Test DS 9 Plug-in Hybrid 225 CV (with video)

DS is one of the brands belonging to the Stellantis Group, although it is a car manufacturer with a special personality. Models with a very futuristic design and above all with good qualities and adjustments inside. His flagship is the DS 9, an E-segment sedan that, without a doubt, is a very interesting option among its most direct competitors.

In today's test we will be with the 225 hp mechanical PHEV which offers an electric range of 48 km according to WLTP cycles. Of course, an interesting engine that offers the advantageous zero emissions label of the DGT.

Very elegant and very French design

Si we start talking about the exterior design of the DS 9, we can mainly characterize those elegant lines throughout the body. It has many aesthetic details that cause it to draw a lot of attention to the eye, such as the hidden door handles or the optical groups.

At Lóleo Eventos, front part, highlights that large front grill with a very curious design in which the large DS logo can be seen. Continuing, we observe some full LED lights with fangs on the sides as daylight and a chrome stripe on the hood that divides it.

moving towards the lateral, highlights a nerve that runs from end to end. The rims of 18 inches with measure 225/40, the mirrors in gloss black and the aforementioned handles that are hidden when we close the vehicle.

ending with behind, we can see a full LED optical group with an attractive design that is linked together by a chrome strip. On the other hand, we have a slight spoiler in the trunk lid area and two trims in the lower area in which the exhaust outlets are visible.

Good quality and luxury, this is the interior of the DS 9

If we take a look at cockpit of the DS 9, it is necessary to highlight the good quality and fit What can we find. The interior is made up mostly of leather, although the roof is made of alcantara. We only found some hard plastics on the center console and around the center screen. Without a doubt, it is one of the most elaborate interiors in its category.

The DS 9 has a 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster display with multiple display options between the different menus. On the other hand, we have the screen for the 12-inch infotainment system that has integration for Apple Car Play and Android Auto as long as we connect it by cable. Something that I did not like too much is that to control the air conditioning system, we always have to go through the screen.

The seats are perforated leather with electrical regulation and function of up to three memories for the driver. Another detail is that they are ventilated, heated and also have massage function, almost nothing. They are very comfortable stools that grip well, especially the ventilation function with the leather is appreciated, since in summer it would be a problem in hot cities.

Rear seats designed for maximum comfort

And in the second row of seats, this DS 9 provides a abysmal comfort. Even though I'm 1,94 meters tall, I feel really comfortable and with enough space for both head and knees even with the driver's seat adjusted to my height.

The softness of the seats is really good, as is the lateral grip. I really liked that he headrest sea curved, in case we fall asleep, that we don't go nodding off. We also find independent air conditioning, function of ventilation and heating for the side seats in addition to massage, a real wonder.

Spacious trunk but with a loading mouth that harms

If we talk about trunk of this DS 9, we have to say that it is acceptable. It's funny that despite being a PHEV, trunk is not harmed since the batteries are under the rear seats. Cube a capacity of 510 liters but the mouth of load is something small, typical in the models that are of four doors and not of five.

On the other hand, we do not have a double bottom, something that I have not finished liking. If you want a small hole to leave the charging cables, it would come in handy.

Behind the wheel of the DS 9 plug-in hybrid

Ya behind the wheel of the DS 9 PHEV, highlights its great tuning designed to offer the maximum comfort possible. The car is really comfortable both for trips and for urban journeys thanks to a suspension that absorbs all the imperfections of the asphalt.

As to engine, we can say that it has a very good power and moves with ease the 1.839 kg that this DS 9 weighs. 225 hp and 360 Nm of torque, although the heat engine is a 1.6-liter turbo that offers 180 hp while the 11,9 kWh battery It offers 110 hp, which, when both work, give that maximum power of 225 hp. The 0 to 100 does it in 8,3 seconds, a figure that although it is nothing to write home about, is more than enough for normal driving.

La torque converter type gearbox It is what leaves me a little in the middle. For a quiet use it works very well but when we need a faster response, it is somewhat slow in response.

Steering, suspension and soundproofing

If we talk about the address, it should be noted that it is light, imprecise and does not provide much information. It is not something that surprises me in a model of this category, it is usual, but I would like it to have a little more tact to know what is happening on the front axle.

Continuing towards the suspension, the DS9 is a true marvel. The level of comfort is incredibly good, both for trips and for urban use, it eats everything, it gives the feeling that we are on a cloud. It is one of the most comfortable sedans that we can find in this segment.

Ending with the soundproofing, is another reason why this model can be classified as a high-flying sedan. In general, it is very well insulated, even at speeds of 120 km/h, it is not very noisy both due to rolling and aerodynamics. The engine is also not appreciated too much in the cabin unless we raise it to a very high range of revolutions.

Consumption DS 9 PHEV

If we talk about the consumptions, the DS 9 stands out for its good electric range and very good consumption when the battery runs out. Recall that the DS 9 PHEV homologates 48 km of electric autonomy according to the WLTP cycles, figure that I have left something below in a combined use, until the 45 km. The maximum charging power is 7,4 kW, so in two hours we would have the battery charged to 100% from 0.

The consumption obtained when the battery is left at zero they are more than acceptable. In mixed use doing quiet driving, it is easy to get averages of 7,5 liters at 100. While in the city, it is normal to see it around 8,5L/100km, a figure that is not bad at all thanks to the fact that it can work like a conventional hybrid.

Conclusions SD 9

Without a doubt, the DS 9 is the great forgotten in the saloon market of the E segment. It is a model that has pleasantly surprised me and that has nothing to envy to the rest of the premium manufacturers that we all know, such as BMW o Audi. Good qualities and adjustments, excellent equipment and very good quality / price ratio,

Yes, it is true that perhaps the market share is reduced a bit as only PHEV versions are available today. Perhaps a diesel mechanic in this model would suit you very well, especially for having greater autonomy, since its 45-liter tank is just right for long trips.

In general, it is a car that I quite liked. and that, without thinking twice, I would take it into account if I had to look for a saloon in this category. In addition, it offers even more optional equipment than its direct rivals, such as seats with a massage function in the second row of seats or that they are ventilated, something that makes a difference.

Equipment DS 9

Performance Line

• Ds active scan suspension
• Rear View Camera + Front and Rear Parking Sensor + Flank Guard
• hands-free proximity access
• Ds active LED vision
• Alloy wheel 19 » MONACO
• Heated front seats (driver and passenger)
• Pre-arrangement tow hook
• On-board charger 7,4 kW
• Rear windows tinted
• BRM Chronographes motorized watch
• Frameless electrochromic interior mirror

Rivoli

• Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats (driver and passenger)
• Ds active scan suspension
• Rear view camera + Front and rear parking sensor + Flank Guard + 360º vision camera
• hands-free proximity access
• Wireless recharge for Smartphone
• Ds active LED vision
• 19” VERSAILLES alloy wheel
• Ds connect nav
• On-board charger 7,4 kW
• Rear windows tinted
• BRM Chronographes motorized watch
• Frameless electrochromic interior mirror

DS 9 Prices

Editor's opinion

DS9 Photo Gallery