DS No8 review
This French EV is a plush and quirky alternative to the German executive norm
Our opinion on the DS No8
French car makers have always done things a little differently when it comes to executive models, and the DS No8 continues that tradition. Its coupe-SUV shape offers a unique look, while the cabin’s Art Deco design is a real stand-out, although the amount of space on offer inside is a little limited when compared with the class best. Comfort is a focus for DS, and the No8 is very quiet and refined on the whole, although it doesn’t offer the last word on comfort in the class. Prices are competitive for the sector, so you get a lot of car and kit for your money.
About the DS No8
The relatively short-lived DS 9 executive saloon (2020-2024) has made way for the DS No8, which the company describes as being an SUV-coupe. It certainly has distinctive proportions, while the angular styling helps it to stand out from the crowd. There’s an all-electric powertrain line-up, while the three trim levels offer plenty of standard kit and luxury trimmings.
The No8 is based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform that is shared with cars such as the Peugeot 5008 and Vauxhall Grandland. There are two battery options on offer, two drive layouts and three power outputs, and the range kicks off with a 74kWh battery that powers a 227bhp/345Nm electric motor and sends drive to the front wheels. The Long Range adds a 97.2kWh pack and increases power to 242bhp, but torque stays the same, while the AWD Long Range uses the same battery, but adds a second electric motor for a total output of 345bhp/511Nm.
DS No8 prices and latest deals
Prices for the DS No8 start from around £51,000 for Pallas trim and the standard battery, while around £5,000 extra is needed to upgrade to the Long Range pack. Etoile trim is more luxurious than Pallas and costs £4,000 more with the standard battery. Upgrading to the Long Range version costs £4,500 extra, while you’ll need to find another £4,000 for four-wheel drive and the more powerful drivetrain, which is only available with the Long Range battery.
Used - available now
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2022 Peugeot
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2023 Mercedes
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Cash £20,649At launch, DS is also offering the Jules Verne edition that upgrades the cabin with more kit, including blue Nappa leather and Alcantara, plus 21-inch wheels. This model carries a £5,500 premium over the Etoile Long Range models, although if you build your perfect DS No8 through the Auto Express Buy a Car service, you will find discounts on the entire line-up.
Performance & driving experience
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As an executive model, especially one with a DS badge, you’d expect first-rate comfort, but the No8 isn’t quite as capable as rivals.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| No8 FWD 230HP | 227bhp | 7.7 seconds | 118mph |
| No8 FWD 245HP Long Range | 242bhp | 7.8 seconds | 118mph |
| No8 FWD 350HP AWD Long Range | 345bhp | 5.4 seconds | 118mph |
Electric motors, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
Sprint times are strong, with the front-wheel-drive versions managing 0-62mph in just under eight seconds, while the AWD car’s extra power and traction help it demolish the sprint in 5.4 seconds. We’ve had experience of the latter car, and we’d recommend switching drive modes for the best performance. In Eco, Normal or Comfort, there’s a delay in the powertrain’s response, but in Sport mode there’s instant pick-up from the motors.
Town driving, visibility and parking
One thing is for certain, the DS is quiet and refined at urban speeds. There’s laminated glass to help keep noise out, while the powertrain and tyre noise are hushed.
The car’s ride is fine rather than outstanding, though, with a gentle patter that can be felt at lower speeds. While DS has added Active Scan suspension, where a front-facing camera analyses the road surface and the on-board systems adjust the suspension accordingly, we didn’t feel as if the No8 was significantly smoother or better riding than Citroen’s lower-spec models fitted with hydraulic bump stops. However, these are still some of the smoothest-riding cars in their respective classes.
The No8 is branded as an SUV-coupe, but the driving position isn’t set much higher than you get in a conventional executive saloon, but the view out is decent. Plus you have the added security of front, side and rear parking sensors, while the base model’s reversing camera is joined by a front camera and 360-degree vision on higher-spec cars.
Country road driving and handling
The DS is more than responsive enough at higher speeds, and its overall character of comfort and refinement remains intact. The suspension does a better job than some rivals of keeping the car’s mass in check, with less body roll in corners or bouncing over uneven surfaces. But there is still some patter from the suspension that feels a little out of place in an executive model such as this. The steering doesn’t give much feedback, but this isn’t really a car you’d drive to the limits of its performance, so that’s not a problem.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
Refinement at higher speeds is very good, with the laminated glass helping to keep wind noise at bay, while the tyres generate little in the way of road noise. The ride is composed on the whole, although again it’s not quite as smooth as you might expect from a top-spec French luxury car.
