An SUV that wants to stand out – the DS 7 in the 300 hp variant combines elegant design with an electrified drive.
And although it looks quite impressive, a closer look reveals that not everything that is French shines.
DS 7 Plug-in Hybrid AWD 300
The DS 7, formerly known as crossback, has with the Facelift In autumn 2022, it will not only shed its nickname, but will also receive a modernized front end. Larger grilleNew Light signature with “DS Light Veil” in the bumper and improved LED headlights with Pixel-LED Vision 3.0 – visually, the DS 7 clearly wants to be premium.
The rear has also been refined: Instead of "Crossback," it now reads "DS Automobiles," along with slimmer taillights and less chrome, instead of glossy black. Inside, there's an update to the infotainment system – 12 inch touch screen, configurable displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
300 hp and all-wheel drive: the plug-in with power
For the drive, the French rely on a combination of 200 hp turbo petrol engine and two electric motors with 110 hp each. Together this results in 300 PS System performance and 520 NM torque – an announcement for an SUV with over 1.900 kg weight. In 5,9 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, Top speed: 240 km/hThe DS 7 can be driven electrically up to 135 km/h, which is pretty good for a plug-in hybrid.
Battery larger – charging remains slow
Originally the battery had a capacity of 13 kWh, after the facelift it is now 14 kWh gross. Sounds like more range, but in practice the battery still runs out quickly.
After all: about 50 km in electric range are possible – enough for many commutes. But: Charging is only possible single-phase with 7,4 kilowatts, that is, at a household socket with 1,8 kilowatts it takes about 7,5hOkay for home, but rather annoying on the go.
Consumption and CO₂ balance: mixed
If you combine electric with hybrid driving, the DS 7 achieves, according to ADAC Ecotest, 10 kilowatt hours of electricity and 4,3 liters of premium on the first 100 kilometers – with a full battery.
The CO₂ balance is then 177 grams per kilometer, calculated based on the German electricity mix (121 grams for fuel, 56 grams for electricity). This shows that if you really want to travel cleanly, you should drive electrically as often as possible.
Top comfort, dynamics can be improved
There's hardly anything to complain about when it comes to driving comfort. The adaptive Suspension constantly analyzes road conditions and adjusts the dampers accordingly—it works well. The steering, on the other hand, feels a bit too stiff when cornering fast; it's not really sporty. Positive: convenient entry and exit, lots of space in the trunk, decent brakes and high level of security, especially for children.
Prices and variants
The DS 7 Plug-in Hybrid AWD 300 is available in three trim levels: “Pallas” from about 58.500 EUR, “Etoile” from around 63.000 EUR and the special Edition “Collection Antoine de Saint Exupéry” from around 62.500 euros.
The weaker plug-in with 225 hp starts at about 53.000 EUR, the top model with 360 hp costs around 67.000 EUR, Diesel starts at 47.000 EUR. All further information can be found in the video. Image and video credits/source: DS Automobiles | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.
