The new 2023 DS 7 is an evolution of the first 100 percent DS automotive design unveiled in 2017, dubbed the DS 7 CROSSBACK, which shows a new spirit. Known for its unparalleled interiors, exquisite refinement and cutting-edge technology, the DS 7 CROSSBACK opened the way for new developments, now embodied in the 2023 DS 7.
The 2023 DS 7 has always been a popular modern French design . The DS 7 has been the French president’s favorite car, and the combination of that and increased global demand for high-riding SUVs seems to be a recipe for the 7’s success. The DS changed the name, dropping the word “crossback”. From the rear, trim levels are trimmed.
When it comes to designing the cabin interior of the DS 7 we realize that we are in front of the French company’s high fashion school, where distinctive interior designs, with a wide range of shapes and materials used to elevate the atmosphere. The 2023 DS 7 also offers a number of advanced features, including active suspension and adaptive headlights to push the ‘7’ into the SUV segment even further.
The 2023 DS 7 is available in petrol, diesel and no fewer than three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions matched by a 1.6-liter petrol engine, powered by either one or two electric motors. It is the most powerful of the PHEVs, as it is the only vehicle in the segment equipped with an all-wheel drive system.
The exterior design of the 2023 DS 7
The design identity of the new DS 7 2023 consists of several striking details. The elegant 7 becomes even more dynamic, with sharper body lines and a cohesive design. The new interface stands out with sharper lines to improve the balance of each feature. The 2023 DS 7 design team worked with the production team at the Mulhouse plant in France to achieve exceptional results in terms of quality and durability.
The front end of the 2023 DS 7 is more like a stage for the new headlights. It is the same design as the previous one, with three optical elements that no longer rotate. Replaced by upgrading the clusters to matrix LED technology, they are more powerful in both low and high beam modes. The outer element alone consists of 84 photodiodes and is responsible for the high beam.
It should also be noted that the daytime running lights. Consisting of 33 LED lights per side, it is covered with a clear polycarbonate surface painted in the same color as the bodywork. The new DRLs surround a redesigned grille with a new grille pattern, mimicking the look of the DS 4. As a result of all the changes, the front end of the 7 looks even more sophisticated than before. Perhaps the most distinctive part of the new face design is the so-called light veil, a lighting array of five translucent LED-lit bands emanating from the body colour, defining each front corner.
The simple facelift made a huge difference to the appearance of the new 2023 DS 7. That taut jawline plus new lighting and new wheels round out the whole look. The 2023 DS 7 uses a large, distinctive front grille, wide air intakes, and a high waist on the exterior to give it a dominant aesthetic appearance. On the sides stand out newly designed alloy wheels in sizes from 18 to 21 inches. At the rear, only the DS lettering centered on the rear combination lamps and the new tailgate design.
The interior of the 2023 DS 7
Just like the biggest fashion houses in Paris, DS Automotive pays special attention to the choice of materials and how they are handled. Through the upholstery, it has created an interior setting in the new 2023 DS 7 to make every ride different. The ultimate in elegance, the new DS 7 OPERA is available in two colors of Nappa leather: Basalt Black Mix and Pearl Grey. On larger areas, the highest quality part of the leather adds a natural and charming touch to the interior.
The dashboard of the 2023 DS 7
The 2023 DS 7 introduced a new upholstery that has an attractive visual and tactile look, especially as the dashboard and door panels are covered in luxurious Nappa leather. Without seams or joints, the 2023 DS 7 maintains the look and feel of natural leather. Attention to detail in this interior is also evident with the available pearl stitching in new colors White and Sapphire, a full-grain leather steering wheel with leather-covered airbag, and “Clous de Paris” embossed inserts.
The Rivoli interior is also refined, offering Basalt Black with quilted trim combined with Claudia leather upholstery, which has a more pronounced leather grain. The PERFORMANCE LINE interior features a deeper black with an all-over Alcantara microfiber fabric and gold and scarlet accents.
Finishing the DS 7 2023
The 2023 DS 7 features a stylish interior with interestingly shaped switches, stylish trim and bright chrome accents. It has ample swaths of Alcantara covering the dash, with full leather available as an (though pricey) option.
The most popular feature isn’t the exotic materials or the plush center console. It’s a combination of a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a customizable 12.3-inch digital display.
Material quality in the cabin of the DS 7 2023
In terms of quality, the DS 7’s interior looks rather luxurious, but when you inspect it closely, you’ll find that the lower reaches of the dashboard are covered in hard, scratched surfaces, the same can be said for a number of its competitors.
Most of the ‘chrome’ is actually plastic – not what buyers would expect in an SUV aiming for premium status, let alone rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 in the large SUV segment in their higher-end versions.
The 2023 DS 7 infotainment system
The infotainment system is far from perfect. The screen controls almost everything, including setting the interior temperature, and this is more of a distraction while driving than using the buttons. The new 12-inch screen comes with a new infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, and a night vision system.
