It was just past 7 AM when I rolled into Kochersberg, the low sunlight skimming across golden wheat fields and narrow winding roads. The region sits quietly on the Alsatian plain, not far from Strasbourg, and it has a serenity that makes it a dream for any test driver. My mission? Get behind the wheel of the DS N⁰8, the new electric flagship from DS Automobiles, and find out whether this sleek French contender delivers beyond what the polished press photos suggest.
I had been waiting for this one. The DS N⁰8 is more than a car; it’s DS’s declaration that France still belongs in the premium segment. With Stellantis pulling out all the stops, they’ve crafted a car that merges Parisian style with next-gen electric tech. But style is only skin deep. Performance, comfort, practicality, and that hard-to-define sense of presence on the road, that’s what I came to discover.
A Design Language You Don’t Forget
Before even slipping into the cabin, the DS N⁰8 commands attention. At 4.82 meters long, it floats between sedan and crossover, what you’d call an SUV-coupé if you needed a label. From the side, it’s got this fluid, almost artistic profile that glides toward a hatchback-style rear. The front is low and sleek, marked by DS’s illuminated grille and distinctive V-shaped DRLs. In our test car’s muted “Silk Grey” paintwork with contrasting black roof, it looked properly premium, restrained, but far from boring.
It’s not just for looks either. The low drag shape is part of the engineering brief. Aerodynamics matter when you’re trying to get 750 kilometers out of a charge, and everything from the shuttered grille to the sloping roofline contributes.
The door handles pop out elegantly as you approach. That might seem like a gimmick, but they’re part of a larger philosophy, elevated minimalism with just enough theater to remind you this isn’t your neighbor’s compact EV.
Kochersberg Roads and DS Silence: First Impressions Behind the Wheel
Sliding into the DS N⁰8 is an occasion. The cockpit wraps around you like a finely cut jacket. The front seats are deeply sculpted and finished in soft synthetic suede and leather. They cradle without squeezing, comfortable on my lower back, with side bolsters that held firm during tighter bends.
Starting up is, of course, silent. But what struck me most during my first few kilometers out of Marlenheim was how fluid the power delivery was. Our test car had the 180 kW (245 hp) motor with front-wheel drive and the larger 102 kWh battery. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 8.3 seconds, not head-snapping, but linear and seamless. Perfect for the twisty rural roads.
Through each bend and ascent, I was surprised by the N⁰8’s agility. The steel suspension on our test car did a solid job absorbing ruts and road seams. On one descending hairpin toward Quatzenheim, it took a sharper corner better than a vehicle of its size has any right to. Steering? Sharp, responsive, if slightly numb. But it gave me enough feedback to place the front wheels confidently.
Adaptive suspension is optional, and though I didn’t test it here, I’ve driven DS cars with it before. It scans the road ahead using a camera and adapts the damping in real time. For most drivers, though, the standard setup already strikes a commendable balance between comfort and control.
Inside the DS N⁰8: Sophistication, Not Gimmickry
If the exterior is a quiet nod to DS’s design chops, the interior is where they sing.
The first thing that struck me: this isn’t another hyper-minimalist electric interior. Yes, you get a big 16-inch touchscreen, but you also get physical buttons, actual tactile buttons, for climate control, music volume, and drive modes. Thank you, DS.
The dashboard flows with layers of soft-touch Alcantara and real stitching. In the top-spec Jules Verne trim (which ours wasn’t, unfortunately), you’d even get laser-cut patterns on the door inserts. But even in the mid-trim, the interior feels like someone obsessed over every millimeter.
Legroom in the back is generous. I’m 5’11”, and even with the driver’s seat set to my position, I could stretch out. Headroom tapers off a bit, anyone over 6 feet might feel the pinch, but the panoramic laminated glass roof helps keep the space feeling open. Bonus: the glass roof never let the cabin heat up, even in the warm June sun. That’s some effective UV treatment.
Storage is well thought-out too. The deep center console includes a wireless charging pad where you instinctively place your phone. Cupholders are usable, not afterthoughts, and there are USB ports for every passenger.
DS even added subtle heating vents at neck level, just like you’d find in a luxury convertible. A small detail, but on early mornings like ours in Kochersberg, it made a difference.
Range, Charging, and What the Numbers Really Mean
Let’s talk real-world usability.
Our DS N⁰8 had the 102 kWh battery (97 kWh usable). That’s huge by any standard, and DS claims up to 750 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. On our test day, with a mixed route of rural roads, a short highway stint, and stop-start traffic near Strasbourg, I saw an average consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km. That’s excellent for a vehicle this size.
Do I believe 750 km is possible? Under ideal conditions, yes. On a typical day, you can expect around 600-650 km without even trying to hypermile. That’s still segment-leading.
DC fast charging tops out at 160 kW, which isn’t cutting-edge, but decent. A 10% to 80% charge took just under 35 minutes during my lunch stop. On AC, the onboard charger supports 11 kW, meaning an overnight charge at home is no problem.
Technical Specifications: DS N⁰8 (Test Model)
Technical info is taken directly from DS’s official website to ensure it’s correct.
| Specification | Value |
| Motor | 180 kW (245 hp), FWD |
| Battery Capacity (Gross) | 102 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 97 kWh |
| WLTP Range | Up to 750 km |
| Real-world Test Range | ~620 km |
| Charging (DC) | Up to 160 kW |
| Charging (AC) | 11 kW (Type 2) |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 8.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h |
| Length x Width x Height | 4,820 mm x 1,890 mm x 1,580 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 620 liters |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Curb Weight | ~2,000 kg |
| Base Price (France) | €57,700 |
Living With It: DS N⁰8 in the Real World
Driving around Kochersberg villages like Truchtersheim and Dossenheim-Kochersberg, what stood out most was how well the DS N⁰8 integrates into everyday life. It’s not a demanding car. The throttle is smooth, regenerative braking is predictable (though not very aggressive), and visibility is decent, thanks to the tall seating position and large mirrors.
There’s a calmness to how the car behaves in traffic. The brake pedal feels natural, the infotainment screen doesn’t lag, and even the navigation system suggests alternative routes intelligently when faced with traffic near the A351.
The boot, by the way, is cavernous. With the seats folded flat, I was able to haul a road bike and some camera gear without a fuss.
And that’s the theme: elegance and ease. The DS N⁰8 may have come to disrupt the Audi A5 Sportback crowd, but it does so by being serene, not showy.
Final Thoughts: A French Flagship That Earns Its Crest
After 220 kilometers of testing, I can say this confidently: the DS N⁰8 delivers. Not in the sense that it’s a game-changer for the EV world, it’s not about breaking new ground. It’s about refinement, presence, and practicality coming together in a package that feels distinctively French without being overly eccentric.
The performance won’t make headlines. The charging speed isn’t revolutionary. But the range is real, the ride is refined, and the design language is uniquely its own.
For someone looking to step away from the German triad without sacrificing premium quality, the DS N⁰8 makes a very convincing case. It may not be for everyone, but maybe that’s the point.
What is the real-world range of the DS N⁰8?
In mixed driving conditions, you can expect 600–650 kilometers, which is excellent for a vehicle in this class.
Does the DS N⁰8 have adaptive suspension?
Yes, but it’s optional. Our test car had the standard steel suspension, which performed admirably.
How long does DS N⁰8 take to fast charge?
At a 160 kW DC charger, going from 10% to 80% takes about 35 minutes.
