First Look at the Crucial DS No7 SUV

First Look at the Crucial DS No7 SUV – Design, Specs, and What It Means for the Brand

Image: First Look at the Crucial DS No7 SUV – Design, Specs, and What It Means for the Brand – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When DS announced a new family member for its premium SUV line‑up, the automotive world sat up and took notice. The DS No7 is billed as the more conventional sibling to the futuristic DS No8, and early visuals suggest it could become the brand’s best‑selling model for years to come. In this article we’ll unpack everything we know so far – from design cues and interior space to powertrain options and pricing – and why the No7 matters for DS’s future.

What the First Images Reveal

A short video posted by DS design director Thierry Metroz gave us a digital rendering of the No7 cloaked in camouflage. The most striking takeaway? The SUV keeps the three‑projector‑beam headlamp signature that defined the No8, but adopts a boxier silhouette that feels more at home on everyday roads.

While the rear end was not shown, industry insiders expect a similar treatment to the No8, with the exception of a longer rear window and a higher roofline – changes that promise extra headroom and cargo capacity.

Design & Dimensions

The higher roofline not only adds a premium feel but also opens the door to a possible third‑row seat – a trick borrowed from the Peugeot 5008, which shares the same STLA Medium platform.

Under the Hood: Powertrain Options

The No7 will ride on the same DS‑tuned version of Stellantis’ STLA Medium architecture that underpins the No8. Buyers can expect both single‑ and dual‑motor electric setups, delivering up to 345 bhp and an estimated range of up to 466 miles on the WLTP cycle. Because the No7 is slightly more boxy, real‑world range may sit just over the 400‑mile mark, still impressive for a vehicle of its size.

In addition to pure electric power, DS is likely to keep a few ADAS (Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems) tricks up its sleeve – adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping assist, and a 360° camera suite that mirrors the No8’s tech‑heavy approach.

Interior: Familiar Luxury, New Space

Step inside, and you’ll feel a déjà‑vu. The cockpit shares the No8’s quirky aluminium dashboard panel, a tactile reminder of DS’s French heritage. Material choices range from soft‑touch plastics to optional real‑wood veneers – a nod to the brand’s boutique feel.

Where the No7 truly distinguishes itself is the rear cabin. The higher roofline translates into extra knee‑room for second‑row passengers and the possibility of a third‑row seat for occasional use. For families that need a bit more flexibility, the boot space jumps to a practical 720 L, enough for a weekend getaway without compromising passenger comfort.

Feature Comparison: No7 vs. No8

Pricing and Market Positioning

DS has hinted that the No7 will be priced slightly lower than the No8, despite offering more interior volume. Starting at just under £50,000, the No7 could sit comfortably below the UK’s Expensive Car Supplement threshold, making it an attractive entry point for premium‑seeking buyers.

Those figures are still estimates, but they give a clear picture of how DS plans to slot the No7 between its current best‑selling DS 7 and the flagship No8.

Why the No7 Matters for DS

Replacing the DS 7, which has been the brand’s volume driver, the No7 will be a litmus test for DS’s electrification strategy. If the market embraces the higher roofline, extra cargo space, and the promise of a 400‑plus mile range, DS could solidify its position as a genuine premium EV challenger in Europe.

From a personal standpoint, I remember test‑driving the DS 7 back in 2021 – the ride was smooth, the interior felt upscale, but the rear space always felt a bit cramped for my family of five. The No7’s design directly addresses that pain point, and the added optional third row feels like a clever nod to practicality without sacrificing the brand’s chic DNA.

Conclusion

The first glimpse of the DS No7 paints a picture of a thoughtfully engineered SUV that blends the brand’s signature French flair with the pragmatic needs of modern families. With a boxier silhouette, a potentially lower price tag, and an electric range that comfortably clears the 400‑mile barrier, the No7 could become the cornerstone of DS’s future lineup. Keep an eye on the official launch later this year – the No7 might just be the SUV that proves DS can deliver both elegance and everyday utility.

For more details, see the original video release on Autocar.

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