New plug-in hybrid variants of the DS 7 Crossback

PSA brand DS Automobiles has expanded its plug-in hybrid offering for the DS 7 Crossback. In addition to the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 with all-wheel drive, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 with front-wheel drive is another PHEV variant now on offer.

+ + Kindly see our update below + +

PSA is relying on the well-known EMP2 technology: The Opel Grandland X and the Peugeot 3008 also feature the 220 kW all-wheel-drive version of the PHEV powertrain, as well as the front-wheel-drive version with 165 kW system power now introduced in the DS 7 Crossback – or the 225 hp, converted into the old currency, which can also be found in the model designation of the DS 7.

The torque is 360 Nm and the electric range according to WLTP stands at 55 kilometres – two kilometres less than the Opel. Like the all-wheel-drive version, the new version is equipped with a 1.6-litre gasoline engine, but instead of two electric motors of 80 kW each, it has only one on board (with exactly 81 kW). This makes a system power difference of 55 kW between the two PHEV variants.

When the car is started, the DS 7 Crossback uses only the electric motor and can, therefore, reach speeds of up to 135 kph. Only when the driver switches to another driving mode or when the battery is empty does the combustion engine switch to it.

With its energy content of 13.2 kWh, the battery is again the same as in the four-wheel-drive version. It is not clear which charger the DS 7 has: Other EMP2-based PHEVs have a 3.7 kW onboard charger as standard, which can be optionally upgraded to 7.4 kW. DS does not specify whether this is also the case here or whether the premium SUV has the more powerful AC charger installed ex-works. However, a household charging cable and a type 2 cable are included as standard.

Prices and availability for the new DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 are not yet mentioned by the manufacturer. The all-wheel-drive model DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 is available in the UK starting from £47,725. If DS prices the two PHEVs according to a similar logic as its sister company Opel, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 could be around £5,800 cheaper than the four-wheel-drive version. For the Peugeot 3008, the price difference between the hybrid and Hybrid4 is even £6,500.

Update 28 June 2022:

After around two years, DS Automobiles has added a third variant to the DS7 PHEV range. The 265 kW variant is the top model of the series. The drive update is part of a visual and technical model update – in the course of which the model also loses the additional designation Crossback.

Visually, the new edition is most recognisable at the front, where a “chrome detox” determines the overall design update – chrome elements are omitted, and new LED daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper at the front. Technically, the DS 7 now comes with DS Pixel LED Vision 3.0 and DS Light Veil. Also new is the infotainment system with DS Iris voice recognition.

German market launch for the new DS 7 is late autumn 2022. Orders will open shortly, which will also announce the final prices for the new DS edition.

insideevs.com, carscoops.com, dsautomobiles.com, stellantis.com (update)