DS 7 Crossback Brings Haute-Couture to the Premium Compact SUV Segment

It targets models like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60

Scheduled to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the DS 7 Crossback is 4.57-meters long, 1.62-meters high, and 1.89 meters wide, which means it fits at the larger end of the C-segment.

It also boasts a generous cargo volume of 628 liters, but there's more than practicality about the DS 7 Crossback.

According to DS, the new model combines driving comfort, innovative technologies, and French craftsmanship. Styling highlights include the new diamond-effect grille sporting a redesigned DS emblem, horizontal chrome DS Wings, and jewel-like LED lights.

While some may say the DS 7 Crossback looks quite conservative on the outside, the interior gives a different impression.

Inside, the new SUV brings an avant-garde vibe, offering a choice of four DS Inspiration ambiances (Bastille, Rivoli, Opera, and Performance Line) and two 12-inch screens: one acting as the instrument panel and the other playing the role of the main infotainment screen. The French premium SUV also features a motorized watch by B.R.M placed on the dashboard, as featured on the DS E-Tense Concept.

The cabin is heavily influenced by haute-couture fashion, with materials such as the Nappa leather in watch-strap design, wood or Alcantara extending from the dashboard to the door panels and from the consoles to the seats.

Moving on to the mechanical part, the range-topping DS 7 Crossback is based on the EMP2 platform and features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a system power of 296 hp (300 PS) and AWD. A THP S&S 197 hp (200 PS) turbocharged gasoline engine is assisted by two electric motors (80 kW/109 PS each), and an all-new eight-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT8). Thanks to a 13kW/h lithium-ion battery positioned under the second row of seats, the DS 7 Crossback can cover an all-electric driving range of 37 miles (60 km). The DS 7 Crossback PHEV will arrive in spring 2019.

Until then, customers will be able to choose from five other powertrains: three gasoline units (THP 225 S&S EAT8, THP 180 S&S EAT8, PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual) and two diesels (BlueHDi 130 S&S six-speed manual/EAT8 and BlueHDi 180 EAT8).

The list of available technologies on the DS 7 Crossback includes the DS Active Scan Suspension which uses a camera to anticipate the road ahead and adapt the response of shock absorbers, DS Active LED Vision, DS Connected Pilot (semi-autonomous driving) and DS Driver Attention Assist.

The DS 7 Crossback will be built in Mulhouse (France) and Shenzhen (China).