Seventy years ago, the DS 19 astonished the world when it debuted at the Paris Motor Show as a futuristic vision on wheels. Today, DS Automobiles pays tribute to that legacy with the launch of the DS N°8, a 100% electric coupé SUV that combines precision engineering, refined aesthetics, and the promise of a new way to travel.
The genesis of an icon
The birth of the DS 19 in 1955 was the culmination of nearly two decades of development led by figures such as André Lefèbvre, Paul Magès, and Flaminio Bertoni. Its fluid lines, hydropneumatic suspension, and power-assisted braking put it light-years ahead of the competition. On the day of its debut, legend has it that 12,000 orders were placed, a phenomenon without precedent, confirmed in the decades that followed on roads and rally stages around the world.
With variants such as the DS Prestige, the Cabriolet by Chapron, and the luxurious DS Pallas, the model became a symbol of sophistication and innovation. General De Gaulle trusted it with his security, and cinema immortalised it in major productions, starring alongside names such as Alain Delon and Brigitte Bardot. More than just a car, the DS was described by Roland Barthes as the modern equivalent of a Gothic cathedral.
The electric reinvention
Seven decades later, DS Automobiles reinterprets its avant-garde spirit with the new DS N°8, the brand’s first model designed exclusively as 100% electric. Inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, this new coupé SUV stands out with its sleek silhouette and exemplary aerodynamics. Extremely efficient, it offers one of the lowest drag coefficients in its class, achieving up to 750 km of range on a single charge, according to the European WLTP standard.
Fluid lines, DS Pixelvision headlamps with sculptural light signature, and a floating central console make the N°8 a true sculpture in motion. The interior elevates the art of French-style travel, with exquisite finishes, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge technology. Refinement takes shape through premium materials, intuitive tech, and superior comfort, including heated seats, massage and ventilation functions, and a 690 W Focal 3D Hi-Fi system.
The future on wheels
With three electric powertrain options up to 350 hp and ultra-fast charging, the N°8 is capable of long-distance travel with autonomy and style, combining performance and efficiency. Key features include One Pedal mode, three levels of regenerative braking, and technologies such as DS Night Vision, confirming its role as the new flagship of the French brand.
The connection to Formula E, where DS has secured multiple titles, is reflected in the technical know-how powering this new electric generation. The fast-charging infrastructure, intelligent traction management, and batteries made in France all strengthen the brand’s commitment to sustainable and sovereign mobility.
Seventy years after the original DS changed the course of automotive history, the DS N°8 reaffirms its dedication to innovative luxury, pushing the boundaries of design and technology, and paving the way for more elegant, comfortable, and conscious mobility. The legend continues. And now in electric mode.
