The DS No.8 marks a bold move from the French premium brand, delivering eye-catching design, impressive efficiency, and a feature-packed interior that sets it apart from more familiar German rivals. Would it be enough to tempt you away from the more mainstream choices?

Performance

Built on the same ‘STLA-Medium’ platform as the Peugeot E-3008 and Opel Grandland, the DS No.8 brings a more refined, premium feel to the driving experience. There are three drivetrain options available. The single-motor version produces 230hp (with a temporary boost to 260hp) and accelerates from 0–100km/h in 7.7 seconds. A slightly uprated variant offers 245hp (boosted to 280hp) and completes the same sprint in 7.8 seconds.

For those after more power and traction, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive model delivers 350hp, or 375hp in boost mode, and hits 0–100km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Across all versions, the drive feels composed and confident, with the AWD variant offering the most polished and planted experience. Steering-mounted paddles let you fine-tune regenerative braking on the go, easily switching between coasting and one-pedal driving depending on road conditions.

Range and Charging

Thanks to its aerodynamic design and clever thermal management features like active cooling flaps, the DS No.8 offers competitive real-world range. The standard front-wheel-drive model features a 73.7kWh battery, delivering up to 550km (WLTP), while the Long Range variant, with its 97.2kWh pack, offers up to 750km. Even at motorway speeds, DS claims the Long Range version can comfortably exceed 500km on a single charge.

Inside, energy-saving touches such as ventilated seats and a heat pump come as standard, helping reduce HVAC power draw by up to 40%. An “air scarf” feature built into the headrest also means less reliance on cabin heating, preserving precious battery life in winter.

Charging speed is solid, but not outstanding. Using a 160kW DC fast charger, you’ll go from 20–80% in just under 30 minutes. A 7.4kW wallbox home charger will take around 7 hours and 48 minutes for the smaller battery and roughly 9 hours for the Long Range version. If you’re planning overnight charges, a full 0–100% session clocks in at around 13 hours. DS also plans to offer an optional 22kW onboard charger to support faster AC charging in the future.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is also included, meaning you can power external devices directly from the car, ideal for work sites, camping, or emergencies.

Design and Interior

The No.8 stands out visually with its sleek silhouette, low roofline, and confident front grille, creating a silhouette that sits somewhere between an SUV and a luxury fastback saloon. There’s a subtle elegance to its profile that feels refreshingly different from most EV rivals.

Inside, the cabin design is striking. A mix of metal accents, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting give it a high-end feel. It’s also refreshingly colourful, breaking away from the monochrome interiors seen in many premium competitors.

A large 16-inch central display handles infotainment and navigation, and DS claims it’s intuitive enough for both driver and front passenger to use without frustration. Also worth noting is the brand’s integration of ChatGPT, allowing you to ask the car questions directly, everything from traffic updates to obscure trivia. Audio enthusiasts will also appreciate the 14-speaker, 690W sound system developed in partnership with French audio brand FOCAL.

Practicality hasn’t been ignored either. The boot offers 620 litres of space, split across two levels, with over a metre of length from tailgate to seatbacks. Optional extras include a full-size spare wheel, something many modern EVs skip.

Cost Considerations

Irish pricing is yet to be confirmed, but DS has suggested that the No.8 will sit between the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and the larger Q6 e-tron.

The brand offers a 3-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

Verdict

The DS No.8 feels like a statement from the brand, bringing unique design, real-world range, and thoughtful features to a crowded segment. It won’t be for everyone, but that’s exactly the point. For drivers looking to break away from the norm and drive something with character, refinement, and credible EV credentials, the No.8 could be a compelling choice.