DS enters into the executive saloon segment with the DS 9

DS has premiered the DS 9, a large, stylish saloon to head up the new French premium brand's lineup.

With a length of 4,930mm and a width of 1,850mm, the DS 9 is more striking than other saloons in its class.

It uses a new version of the Efficient Modular Platform 2 architecture with a longer wheelbase not used with a saloon car before, promising never-before-seen rear passenger space. Its design has a sleek silhouette with a steeply raked rear window in the style of a fastback.

The DS 9 continues the DS Automobiles design language with an expressive front face featuring the DS Wings, while the grille has a three-dimensional diamond effect.

The bonnet features a 'Clous de Paris' sabre, the first time this DS interior signature has been used outside of the cockpit.

The DS 9 also has cone shapes at the outside edges of the roof, a nod to the original 1955 DS. Inspired by the legendary saloon, the cones have been reformed to house brand new taillights, adding to the DS 9's presence.

The DS 9 will be offered with a new E-Tense plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a PureTech turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor combined to deploy 222bhp. The car is capable of travelling between 40km to 50km (based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) in electric only mode courtesy of an 11.9kWh battery.

The electric motor can deploy maximum power of 108bhp and 320Nm. It is used for driving off from a standstill, boosting acceleration at any speed and for driving in zero emissions mode up to a speed of 135km/h.

Electric mode is always automatically selected on start-up to maximise efficiency. It is complemented by a Hybrid mode, designed to automatically control the different types of energy to optimise efficiency.

Meanwhile, an E-Tense Sport mode gets the most out of the available power from the combined application of the combustion engine and electric motor by adjusting the mapping of the accelerator pedal, gearbox, steering and active suspension. It intensifies driver enjoyment and dynamics all with complete peace of mind.

DS Automobiles is also offering a first-rate expertise to the occupants of the DS 9.

The dashboard of the car is completely swathed in Nappa Leather and the seats feature a watchstrap-inspired design. Elsewhere, the cabin features crystal-shaped touch-sensitive buttons, a roof lining and sun visors covered in Alcantara, and hand-wrapped leather on the door handles. The car's seats are heated, cooled and massaging.

The DS 9 will be sold all around the world with sales commencing in China starting from mid-2020.