DS7 E-Tense Test Drive: Exploring the Crossover's Pros and Cons.
The full-size crossover DS7 Crossback has become a symbol of a new phase in the development of the premium French brand. The automotive editorial team has received the updated version of the electrified crossover. What has changed with the facelift and the electric capabilities of the gasoline vehicle – in the review by RBC-Ukraine.
Shorter name, more options
The DS 7 Crossback crossover debuted in 2017 and immediately became the flagship model of the French premium brand, which separated from its parent company Citroen in 2014. In 2022, the vehicle underwent an update. Marketers took a radical approach to the facelift, even shortening the name by removing the Crossback prefix. Now the car is simply and succinctly called – DS 7.
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The main visual changes are on the exterior. The front now features a larger and more angular grille in line with the latest DS models – the compact hatchback DS 4 and the business sedan DS 9, which took over as the flagship model in 2020.
With the update, the overall dimensions of the vehicles have hardly changed. The new front and rear bumpers add just 33 mm, bringing the total to 4593 mm. However, due to the sloping hood and wide fenders, it takes a bit of getting used to the dimensions. Fortunately, park assist and surround-view cameras can be used if needed.
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Additionally, the headlights on the updated DS 7 have become narrower and feature a new matrix LED "filling," but they have lost the striking turning crystals – this drawback is expected to be compensated by the new LED "veil" of daytime running lights. The adaptive matrix headlights operate very "gently" yet effectively – the road is always well-lit even in heavy traffic, and no oncoming vehicle is "flashed" by the high beam. The DS Pixel LED Vision matrix headlights consist of 84 LEDs and illuminate up to 380 meters.
The rear of the French crossover received a new tailgate with integrated, narrower LED taillights and the DS Automobiles inscription between them – previously, the Crossback inscription was located here. The design of the wheel rims has also been updated.
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From the outside, it is possible to distinguish the plug-in hybrid version E-Tense from the gasoline-only model by the charging port, which is located on the right side, symmetrically with the gas cap.
On the bright side
The interior designers aimed to combine the digital world with the analog. The technology is represented by a pair of monitors, while the traditional aspect features a rectangular chronograph that opens with each engine start. Below it is the engine start button. The test vehicle is in the top Opera version. It features 4 mm thick Nappa leather upholstery, which covers even the door panels on the front dashboard.
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Overall, the cabin has no significant changes. The new media system, DS Iris System, has acquired a modern interface and voice control but retains the previous 12-inch display. You can now connect your smartphone via the Mirror Screen protocol through Wi-Fi. Interestingly, the vehicle occasionally reminds you of its origin by unexpectedly switching the multimedia system interface language from the selected English to French for a short time.
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The French would not be themselves if they did not experiment with the placement of some controls in the spirit of classic models from the group. For instance, the window control buttons have found a place on the transmission tunnel, which has allowed for thinner doors. Conveniently, there is a slot for a smartphone next to the gear selector – most of its classmates require you to place it in the cup holder if you do not want the gadget to charge wirelessly.
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The seats can be considered rather soft, although they proved to be quite comfortable on long journeys – partly due to the built-in massage feature, which can be activated via the infotainment system or a button on the seat base. The rear row is shaped for two adults, although, of course, the vehicle is officially a five-seater.
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Interestingly, the engineers managed to achieve a decent trunk volume for the hybrid version, which is 555 liters. The floor level, width, height, and depth of the trunk are the same as those of the non-electrified versions. There is still a small compartment under the false floor, but there is no longer room for a spare tire.
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Technical aspects of the crossover
At the core of the powertrain is a 1.6 PureTech gasoline engine, producing 200 hp and 300 Nm. It sends power to the front axle through an eight-speed EAT8 automatic transmission. Next to it is a 108-hp electric motor, but it is not the only one in the vehicle. The French crossover's all-wheel drive is provided by a second electric motor – with a power of 112 hp, installed on the rear axle. The combined power of the hybrid system equals 300 hp.
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Interestingly, the fuel tank of the plug-in hybrid crossover is slightly smaller than that of purely gasoline versions, holding 43 liters. However, it is essential to remember that there is also a traction battery, which has increased by 1 kWh compared to the pre-facelift version and now has a capacity of 14.2 kWh. The hybrid version weighs about 300 kg more than the vehicle without electric equipment.
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How the "French" drives
The first thing you feel behind the wheel of the hybrid crossover is the reserve of torque available from the very start. It is indeed the electrified powertrain that allows for torque to be available over a wide range of revolutions.
From the first kilometers, it becomes clear that the logic of the hybrid system is aimed at saving fuel and maximizing the use of electric power. If there is even a small charge in the lithium-ion battery, the vehicle will operate on it.
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If the battery is completely discharged, the engine will work both to move the crossover and to charge the battery. In this case, however, you should not expect any initial agility from the vehicle, and fuel consumption significantly increases. It should be understood that without electricity, the vehicle easily consumes 10-13 L/100 km, depending on speed and traffic.
If the traction battery is charged, the vehicle can easily achieve 4-6 liters. Interestingly, in the city, the car consumes less and drains the battery faster. On the highway, conversely, the gasoline engine is more engaged, and the battery lasts for a longer distance, averaging 150-200 km. Therefore, it is always important to remember that if you want to achieve record fuel consumption figures, it is better to charge the battery fully.
In general, the DS 7 E-Tense can be charged from a regular home outlet or from a public charging station of the European Type 2 standard. Unfortunately, the charging speed from such a station is limited by the vehicle's charging device parameters at a rate of 7.4 kW per hour. A week of operation showed that a full charge at public stations takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Moreover, even part of the charge can be used immediately, thanks to the purely electric mode. Additionally, electricity can be preserved using the E-Save function.
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Furthermore, routes taken over bumpy roads showed that the updated DS 7, thanks to the DS Active Scan Suspension, which analyzes the road surface ahead and adjusts automatically, attempts to minimize rocking from unevenness. However, it is noticeable that the crossover is heavy, and has a relatively high center of gravity – this always needs to be considered when maneuvering at high speeds.
Price of the matter
In the Ukrainian market, prices for the plug-in hybrid DS 7 E-Tense start at 2,473,040 UAH for the Rivoli trim. The top Opera version, in which the test vehicle is configured, is somewhat more expensive and costs 2,761,510 UAH. Among its features are a panoramic roof, seat massage and ventilation, night vision camera, etc.
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Advantages and disadvantages of the DS 7 E-Tense
Main advantages of the plug-in hybrid crossover:
- Powertrain allowing the use of both gasoline and electricity
- Informative head-up display
- Wide range of seat adjustments
- Excellent acceleration dynamics
- Presence of all-wheel drive
Disadvantages of the DS 7 E-Tense include:
- Slow battery charging
- Tricky algorithm for the "microclimate" menu <