New DS No7 teased again and the BMW iX1 better watch its back
All-electric DS No7 will employ Stellantis’ latest EV tech as it takes on Tesla Model Y and BMW iX1
DS design director Thierry Métroz has given us our best look yet at the upcoming DS No7 – an all-electric SUV that will replace the current DS 7.
Taking on the new DS naming convention like the brand’s latest No8 flagship and the recently revised No4, the No7 promises to bring the brand’s quirky styling and luxurious interior to the mid-size SUV class, just as its predecessor did.
Due to be revealed later this year, the No7 should cost from around £45,000, and will be pitched as a rival to the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX1. It will also target the Tesla Model Y, which can be had in brand-new Standard guise from under £42,000 via the Auto Express Buy A Car service.
We’ve already caught the No7 testing on the road, but the model that Metroz shared on his social media comes with a distinctive and revealing camouflage. As an EV, it’s no surprise to see there’s no grille – although the blanked-off section gives it a familiar face to the No4 and No8. We expect to see the ‘grille’ illuminated, with the DS logo housed within. The No7 also gets a similar combination of super-slim LED headlights and aggressive daytime running lights.
The body of the No7 will adopt a less fussy look than the old DS 7, with clean lines and contrasting lower body sections in gloss to offset large wheels and a tall glasshouse. Previous spy shots have shown it’ll feature a flush front and hidden rear door handles, no doubt helping with the aerodynamics.
Inside, there will be more inspiration from the No8. That’s likely to mean a luxurious combination of materials such as Alcantara and leather, plus metal-like trim elements and lots of ambient LED lighting. It’s not yet known if it’ll adopt the X-shaped steering wheel, but the 16-inch touchscreen display will be shared, as will its internal software.
The No7 will utilise Stellantis’ new STLA-M architecture. Other cars on this platform include the new Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland, but a key difference with the DS car is that it’ll exclusively adopt a battery electric powertrain, without any hybrid or plug-in hybrid options.
Two battery sizes will likely be available, based on the 73kWh and 98kWh variants currently seen on other Stellantis models, and there will be the option of a single, front-mounted motor or dual motors on an all-wheel-drive flagship.
Tell us which new car you’re interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let’s go…
