French cars are almost always associated with practicality and affordability, but when we talk about the top of the pyramid, things get interesting. Although Bugatti is the brand that holds the crown for the most extreme prices, it has long inhabited its own stratosphere – the company, founded by Ettore Bugatti in Moslajm, is today part of the powerful Bugatti-Rimac alliance, jointly controlled by Croatian visionary Mate Rimac and Porsche under the Volkswagen umbrella.
That's why, if we exclude those multi-million-dollar hypercars that aren't exactly French, even though the brand is, the title of "most expensive French car" goes to DS Automobiles' new flagship - the N°8. As the premium division of Stellantis, DS is tasked with reviving French luxury and challenging German dominance, and the N°8 is the pinnacle of that endeavor, combining avant-garde design with technology that justifies its status as France's most prestigious (and expensive) offering for the mass, albeit high-end, market. It's no coincidence that this is Manuel Macron's current car, and we had the opportunity to test its capabilities. What is clear from the first glance is that with this car the French art of travel (L'Art du Voyage) receives its most daring and futuristic incarnation.
And while German competitors continue to rely on cold, almost surgical precision, and American Tesla models neglect the quality of workmanship and offer sterile minimalism, DS brings to the fore the heavy artillery of Parisian chic and avant-garde technologies. The result is a car that looks like a concept prototype that has escaped the lights of the auto show directly onto the asphalt.
This model aims to offer an alternative to those drivers who are looking for individuality and emotion in the era of silent electric mobility. Here, every line tells a story, and every technical solution is refracted through the prism of haute couture. The DS N°8 does not try to be a car for everyone; it is aimed at those who value comfort as much as visual perfection, and who want their car to be an extension of their personal style.
Exterior
Forget the clumsy and crude shapes that we often associate with electric SUVs. The DS N°8 is a visual feast that skillfully and gracefully balances the fine line between an elegant high-riding sedan and a dynamic SUV coupe. The front end is a true technological theater - the light signature “DS Lightblade“, inspired by the Aero Sport Lounge concept model, creates a mesmerizing presence on the road. The illuminated brand emblem in the center of the Luminascreen grille gives the car an almost otherworldly appearance, especially when the sun sets and the diodes begin their dance.
Otherwise, every element of the exterior is subject to the merciless fight against air resistance. The achieved coefficient of just 0.24 Cx is a key factor in achieving the impressive mileage without having to install prohibitively heavy batteries. The silhouette is elongated and aerodynamic, with door handles that retract into the bodywork, and a "floating" roof that smoothly transitions into an interesting rear spoiler. The visual width and stability are emphasized by the vertical lines of the front bumper, which not only look good, but also direct the airflow around the wheels for better efficiency.
Interior
Once you enter the cabin, you will immediately understand why DS wants to distance itself from conventional mass production. The interior is designed as a true haute couture atelier, where digital and craftsmanship coexist in harmony. Here, the eye will immediately be drawn to the unique four-spoke steering wheel, whose shape is a bit unusual, but provides excellent ergonomics. In the center of the dashboard, a 16-inch screen dominates, working with the intuitive DS Iris 2.0 system, which responds to voice commands and gestures with decent speed.
The materials in the cabin are selected with surgical precision - from the soft Nappa leather with the brand's signature "watch chain" weave to the massive details imitating polished aluminum. The silence in the cabin is literally deafening, thanks to the double laminated windows and innovative noise insulation that filters out the city chaos and turns the journey into a soothing escape. However, the space for passengers in the back is not the most generous, although the wheelbase is a full 2.90 meters. Another minor drawback is the slightly sloping roofline, which can make taller passengers feel closer to the ceiling.
Engine and driving characteristics
Underneath the avant-garde shell of the DS N°8 lies the new STLA Medium platform from the Stellantis concern. It offers technical characteristics that make even established names in the industry raise eyebrows. Customers can choose between two main batteries - a standard 74 kWh capacity and the impressive 97.2 kWh version in the Long Range modification. With it, the car achieves a class-record 750 km of range on a single charge (WLTP cycle), which practically eliminates the notorious “range anxiety“ on a long journey.
On the road, the DS N°8 relies on maximum comfort through its intelligent DS Active Scan Suspension system. A camera mounted behind the windshield scans the pavement in real time and feeds information to the computer, which adapts the stiffness of the shock absorbers even before the wheels have reached the unevenness. Power ranges from 245 hp in the versions with only front-wheel drive to a fairly decent 350 hp in the version with two electric motors and AWD drive. The feeling behind the wheel is of a “floating“ car – the ride is proverbially soft and “French“, although with more dynamic driving the weight of the batteries is felt and in general the car prefers calm driving to aggressive riding.
When we sat behind the wheel of the DS N°8, the first thing that struck us was not the acceleration, but the silence – that thick, noble isolation that makes you feel like you're in a recording studio, not on a busy boulevard. The suspension, which "reads" the road, also handles bumps with almost magical ease, turning rough asphalt into a velvety surface. At first, the X-shaped steering wheel seemed strange to us, even a little pretentious, but after the first thirty kilometers or so, your hands get used to its natural grip.
There is something extremely satisfying about driving a car that does not try to be a computer game, but relies on the pure enjoyment of calm movement, while the interior envelops you with the aroma of fine leather and the feeling of true luxury. In other words, this is not a car with unprecedented luxury, but at the same time it is quite premium, it is different from conventional German premium cars and is focused mainly on comfort, not dynamics. The actual consumption reported by the on-board computer was under 23, which will practically ensure a trouble-free journey from Sofia to the sea, without the need for recharging.
Prices
The new flagship of the French brand is now available for configuration and ordering in Bulgaria, with the first copies already in our country. And since this car is positioned in the premium segment, its price is not low, but given the rich standard equipment and technologies, it is somewhat justified. Official prices start at just under 58,000 euros and reach over 75,000 euros.
Regardless of which option you choose, for this money you get a rather unusual car, possessing many positive qualities, but of course there are some disadvantages. Here are, in our opinion, the main pros and cons of the DS N°8 after the test we did. The car is a bold move by a brand that is not afraid to be different. It is the perfect choice for people who want to escape the cliché of the German premium three and enjoy something more artistic and comfortable.
Pros:
Excellent mileage: 750 km is a standard approaching the best ones from BMW and Volvo.
Quite luxurious and different interior: A level of craftsmanship that borders on art.
Technological comfort: The road scanning system provides an exceptionally smooth ride.
Aerodynamic design: One of the most beautiful and efficient shapes on the market today.
Cons:
Specific ergonomics: The new steering wheel design and infotainment controls require a period of adaptation.
Lack of sporty spirit: Despite decent acceleration, the steering wheel and suspension settings are too soft for dynamics lovers.
Rear space: The roof design “steals“ from the headroom of the rear passengers, and the legroom is not the largest.