DS 7 E-TENSE 360 – French comfort avant-garde in a sports version?

The famous Wikipedia translates the word “avant-garde” as a set of trends and tendencies in the art of the 20th century that rejects existing styles, creates its own world, does not imitate reality, and seeks a different language of expression. It must be admitted that it fits perfectly the model of DS 7. This car, original in its form, is something that combines hatchback, crossover and limousine well. In this review, we present the DS 7 model in the latest and most powerful version with a plug-in hybrid drive with a power of 360 HP, provided by the DS dealer Zdunek.

DS 7 CROSSBACK was the first original project of DS Automobiles, which started on the market in 2017. The model presented is a refreshed version – after a facelift, which the car underwent in 2022. As a result of this treatment, the front and rear parts were redesigned. In addition to the usual beauty of the brand, it was also decided to inject more power into it.

Refreshed look

Changes covered the front and rear of the car. The front end has been redesigned. The easiest way to detect this is with daylight. The new and slim DS PIXEL LED VISION 3.0 headlights are perfectly integrated with the DS LIGHT VEIL daytime running lights. Lighting is generally an element of strength and character of DS Automobiles vehicles. The new DS 7 no longer has the diamond swirls in the headlights, but there are DS WINGS styling accents and a larger grille. The appearance of the LED rear lights and the standard motif has also changed. Finally, the trunk lid and the logo above it have been redesigned with more expressive lines, and the “DS AUTOMOBILES” logo has replaced the “CROSSBACK” badge. Another important feature of the design is the 21-inch rims called BROOKLYN, which have a beautiful geometric design and are only available in the DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 360 version.

In the photo, “Siódemka” can be seen as a big and big car. However, the fact is that its dimensions are quite compact. At less than 4.6 meters long, it is, for example, more than 12 cm shorter than the Porsche Macan or the Mercedes GLC.

Despite the average external dimensions, the cabin is spacious. The back seat is particularly comfortable with enough space and, moreover, with an electrically adjustable backrest, which also contributes to the feeling of comfort.

The unique style is emphasized by the Nappa leather, which, together with the seat upholstery and the watch bracelet motif, was also used to finish the dashboard, door panels and center console. In terms of handling, getting used to it and training, it definitely needs care. As in every modern car, in the French DS you can find many functions controlled by touch panels on the main screen. This causes a lot of confusion – fortunately, it is possible to customize the menu and set it to your own needs.

A big advantage is the rich, modern equipment offered as standard. This includes the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION with a camera near the mirror, which scans the road, prepares and adjusts the chassis to the level of the road. In addition, we have a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, DS IRIS SYSTEM infotainment system, FOCAL Electra audio system, DS NIGHT VISION night vision system that provides the driver with better visibility at night, DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING to detect the driver’s decline. level of assembly, Active Safety Braking system controlled by camera and radar, front and rear parking sensors with 360° camera, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, extended dual-zone automatic air conditioning and rear seat control panel and insulating filter, heated. windshield, sunroof and laminated acoustic side windows.

With a passion for sports

The DS PERFORMANCE department is responsible for this special edition presented in this article, which has won two championship titles on Formula E tracks. The chassis of the presented model is reduced by 15 mm, and the wheel track is 24 mm in front and wide. 10 mm at the back. There is also a reinforced braking system with 380 mm diameter discs and four-piston calipers with DS Performance logo in black.

Driving is very pleasant, and this is also supported by the drive system, which has a 1.6-liter combustion engine with a capacity of 200 HP and two electric motors with a power of 110 and 113 HP, front and rear. axles, respectively. The power of the system is 360 horses and considering the reduced, although still heavy weight – 1,885 kg, DS 7 moves very efficiently. Of course, the time of acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in less than 6 seconds is not very impressive, but this is due to good suspension and good sound insulation.

Electric motors powered by a 14.2 kWh battery enable emission-free driving, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, providing a real electric range of up to approximately 48 km.