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.