DS7 AWD: All-Wheel Drive to Overcome Any Challenge

The DS7 Plug-In Hybrid AWD is an SUV with plug-in hybrid technology that allows you to navigate any terrain with the assurance that you won't get stuck. The all-wheel-drive versions of this model are available from 60,000 euros for the 300 HP engine, and from 69,700 euros for the 360 HP Plug-in Hybrid AWD engine.

The 360 HP version combines the 200 HP of its petrol engine with the 110 HP and 112 HP of two electric motors located on the front and rear axles, respectively.

As a result, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds while maintaining an electric range of up to 62 km in urban routes and CO2 consumption and emission levels that allow enjoying the benefits provided by the "Zero" label from the Directorate General of Traffic. It operates in AWD mode by default, switching to front-wheel drive only if requested by the driver or if speeds exceed 190 km/h.

Also featuring all-wheel drive, the DS 7 Plug-In Hybrid 300 AWD combines a 200 HP petrol engine with electric motors on the front and rear axles of 110 and 112 HP, respectively. It can run in 100% electric mode at a maximum speed of 135 km/h. Its "zero emissions" range reaches 81 km in urban routes (WLTP EAER City) and 63 km in city and highway routes (WLTP AER combined). It combines efficiency with performance: its emissions of only 29 g/km of CO2 per kilometre and a certified fuel consumption of 1.2 litres/100 km are compatible with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. It covers 1,000 metres from a standstill in 25.9 seconds. This engine starts in all-wheel drive and can maintain it up to 135 km/h, but if no surface or grip issues are detected after 300 metres, it switches to hybrid 4x2 mode.

Both engines ensure that the 4x4 drive is maintained even if there is no apparent charge to move the electric motors. This is because two cells are reserved in the battery, which self-recharge through the combustion engine's e-Save. This way, whenever total traction is needed, whether for off-road driving or overtaking, the car's full power is available.

Thanks to its technology, the AWD versions of the DS 7 combine the advantages of all-wheel drive, such as greater grip and traction on difficult terrains, a boost in acceleration, and a higher level of safety. Access to all-wheel drive is simple and intuitive, as it is done exclusively through the driving mode selector.

The driving behaviour is impeccable on all types of roads, from highways to rugged mountain roads where 360-degree curves require quick turns. The vehicle instils confidence at all times because the engine responses can handle any situation during the drive. The suspension is one of the great allies for that sensation.

In this regard, the DS Active Scan Suspension is one of the main allies. It functions as a third eye that scans the ground between 5 and 20 metres ahead and stiffens the shock absorbers based on the irregularities it detects. Its detection capability reveals any variation in the ground profile of more than 10 millimetres. With this data, the system can establish a digital map of 100 points between 5 and 10 metres ahead of the car, every 5 centimetres; and another 100 points measured every 10 centimetres in the area between 10 and 20 metres ahead of the car. With this information, the algorithm can digitally reconstruct different typologies of speed bumps, decelerators, or potholes. With this information, the vehicle manages the suspension and recalculates the height position of each wheel. The system's calculation speed allows it to operate between 13 and 130 km/h.

On muddy or snowy terrains, as we were able to test, it more than satisfactorily overcomes areas that make you hesitate before attempting due to the depth of the ruts and the amount of accumulated mud. It was almost 10 kilometres on mountain tracks that collected large amounts of meltwater from the snow on the peaks, muddying the path.

The interior of the New DS 7 offers the best of DS Automobiles' 'savoir-faire' in terms of comfort, technology, and material craftsmanship. Depending on the finish, Nappa leather upholstery, with seats crafted in the exclusive Bracelet technique, is available in Basalt Black or Pearl Grey tones. The Focal Electra audio system is available to offer an immersive sound experience thanks to its 14 speakers, subwoofer, and 515 W amplifier. At night, the DS PIXEL LED VISION 3.0 optical groups adapt their brightness level to the conditions and surrounding traffic and direct their light beam into the curves for safer driving.

To improve the grip conditions of the DS7, during the test conducted on the roads of the Aragonese Pyrenees, the vehicles were equipped with Michelin CrossClimate SUV tyres. This All-Season tyre has winter certification (M+S marking and the 3PMSF pictogram), making it a legal alternative to chains for driving on snow, in addition to being usable all year round, without the need to replace them when the winter season ends.