2023 DS 9 Rivoli + E-Tense 250 Automatic

With a larger 15.6kWh battery pack, the arrival of the more powerful DS 9 E-Tense 250 model to replace the current 225 allows the plug-in hybrid executive saloon to run in pure electric mode for up to 38 miles. The newcomer is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6-litre 197bhp PureTech petrol engine, linked to a 109bhp electric motor and eight-speed automatic transmission.

While it’s not the fastest out of the starting blocks, DS Automobiles is keen to point out that comfort is a priority over pace. The petrol hybrid powertrain is certainly punchy enough for day-today driving, though. Drive modes called Electric, Comfort, Hybrid and Sport alter the characteristics and responses of the car and a ‘B’ setting on the gear lever increases the levels of regenerative braking to recoup lost energy and boost the battery levels. While there is no single-pedal driving option, this setting does work well in busier stop, start traffic.

Despite its large dimensions, the DS 9 E-Tense 250 is quite agile and easy to manoeuvre. It feels well balanced on twisty lanes with good levels of grip and body lean is well contained. Active Scan suspension looks ahead for any uneven surfaces, adjusting the car’s dampers to smooth out the creases. While it works in most scenarios, it’s occasionally caught out. The steering is a bit of a disappointment though, as it lacks weight. Refinement is an area where this car excels, with all occupants well protected from any road, tyre or wind noise, and left to enjoy the luxurious fixtures and fittings.

The DS 9 is an elegantly styled four-door saloon guaranteed to attract attention as it passes. The badge still leaves onlookers confused, even though it has been seven years since DS Automobiles was launched as a stand-alone brand. The 3D-effect grille is striking, and the Active Vision LED headlights follow the direction of the steering wheel for excellent illumination at night. Moving inside, the cabin is beautifully crafted with fine-leather upholstered seats that are power-operated, heated, ventilated, and even offer a massage function. The main nerve centre of the car is a 12-inch touchscreen, with creature comforts including a 14-speaker uprated Focal sound system, TomTom navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is wireless charging on the Rivoli+ model and the traditional BRM time piece adorns the top of the dashboard. The infotainment system can be a bit clunky at times, but everything else worked well with shortcut buttons to many systems, along with a nice chunky gear lever and flat-bottomed steering wheel. Back seat passengers are treated to plenty of knee and elbow room, but six footers will find their hair brushing the headlining. The boot can swallow 510 litres of luggage, and there’s plenty of compartments to store oddments throughout the cabin with a deep central cubby bin, compact glovebox and decent door bins.

TECHNICAL DATA 2023 DS 9 Rivoli + E-Tense 250 Automatic

• On sale April 2022
• In showrooms April 2022
• Prices £47,100 to £50,200
• Bodystyles 4-door saloon
• Engines 1.6 Petrol plug-in hybrid automatic (246bhp)
• Trim levels Performance Line +, Rivoli +
• Also consider BMW 530e G30, Mercedes-Benz E 350 e W213
• Model tested Rivoli + E-Tense 250 Automatic
• Price £50,200
• Built in Shenzhen, China
• Generation 1
• Codename X83
• Platform EMP2
• Bodystyle 4-door saloon, 5-seats
• Layout Front-wheel-drive
• Powerplant 1,598cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, turbo petrol with electric motor and 15.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack
• Gearbox 8-speed automatic
• Max power (engine) 197bhp @ 6,000rpm
• Max power (electric motor) 109bhp
• Max power (combined) 246bhp
• Max torque (engine) 221lb ft @ 3,000rpm
• Max torque (electric motor) 236lb ft
• Max torque (combined) 266lb ft
• Top speed 149mph
• 0-62mph 8.1secs
• CO2 emissions 26g/km
• Economy (combined) 256.8mpg
• Tank (fuel) 42 litres
• Range (electric motor) 38 miles
• Recharge time (Domestic socket/7kW home charger) 6 hours/1 hours 45 minutes
• Insurance 39
• BIK rate (2022/2023 tax year) 12%
• Size (length/width with mirrors) 4,934/2,079mm
• Boot space 510 litres
• Kerb/max towing weight 1,864/1,300kg
• Euro NCAP rating Not yet tested
• Spare wheel (Full-size/spacesaver/run-flat/ self-seal/repair kit) No/no/no/no/yes
• Warranty 3 years/60,000 miles
• Warranty (Battery) 5 years/100,000 miles
• Verdict Easy on the eye, pleasant to drive and luxurious, but the DS 9 faces stiff competition from the German marques.
• Rating ■■■■■■■■■■8/10