"There are three levels of energy recovery on offer in the No8, and these are adjusted via paddles behind the steering wheel. It’s an intuitive way of changing settings on the fly, so DS should be praised for including it. It’s best to have it set to least resistance on the motorway so you have a smoother drive, while the strongest setting is handy around town, but not strong enough for one-pedal driving." - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
Range, charging & running costs
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While prices are high, you get a lot of car for the money, and the DS No8 is well equipped even in base trim. Everyday running costs could be lower, though.
Electric range, battery life and charge time
The version of the DS No8 with the longest range is the front-wheel-drive Long Range variant that can officially travel up to 447 miles with a fully charged 97.2kWh (net) battery. Adding four-wheel drive trims a few miles off this figure at 412 miles, but that’s still one of the longest ranges currently claimed by a new EV today. Choose the smaller 74kWh battery, and you’re looking at a range of 329 miles from a full charge, which is still pretty decent.
We tested the AWD Long Range version of the No8 in chilly conditions and with a number of motorway miles in the mix, and saw a return of 2.9 miles per kWh overall. That wasn’t too bad and meant a range of 282 miles was feasible, although the Volvo ES90 we tested on similar routes returned 3.3mi/kWh, so had a slightly longer range from a smaller battery.
Charging speeds for the DS are fairly ordinary by the standards of the executive class. The car features a 400-volt electrical system, as opposed to the 800-volt set-up used by some rivals, and a maximum DC charging rate of 160kW is offered. This can take the 74kWh battery from 20-80 per cent capacity in 26 minutes, with the 97.2kWh pack taking a minute longer to charge to the same amount.
| Model | Battery size | Range | Insurance group |
| No8 FWD 230HP | 74kWh | 412 miles | 37 |
| No8 FWD 245HP Long Range | 97.2kWh | 447 miles | 37 |
| No8 FWD 350HP AWD Long Range | 97.2kWh | 329 miles | 42 |
Insurance groups
Group ratings for the No8 range from 37 to 42, which is a bit lower than the figures for some rivals, although the AA.com quote we received for the top-spec Etoile AWD model was still close to £1,500.
Tax
Every version of the DS No8 costs more than £50,000, so you’ll have to pay the luxury car tax supplement from years two to six, which means VED road tax is currently £640.
Since the DS No8 is at the lower end of the price spectrum for luxury executive models, it could be a tempting choice for company car buyers. The four per cent rate that applies to new EVs means higher-rate taxpayers face annual bills of around £1,000 for the top-spec versions, a jump of around £250 when compared with the 2025/26 tax year, when the rate was at three per cent.
Depreciation
Resale values for past executive models from DS and Citroen have been known to plummet like a stone. For example, if you can find a top-spec DS9 (the No8’s predecessor), a car that was worth £65,000 new in 2025 can now be had for as little as £20k. The new coupe-SUV aims to buck that trend, and residuals in the 49-52 per cent ballpark are solid for the class.
Interior, design & technology
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There isn’t much on the road that looks like the DS No8, although its high sides and low roof do make it look awkwardly proportioned from some angles. The exterior lighting adds an Art Deco touch, with prominent ‘fang’ daytime running lights and an illuminated DS badge and grille behind a glass panel.
Interior and dashboard design
In a world where the latest Audi A6 e-tron resembles a Currys PC World big-screen TV department, the inside of the DS No8 is a different experience: more high-end Parisian hotel than department store. The Art Deco look includes plenty of angular shapes, large, metal panels at either end of the dashboard, subtle backlighting for the dashboard and doors, plus colour-coded trim that matches the upholstery and centre console.
As standard, the mid-range Etoile model has dark blue Alcantara trim, but you can upgrade to sumptuous caramel Nappa leather for £1,600. Both feel superb, and even the entry-level models have a luxurious and highly detailed execution that feels genuinely refreshing.
Materials and build quality
There’s a tactility that’s maintained throughout the cabin, with even the most humdrum of elements, such as the dash top or centre console, finished in unique, unusual and high-quality finishes.
While the cabin feels well built, we can’t help but notice switchgear in the DS that’s found elsewhere on Stellantis group products – it just has a slightly more upmarket finish here. Take the key, for example. It’s the same fob that you’ll get if you’re driving anything from a Vauxhall Grandland to a Citroen Berlingo van, it’s just been given a slightly knurled insert with a bit of chrome trim to distinguish it as a DS key.
It’s a similar story with items such as the drive selector and electric window controls. At least the backlit drive mode and volume buttons on the high centre console are unique.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
On top of the main dash is a 16-inch infotainment screen that in effect acts as both a main touchscreen and a passenger display. There are climate controls at either end, which isn’t an uncommon feature on other Stellantis products, but there are also two home buttons, so both driver and passenger have one within easy reach. It’s fast to react and while not immediately easy to navigate, can be mastered relatively quickly. The screen size and the functionality aren’t quite as you’ll find in the latest BMWs, Audis or Polestars, but it’s not enough to dilute the interior’s elegance or attention to detail.
