The French have always done things differently. From haute couture to high-speed trains, their creations tend to blur the line between art and engineering. DS Automobiles, the avant-garde offshoot of Stellantis, continues that tradition with the new DS N°4 — a premium compact hatchback that aims to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and BMW 1 Series, but with a decidedly Parisian flair.
And this time, the French aren’t just playing catch-up — they’re setting some new standards of their own.
Design: The DS Look, Evolved
From the moment you see it, the DS N°4 announces itself as something special. The brand’s signature drama is alive and well, now expressed through a new horizontal black grille and a striking light signature inspired by the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept car. The illuminated DS logo sits proudly at the center, connecting beams of light that sweep from bumper to bumper — a bold move in a segment dominated by understated Teutonic minimalism.
All trims wear this new face, but the ÉTOILE versions elevate the look with DS MATRIX LED VISION headlamps, combining adaptive and directional lighting with just the right amount of design theater.
From the side, the N°4 cuts a purposeful stance — 4.4 meters long, 1.87 wide, and 1.49 high — with a taut silhouette, muscular haunches, and a floating black roofline. Large 19- or 20-inch wheels fill the arches, while chrome detailing outlines the glasshouse with precision. Around back, laser-engraved taillights with a “Dark Chrome” finish echo the brand’s jewelry-like attention to detail.
If an A3 is a tailored suit, the DS N°4 is a designer ensemble straight off the Champs-Élysées runway.
Inside: Where Paris Meets Tech
Step inside, and it’s immediately clear: DS continues to do interiors like no one else. From watchstrap-style Nappa leather to Clous de Paris metal inserts and pearl stitching, every surface feels as though it’s been touched by a craftsman, not a robot.
Depending on trim, materials range from DS Canvas and Alcantara® in the PALLAS and ÉTOILE trims to full Criollo Brown Nappa leather in the range-topping ÉTOILE Nappa Leather. Even the dashboard and door panels are richly upholstered — a reminder that DS still sees cars as tactile experiences, not just digital interfaces.
Yet, it’s not all about opulence. The DS N°4 backs up its artistry with practicality: up to 430 liters of cargo space (in hybrid form), clever storage, and plenty of rear legroom — something its German rivals often forget.
On the Road: Serenity with a Pulse
The DS N°4 doesn’t chase lap times. Instead, it focuses on what the French call le plaisir de conduire — the pleasure of driving. That means finely tuned suspension and chassis balance aimed at “dynamic serenity” rather than raw aggression.
Every version — from hybrid to full electric — is designed to blend comfort and precision, a trait that DS has refined since the days of the hydropneumatic DS of the 1950s. The result is a hatchback that glides over rough roads yet stays planted through fast sweepers.
The 100% electric E-TENSE model may be the most compelling. With 213 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque, it’s brisk enough for everyday fun while maintaining that trademark DS calm. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 450 km of WLTP range, and charging is quick — 20 to 80% in about 30 minutes at 120 kW DC.
Regenerative braking offers three levels, adjustable by paddles behind the wheel — a rare feature in this class and proof of DS’s engineering finesse.
The Powertrain Lineup: French Variety, Multiplied
Few compact cars offer this much drivetrain diversity. The DS N°4 comes in three flavors, all electrified:
- HYBRID (145 hp): A self-charging setup pairing a 1.2-liter turbo triple with a 21 kW motor. Efficient and smooth, ideal for urban commuters.
- PLUG-IN HYBRID (225 hp): A new 14.6 kWh battery grants up to 81 km of electric-only range, with a combined output of 225 hp and 360 Nm, sprinting to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
- E-TENSE (100% Electric): 213 hp, 343 Nm, and 450 km of range, proving electric doesn’t mean emotionless.
DS even adds Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to the E-TENSE, allowing owners to power laptops, camping gear, or even espresso machines — because of course the French would make sure you never travel without good coffee.
Tech: Smarter Than Your Average Hatch
Connectivity is another DS strong suit. The DS IRIS SYSTEM infotainment suite now integrates ChatGPT, turning voice control into actual conversation. Drivers can ask about world news, sports, or even dinner recommendations — “OK IRIS” brings the digital assistant to life.
Standard features include EV routing, battery preconditioning, remote e-controls, and over-the-air updates. The top-spec versions add an Extended Head-Up Display and adaptive cruise with DS DRIVE ASSIST, offering semi-autonomous capability.
Peace of Mind: DS SERENITY Warranty
In a rare show of confidence, DS backs every new model with the DS SERENITY warranty — up to 8 years or 160,000 km — covering even the infotainment system. The package includes 24/7 assistance across 47 countries and courtesy vehicles. It’s the kind of premium care you’d expect from a brand that calls its philosophy The Art of Travel.
Trims and Pricing
The lineup starts with the PALLAS, offering DS Canvas upholstery, adaptive cruise, LED lighting, and 19-inch wheels. Step up to ÉTOILE, and you get DS IRIS with ChatGPT, MATRIX LED lighting, power seats, and Alcantara® everywhere.
The JULES VERNE Collection brings a sense of adventure — blue and pearl Alcantara®, compass detailing, and exclusive black wheels with gold caps. Think of it as DS’s tribute to 19th-century explorers, only now electric and leather-scented.
French pricing (E-TENSE):
- PALLAS: €46,990
- ÉTOILE: €51,290
- JULES VERNE: €49,190
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models follow similar trim logic, starting around €39,300 and stretching to €55,500 for the top-spec ÉTOILE Nappa Leather Plug-In Hybrid.
Verdict: A Premium Hatch with Personality
The DS N°4 doesn’t try to mimic the Germans — it challenges them differently. With its sculpted design, serene ride, and forward-thinking electrified lineup, it’s a refreshing alternative in a segment that’s often too serious for its own good.
It’s not for everyone — and that’s precisely the point. The DS N°4 is for those who believe driving should still feel special, even when it’s silent.
Source: Stellantis