical. Especially if we recall the very complete equipment of the DS 7: usually, premium brands will ask for a considerable extra charge for such a list of equipment and options. However, it is impossible to refrain from thinking that these brands already have their own fans who go specifically for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Range Rover, and they are unlikely to change their choice.

I know that DS 7 is an option for those who are looking for “something original”. It is for those people who dreamed of a Jaguar or an Alfa Romeo, but preferably with more comfort. This is for those who may be interested in a MINI Countryman, but instead of “youthfulness” they want more “solidity” in design. This is for those who find Peugeot 3008 or Citroen C5 Aircross boring and think that their neighbor already has such a car. This is especially true for the 1.5-liter diesel version with its price, which allows you to go up a half a class and emphasize your originality for a small surcharge. So, all this brings us to the final conclusions.

Test drive DS 7 E-Tense 4×4: sophisticated design on the outside, interesting technologies on the inside