One of its most important new electric models will be a low-slung crossover known as the DS8, and spy photographers recently snapped this car testing up close. The shape of the DS8 may be the first thing that captures your attention. The age of electric vehicles has introduced vehicles with intriguing shapes, and much like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Peugeot 408, and Polestar 2, the DS8 is a cross between a traditional sedan and a crossover. In theory, that should mean it has similarly sleek looks to a sedan but with some of the added practicalities of a crossover.
While thick camouflage covers the test
car’s entire body, the DS8’s front end lets the slim headlights visible,
reminding us of those from the ill-fated NEVS Emily GT. A small lower grille is
also visible and while there’s little else of interest visible on the fascia,
the finished product should have some more intricate design details.
The shape of the rear side windows also
caught our eye. It appears the rear doors will lack traditional handles, having
them incorporated into the thick C-pillar. The handles up front will sit flush
with the bodywork and present themselves when the car is unlocked. CarScoops
understands the new DS8 will be based on Stellantis’ STLA Medium architecture
as opposed to the EMP2 underpinnings of the Peugeot 408 and Citroen C5 X.
Powertrain details remain a mystery, but we know the STLA Medium platform can
support single and dual electric motor set-ups with between 215 hp and 382 hp.
By 2025, DS Automobiles will only sell
battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The French marque made this
commitment in late 2020, and the DS8 is an important step towards achieving
this goal.