In addition to the main display is a further driver’s display that seems to be concealed behind a glass cabinet, with additional information also available on the optional head-up display. This is adjusted via the same controller that adjusts the door mirrors, located to the right of the steering wheel on the dashboard.
"The No8 is designed to be DS’s flagship model, but there needs to be greater attention to detail to the fit and finish at this level to make it feel like a properly premium machine. Take the bootlid as an example. It has ‘DS Automobiles’ emblazoned across it in brushed metal-effect lettering, but the grain of the letters is inconsistent, so some letters look darker or brighter, depending on how the light catches them." - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
Boot space & practicality
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The swooping roof of the DS No8 doesn’t affect headroom, but there isn’t as much space in the back of the car as its size might suggest.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | DS No8 | Volvo ES90 | BMW i5 |
| Length | 4,820mm | 5,000mm | 5,060mm |
| Width | 1,900mm | 2,054mm | 1,900mm |
| Height | 1,580mm | 1,554mm | 1,515mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900mm | 3,102mm | 2,995mm |
| Boot space | 581 litres | 424 litres | 490 litres |
Long, tall and narrow proportions mean the DS No8 looks unlike any other executive model currently on sale. It’s around the same width as a BMW 5 Series (or i5), but is taller thanks to its raised ride height. The shorter wheelbase means there are some compromises in terms of passenger space, but the boot is quite generous.
Seats & passenger space
There isn’t much wrong with the cabin layout up front, although the X-shaped spokes on the steering wheel mean you have to adjust how you hold the wheel if you’re accustomed to a 10 to two position. The easy-access driver’s seat is a little slow to react, because when you start the car, it pauses briefly as the rest of the car comes to life.
The seats can be upgraded with a massage function, although while the system delivers a decent pummeling of your back, the motors in the seat are a bit noisy and can disturb the peace a little. DS also offers a neck warmer, which seems a little unnecessary in a car that isn’t a convertible, and only works if you can sit high enough and don’t have a big collar to get in the way.
There’s a decent view out, although the rear screen is a little small and doesn’t feature a wiper to keep it clear in the rain. You can bypass this by using the digital rear-view mirror that’s fitted to Etoile models and above.
The coupe-SUV profile means the roof arches low over the rear seats, but headroom is acceptable for most passengers. A bigger issue is the car’s high floor, which raises your knees relative to the seat base, reducing under-thigh support, while kneeroom isn’t as generous as you might expect for an executive model. Passengers in the back have their own climate controls and USB sockets, while the panoramic glass roof that creates a more spacious feel is an £800 option on Pallas and Etoile models.
Boot space
The powered tailgate opens to reveal a 581-litre load area that is relatively easy to access and offers plenty of floor space. There’s a small under-floor compartment that’s big enough for a single charging cable, and is the only place for it because there’s no storage in the car’s nose. One thing we did find with the boot is that the load cover is a little flimsy. It was a windy day for our photoshoot, and the cover was blown up and in the way of the boot closing, so that’s something that’s worth being aware of.
"The square metal panels on the doors have a dual function. Firstly, they’re illuminated along the leading edge, and this is where the grab handle to close the door is located. However, this position is a little awkward and means the doors need a bit of a yank to get them closed." - Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
Reliability & safety
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Given that the DS No8 uses the same running gear as a number of other Stellantis models, any reliability issues should be flagged sooner than if it was built on a dedicated platform. Either way, there’s a fairly average three-year, 60,000-mile warranty that covers the car, while roadside assistance lasts for the same period. Extended cover is available at extra cost, while service packages can incorporate wear-and-tear parts (including tyres), MoTs and also offer access to a courtesy car if necessary.
DS separates itself from the rest of the Stellantis range with distinctive design, and it also offers a concierge service for owners. The app-based Only You service is designed to make it easier to book servicing or valeting and gain access to exclusive offers.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Four stars (2025) |
| Adult occupant protection | 76% |
| Child occupant protection | 85% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 80% |
| Safety assist | 65% |
Buying and owning
- Best buy: DS No8 FWD Long Range Etoile
The higher-spec Etoile feels that bit more upmarket than the Pallas version, while adding the Long Range battery means that range should never be a cause for concern.
DS No8 alternatives
More mainstream rivals include the Audi A6 e-tron and BMW i5, which both offer a better drive, but are a lot more conventional in layout and interior design, while the Mercedes EQE has a lot of tech on board and an upmarket feel. The Volvo ES90 is another alternative that has decent space inside and offers something different to the German options, and is more efficient than the DS No8, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a lot more convincing than some of the past DS flagship models, and its design is more appealing than the DS9 that it replaces. It’s not the roomiest executive in the back, but it makes up for it with tons of style and distinctive looks.
Deals on the No8 and alternatives
