Alright folks, let’s talk about DS Automobiles. After a bit of a bumpy ride in 2024 with sales taking a significant dip, they’re looking to bounce back. Their latest move? Giving their compact berline (hatchback, for us English speakers) a serious glow-up and, more importantly, electrifying it.
Enter the DS N°4, the successor to the DS 4, and DS is banking on it to redefine their spot in the premium compact segment. They see it as a “real distillation of DS Automobiles expertise”, blending avant-garde design with advanced tech and a full suite of electrified options. It’s not just a simple refresh; DS is calling this a “profoundly reviewed version”, featuring a triple evolution: bolder design, a still-refined cabin, and that much-anticipated 100% electric powertrain.
A Bold New Look
First impressions matter, and the DS N°4 definitely makes one. DS clearly wanted to bump up its status. The front end is completely redesigned, looking wider and more horizontal. You get an imposing black grille and sleeker lights that include a new signature light design. This signature is inspired by the DS N°8 and the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept car, stretching from the edges of the bumper right up to the central DS logo, which is now illuminated. The bonnet is even extended by 12 mm to subtly cover the top of the grille. The rear changes are a bit more subtle but still significant. The tail lights get a “Dark Chrome” look and are linked by a shiny black band that highlights the “DS Automobiles” lettering, which replaces the logo back there. It all adds up to a more modern look that fits DS’s updated visual identity. Dimensions haven’t changed – it’s 4.40m long, 1.87m wide, and 1.47m high, with a 2.67m wheelbase. You’ll find 19-inch wheels are now standard across the board, with a 20-inch option available on some hybrid versions. The profile looks dynamic and elegant with flush-fitting door handles and a floating roof option.
Inside the French Lounge
DS continues to lean into its strength here: creating a super refined interior to stand out from rivals. The vibe is distinctive and elegant, with nice materials even on the entry-level models. Step up to the Étoile finish, and you’ll find Alcantara generously applied across the dashboard, door panels, and center console. The cabin’s been subtly revised for more “purity”, featuring “Clous de Paris” embossed inserts, a detail inspired by fine watchmaking. For the driver, there’s a new 10.25-inch digital instrument screen with fresh graphics, and you can option a head-up display. In the middle, a 10-inch touchscreen handles navigation and infotainment. Space in the back is decent for this segment, balancing head and knee room nicely. Boot space varies depending on what’s under the hood: 430 litres for the micro-hybrid, 390 litres for the electric, and 360 litres for the plug-in hybrid. DS AIR provides invisible, discreet ventilation vents. You can get high-quality fabrics, Alcantara, or even Criollo Brown Nappa leather with unique watchstrap upholstery. An optional FOCAL ELECTRA® audio system with 14 speakers promises great sound.
Powering Up: Electric and Beyond
Alright, here’s the biggest news: the DS N°4 finally gets a 100% electric E-TENSE version. This is a first for the model and gives DS a unique multi-energy offering in the premium C-segment. The electric N°4 packs a 58.3 kWh NMC battery, giving it up to 450 km of range on the WLTP combined cycle. The motor delivers 213 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. To boost efficiency, the electric version’s ground clearance is actually lowered by 10 mm for better aerodynamics. When it comes to charging, it supports up to 120 kW DC fast charging, meaning you can go from 20% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is still around but gets some love too. Its battery is bumped up to 14.6 kWh, extending the electric-only range to a notable 81 km (that’s a 30% improvement over the previous DS 4 PHEV). It pairs a 180 hp petrol engine with a 110 hp electric motor for a combined output of 225 hp and 360 Nm. DS claims it hits 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. An optional 7.4 kW onboard charger is available for faster AC charging.
Finally, the micro-hybrid version remains in the lineup. It uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and a 28 hp electric motor integrated into the gearbox. Total output is 145 hp and 230 Nm. DS says this setup allows it to drive on electric power for up to 50% of the time in urban conditions.
Tech and Driving Serenity
Built on the modular EMP2 platform, the N°4 is designed to offer a great balance of handling and comfort, no matter which powertrain you choose. DS highlights its “exemplary road holding”. Tech-wise, it’s loaded. You can get DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0, which offers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features. There’s also DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, using an infrared camera to check on the driver’s fatigue level. DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights adapt to conditions and traffic, letting you drive on main beam without dazzling others. A really cool feature is the DS EXTENDED HEAD UP DISPLAY, which projects key info onto the windscreen, making it look like it’s floating four meters ahead on a 21-inch diagonal. It’s a step towards augmented reality for speed, navigation, and driver aids.
The infotainment system, DS IRIS SYSTEM, uses a responsive 10-inch central touchscreen and is designed to be as intuitive as a smartphone. Since March 2024, DS was the first manufacturer globally to include ChatGPT powered by the SoundHound AI API as standard on models with DS IRIS SYSTEM. You can just say “OK IRIS” to start a natural conversation with the car, making it a “real travel companion”. Connectivity is boosted with CONNECT ONE PACK (10 years of services like digital service record, e-coaching, updates) and CONNECT PLUS PACK (3 years of services including connected navigation, ChatGPT voice control, e-Remote, etc.). For the electric version, specific services include EV Routing for optimizing charging stops, e-Routes for trip planning, Battery preconditioning for faster cold-weather charging, e-Remote for charge management, and even V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability to power external devices. The DS e-Coaching feature, available via an update, offers tips for improving driving efficiency in electrified models.
Trim Levels and Availability
DS is offering two main trim levels: PALLAS and ÉTOILE. PALLAS focuses on elegance with specific fabric and trim details, while ÉTOILE emphasizes dynamism and sophistication with materials like Alcantara. Both come with distinct standard equipment and optional packs allowing for personalization. Available colours include Pearl White, Crystal Pearl, Perla Nera Black, Night Flight, and a specific N°4 colour called Cashmere. Look out for the new 19-inch wheel designs specifically developed for the E-TENSE version.
So, when can you see this revamped French contender? The new DS N°4 is expected in dealerships in Autumn 2025. For DS Automobiles, this launch is a big deal, a “partie essentielle de son avenir” (essential part of its future), as they try to win back ground in a segment dominated by German brands. By upping the style, keeping the interior swanky, and finally bringing a full electric option to the table alongside optimized hybrids, the DS N°4 is aiming to make a strong statement.
