2022 DS 9 E-TENSE plug-in hybrid luxury saloon: details, specs and prices

Less than a year after it was unveiled, the DS 9 flagship luxury saloon has received a series of powertrain updates, boosting the fuel economy and electric driving range of the French brand’s BMW 5 Series rival.

The new DS 9 E-TENSE 250 still combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, but a new 15.6kWh battery increases the zero-emissions driving range to 43 miles around town, or 40 miles in mixed driving conditions – roughly 10 miles more than the E-TENSE 225 it replaces. Going from 0-62mph still takes just over eight seconds, though.

CO2 emissions have also been reduced compared to the 225, from 33 to 26g/km, while average fuel economy now stands at 214mpg. As a result of these updates, the DS 9 E-TENSE is now more competitive on paper against heavy-hitting executive-saloon rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and Volvo S90 – all of which are also offered with plug-in hybrid power.

The other electrified version of the DS 9 now on offer is the more potent E-TENSE 4x4 360, which adds another electric motor for all-wheel-drive and a total power output of 355bhp – enough for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. It does, however, have a smaller 11.9kWh battery, so can only cover around 29 miles on electric power. CO2 emissions are also higher than for the 250, at 41g/km, while DS claims the range-topping model will return up to 131mpg fuel economy. The 4x4 360 uses essentially the same powertrain as the Peugeot Sport Engineered 508.

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Both versions of the DS 9 E-TENSE send their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission and will do over 80mph in electric mode. This setting is automatically selected on start-up, while Hybrid and Sport modes are also available. The latter uses both the electric motor and petrol engine for maximum performance – adjusting the software mapping for the throttle, gearbox, steering and suspension for a more dynamic driving experience.

The car also features a regenerative braking system to harness energy that would otherwise be lost as the car slows to a halt. An E-Save function allows drivers to hold battery power for use later in your journey; the 15.6kWh battery in the E-TENSE 250 can be topped up in around two-and-a-half hours minutes using a 7kW home wallbox charger. DS 9 E-TENSE owners can also use the MyDS app, to check the progress of charging and heat or cool the car remotely.

The car’s nose is inspired by the front of the DS 7 Crossback SUV, while its sloped roofline echoes that of the latest Peugeot 508 Fastback – unsurprising given that it's based on the long-wheelbase version of that car produced for the Chinese market. The DS 9 also features a Clous de Paris ‘sabre’ that sits proud and runs the length of the bonnet.

Inside, the firm’s familiar diamond watch-strap theme takes centre stage with sharp flashes throughout the cabin. It uses a similar set of touch-sensitive buttons to those in the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE. The large central touchscreen is topped with an analogue clock, while hand-wrapped leather appears on the door handles. 

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There’s loads of safety kit and cutting-edge technology on the DS 9, including DS Active Scan Suspension, Level 2 autonomous driving capability, DS Park Pilot parking assistance and night vision. DS Active LED vision lights are also available, which adjust for speed, road type and weather conditions. 

Both versions of the DS 9 are offered in Performance Line+ and Rivoli+ trim levels. UK pricing for the E-TENSE 250 has yet to be announced, but we expect it won’t be much different from the E-TENSE 225’s £46,100 starting figure. The range-topping E-TENSE 4x4 360 version, meanwhile, is priced at £54,100 in Performance Line+ trim, or £57,200 in Rivoli+ guise.

DS currently offers electrified E-TENSE versions of all its models, with the DS 4 hatchback and DS 7 SUV both also available as plug-in hybrids. However, the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE is offered exclusively with a pure-electric powertrain – the same one found in the Citroen e-C4, Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka-e.

DS has also pledged that all models it launches from 2024 will be electric-only; the next is expected to be a zero-emissions version of the DS 4 hatchback, as electric variants of the closely related Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra have already been confirmed.