Skip advert
Advertisement

New DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 2020 review

The upmarket DS 7 Crossback E-Tense is the French brand’s first plug-in hybrid

Overall Auto Express rating

3.5

How we review cars
Find your DS 7
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Verdict

This is DS’s first plug-in hybrid, but, price apart, the E-Tense is now the pick of the DS 7 Crossback range. It’s swift, smooth enough, and the Active Scan suspension seems to work better here than in the standard car. It’s a practical SUV, too, but the interior and tech still lack the usability of other premium brands’ set-ups, while the price tag of nearly £60,000 for this model makes it hard to stomach compared with rivals such as Audi’s Q5 TFSI e.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve tried SUVs from premium French brand DS before, but the DS 3 and DS 7 Crossbacks received mixed verdicts. However, the electrified variants have now hit the UK market, and they make a lot more sense than the petrol and diesel models.

Here we’re driving the battery-assisted DS 7, which is badged E-Tense. However, while the similarly named DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is fully electric, this larger model is a plug-in hybrid. It combines a 197bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo that drives the front wheels with a 108bhp electric motor on the rear axle for a total of 296bhp and (selectable) e-four-wheel drive.

Of all the powertrains on offer, this suits the DS 7 the best – not least because it brings refinement to match DS’s premium aspirations. It’s surprisingly keen to run on electric power, given its 1,900kg weight, and all-electric range stands at up to 40 miles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

53,940 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £15,400
View C-HR
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

29,544 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £21,900
View Model 3
Corsa

2021 Vauxhall

Corsa

16,327 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,950
View Corsa
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

17,791 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £22,300
View Model 3

Even when the DS 7’s petrol engine does kick in, the e-motor’s 337Nm of torque (37Nm more than the petrol unit produces, and available instantly) takes the load off the engine so it doesn’t sound that strained.

Ask for everything and the E-Tense will sprint from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, which is as fast as some hot hatches. That figure highlights how an electric motor can boost performance as well as efficiency, and while the eight-speed automatic isn’t the quickest gearbox, its changes are mostly smooth.

Advertisement - Article continues below

DS claims economy of between 166.2 and 235.4mpg, but as with any plug-in hybrid, how frequently you charge it will have a direct bearing on your efficiency.

With a home wallbox supplying 7.2kW to the E-Tense’s 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery, a full charge from empty will take an hour and 45 minutes, which is impressively quick, given the electric range on offer.

The weight of that battery, located low in the chassis, also helps alleviate the bobbly ride you get in the regular DS 7 Crossback.

As standard, this E-Tense variant is fitted with the Active Scan system that uses a camera to monitor the road ahead and adjust the suspension accordingly. The set-up isn’t perfect, but the hybrid doesn’t bump and jostle around on back roads quite as much as the standard model. And while it’s still not the most settled in some situations, there’s enough suspension travel and compliance on A-roads, dual carriageways and motorways to keep you and your passengers relatively well isolated.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s quite practical, too, with a 555-litre boot and no drawbacks compared with its non-hybrid siblings. There’s a respectable amount of room in the rear, too.

However, one factor seriously undoes its appeal, because in this top-spec Ultra Prestige trim, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense costs £56,075. For comparison, an Audi Q5 50 TFSI e with similar power costs between £49,735 and £64,585.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The low 35g/km CO2 emissions will help keep running costs down if you’re a company car user, but that price is hard to swallow, and it affects finance deals.

While the interior materials are okay, quality doesn’t quite seem up to the same level as the price tag, even if there are some nice metal finishes and leather trim.

The E-Tense doesn’t go any way to right the standard car’s wrongs when it comes to infotainment or ease of use, incidentally. The 12-inch screen and graphics on the 12.3-inch digital dash are fine, but the DS-specific skin is confusing to navigate around, and the tech could be more responsive.

At least you get lots of equipment for your money when you choose this top Ultra Prestige trim. Those dual displays are standard, alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, sat-nav, climate control, LED headlights, heated and ventilated massaging seats, and semi-autonomous adaptive cruise, plus strong safety tech that includes AEB, lane-keep assist and blind-spot detection, parking sensors, a reversing camera and keyless operation.

However, even with all of this kit, and despite the improvements the E-Tense’s engineering brings, this top-spec plug-in hybrid DS 7 Crossback still looks pricey.

Model:DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4 Ultra Prestige
Price:£56,075
Engine:1.6-litre 4cyl turbo petrol & electric motor
Power/torque:296bhp/520Nm
Transmission:Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 
0-62mph:5.9 seconds
Top speed:149mph
Economy/CO2:166.2-235.4mpg/35g/km
On saleNow
Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £3,735 off RRP*Used from £20,466
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,209 off RRP*Used from £13,753
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £27,795Avg. savings £2,454 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,060Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Used from £8,199
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Dacia Sandero spotted for the first time: fresh look for Europe’s best-selling car
Dacia Sandero facelift spied testing - front tracking

New Dacia Sandero spotted for the first time: fresh look for Europe’s best-selling car

The humble supermini’s makeover is inspired by the Dacia Spring EV, plus Duster and Bigster SUV
News
11 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW i5 Touring is a big-booted electric estate for a small price
BMW i5 Touring - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: BMW i5 Touring is a big-booted electric estate for a small price

Good to drive and spacious to boot, the BMW i5 Touring has it all. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 March
News
10 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line offers sporty looks and loads of space for only £221 per month
New Hyundai Tucson hybrid - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line offers sporty looks and loads of space for only £221 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 9 March is Hyundai’s comfortable, strikingly styled mid-size SUV, which is a serial award-winner
News
9 Mar 2025