The noble offshoot of Citroën, the Stellantis brand DS, refreshes the DS 7. There is less chrome, black accents and new lighting ensure more chic and a new propellant for more sportiness.
The French car manufacturer DS Automobiles has given the DS 7 compact SUV introduced in 2018 a visual and technical upgrade. With the market launch of the facelift variant in late autumn, the additional name Crossback will be dropped. The five-door, which has grown by two centimeters to 4.59 meters, will then simply be called DS 7.
In line with the abbreviation of the name, the Crossback lettering on the tailgate between the slimmer taillights, which also have a more three-dimensional diamond pattern, is also omitted. Instead, the brand name will be emblazoned on the rear on a matt black instead of chrome-plated background. In this context, chief designer Thierry Metroz speaks of a "chrome detox" for the DS 7, because customers can also replace the chrome borders of the side windows and rear lights with black elements if they wish.
The modified radiator grille is now flanked by LED daytime running lights dubbed DS Light Veil. The light element, consisting of 33 LEDs, is concealed behind a transparent polycarbonate cover, which is painted the same color as the vehicle on the inside and lasered translucently. The daytime running lights integrate the front indicators. In the future, headlights will always use LED technology. Also new is a high-beam module that can automatically adjust its light to oncoming traffic and can therefore shine far without dazzling oncoming vehicles.
The Opera level is introduced as the top version. Among other things, it offers nappa leather covers whose embossing on the dashboard cites the lines of the daytime running lights. The second highest level Rivoli is characterized by leather covers with diamond quilting. The Performance Line equipment features Alcantara covers in a deeper black with gold-colored and red decorative elements. The entry-level Bastille gets new fabric trim.
The most important innovation inside is the DS Iris infotainment system. It offers a new display generation in 12-inch format, which is characterized by higher resolution, faster response times and better contrasts and colors. Thanks to new voice recognition, navigation, air conditioning and seat heating can be controlled by voice input. The Mirror Screen app now also integrates smartphone content wirelessly.
As before, the 130 hp 1.5-liter diesel and the two plug-in hybrids E-Tense 225 and E-Tense 4x4 300 are offered as drives. The top engine E-Tense 4x4 360 with 360 hp system performance is new. In addition to a 200 hp petrol engine, two electric motors on the front and rear axles with 110 hp and 112 hp provide propulsion. DS promises a purely electric range of 58 kilometers and a sprint time of 5.6 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h. In addition to the higher performance, the new drive variant also offers a sportier chassis setup with lower suspension, a wider track and performance brakes.
DS has not yet announced any prices for the modernized DS 7. The 130 hp diesel currently marks the entry point at around 39,000 euros. With the introduction of the facelift, the base price should rise to over 40,000 euros.
