2023 DS DS 7 Review
The DS 7 is one of the most comfortable SUVs on sale and the latest update smartens it up inside and out.
Review
Pros: Classy looks, spacious interior, comfort.
Cons: Expensive, narrow engine range.
DS 7 Design
The DS 7 is the DS brand’s flagship SUV and the French luxury carmaker's alternative to the likes of the BMW X1, the Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40. In France, DS is very popular and a favourite of President Emmanuel Macron. DS has been slower to establish itself in Ireland among the premium brands. But sales are growing, boosted by the launch of the DS 4 hatchback late last year. The DS 7 is a striking family SUV and the latest update makes it even more appealing than before. The wider griller and slim pixel LED headlights give it a smart, commanding presence, while the new DS‘light veil’ daytime running lights are a stylish addition. There are three trim levels for Ireland – Performance Line, Rivoli and Opera – with alloy wheels sizes varying from 19- to 21-inch. There’s been a subtle restyling around the back with DS Automobiles now spelt out across the rear and a beautiful set of LED rear lights with jewel-like illumination. If style matters, this is the SUV for you.
DS 7 Interior
The cabin of the DS 7 is beautifully appointed with great attention to detail. Performance Line models get an Alcantara cabin, while mid-spec Rivoli models come with a full black leather interior. The upmarket feel is enhanced by luxurious quilting in the dashboard and doors that wouldn’t be out of place in a Bentley. Rivoli models come with luxury features like heated front seats with massage function and a stylish B.R.M clock in the centre of the dash. The gorgeous metal buttons in the centre console operate the electric windows and though it's not the most logical place for them, it’s hard not to be impressed by their beauty!
The facelifted DS 7 gets a new full digital driver display and updated 12-inch infotainment screen. It looks very slick and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It can be a bit fiddly to use but there are shortcut buttons in a row underneath to bring up menus quickly, like climate control.
The cabin feels nicely spacious for a five seat SUV with plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers. A 555 litre boot is also excellent and features handy switches to let down the rear seats.
DS 7 Performance & Drive
The latest DS 7 is available with the choice of a diesel or a petrol plug-in hybrid – there’s no pure petrol option. All come with an 8-speed automatic. Plug-in hybrid models are badged 'E-Tense' and are available with front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The front wheel drive plug-in hybrid is probably the most sensible of them all for the Irish market with 225hp and an electric driving range of up to 69 kilometres. The 1.5 diesel offers 130hp and good economy but the extra power and refinement of the plug-in hybrid seems to match the DS 7’s premium aspirations a little better. It’s not perfect however: the 8-speed automatic can be a little jerky at low speeds and it gets thirsty when the battery is empty. Still, it impresses with a robust feeling of power on the road.
This is also an incredibly comfortable SUV. The E-Tense versions come with the 'DSScan Suspension', which uses a camera to scan the road ahead and adjusts the suspension damping in response, firmer or softer. It translates to a wonderful supple ride quality that makes this car excellent for Irish roads. It’s reasonably quiet in the cabin, with just a bit of road noise at high speeds. It handles the road nicely, feeling generally athletic for its size and the light steering makes it easy to drive around town and park.
DS 7 Pricing
The DS 7 1.5 diesel is available from €50,390. The plug-in hybrid is available from €57,800 in the Performance Line trim or from €61,800 as tested in the Rivoli trim.
Carzone Verdict
The DS 7 is a great option if you’re bored of the usual SUVs and looking for something with a bit more style and uniqueness. It is expensive to buy compared to more mainstream SUVs but it makes up for it with the space and comfort it offers. And with this latest update, DS has kept it fresh inside and out.