The screen driver is fairly quick when switching between menus. And the menus or “widgets” displayed on the home screen can be customized so that you spend less time flipping through the apps you use most. There are fixed buttons on the bottom edge of the screen. The buttons make it easy to switch between menus, but they are small and touch-sensitive, and it may be difficult to press them accurately while navigating.
The DS keeps it a bit old school though. But it has incorporated buttons into the digital display that’s customizable through the main infotainment screen, and it presents you with the most useful information, including a large map for satellite navigation.
DS 7 car seats 2023
On the plus side, the DS gives you so much adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel that in the 7, comfort won’t be an issue for the driver, especially since the top-of-the-line luxury models come with heated seats and even massage. The driver’s seat also has plenty of height adjustments available, so when adjusting the seat setting is incremental, at the highest setting there is a slight rise to it.
The seat adjustments give you good visibility for your comfort, but good visibility in all directions. The 7 comes with rear parking sensors as standard on all trims, and the mid-range Performance Line+ model adds front sensors and a reversing camera.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the cabin of the DS 7 2023
DS has really set the record straight when it comes to space and practicality in the 7. There’s plenty of room up front for tall adults, while the rear seats offer decent legroom, and even six-foot-tall 7s will find the 7 comfortable. And if you opt for the panoramic roof, there’s plenty of headroom.
Our only complaint is that the floor in the back is quite high and forces you into a slightly awkward sitting position. At least there is no central hump in the floor for the middle passenger to stand on, which provides plenty of legroom.
Storage space in the 2023 DS 7
Interior practicality is also good, with large pockets in the doors for odds and ends and a large storage bin between the front seats.
The trunk of the DS 7 2023
Somewhat disappointingly, the 2023 DS 7’s luggage compartment is smaller than average. With 555 liters of space, this applies to all models. But it can still match the Nissan Qashqai by taking seven handbags.
The advantage of the 2023 DS 7 is the ease of use of the variable-height boot floor. And you can lower it for maximum load capacity, or you can set it level with the edge of the boot to make it easier to load and unload awkward items.
Technology in the cabin of the 2023 DS 7
Inside the 2023 DS 7, there’s a full load of useful standard equipment, including cruise control and rear parking sensors, as well as an electric parking brake even on lower-spec versions. Moving the range adds luxury packages like adaptive suspension and massage seats.
Engine options for the 2023 DS 7
As the brand with the lowest emissions in Europe for the past two years and Formula E champion, DS Cars has chosen to offer the new DS 7 with a range of power units, including three plug-in hybrid engines with outputs of 225hp, 300hp and 360hp.
The new DS 7 E-TENSE 225 model has a PureTech 180 petrol engine and a 110PS electric motor mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with two-wheel transmission. The new DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 300 and DS 7 E-TENSE 4×4 360 offer PureTech 200 engine all-wheel drive transmissions as well as 110hp and 112hp electric motors on each axle.
The updated DS 7’s engine options include petrol, diesel and electric hybrid engines. Depending on the market, the base choice will be either a 130 PS (96 kW) diesel engine or a 130 PS (96 kW) petrol engine. On top of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), three models are available, all featuring a new 14.2 kWh battery pack.
Battery, range and charge in the 2023 DS 7 Hybrid
DS’ performance division tuned the 360 as a performance car. And I equipped it with a 130 BlueHDi power unit. It incorporates a new 14.2 kWh battery, which gives up to 65 km of range on a WLTP mixed cycle, and achieves up to 81 km in an urban environment.
Charging time is two hours using a 7.4 kW charger. In keeping with the salient features of the entire DS range of cars, the new DS 7 remains one of the most efficient cars in its class, especially due to its well-controlled weight.
Driving impressions of the 2023 DS 7
The 2023 DS 7 range starts with a 128-hp 1.5-liter diesel engine (badged as BlueHDi 130) and three plug-in hybrid powertrains (PHEVs). And the most powerful PHEV, the E-Tense 4×4 360, pairs a 197-hp petrol engine with two electric motors to produce an impressive 350-hp total. The moderately powered E-Tense 4×4 300 and E-Tense 225 models are also available. These two will be more suitable for drivers of company cars.
The speed of the DS 7 2023
The 225 E-Tense sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds, more than acceptable in everyday driving – or the least accelerated was the 130 BlueHDi which managed acceleration in 10.7 seconds. The diesel engine, while slow, is smoother up to top speed, and is a highway cruiser.
The 300 and 360 are much better in this regard, and are much faster, so they accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and 5.6 seconds, respectively. And all DS 7 E-Tense PHEV models are set by default to electric mode when cruising, providing acceleration that’s smooth enough to navigate low-speed urban traffic.
If you decide to set it to its hybrid mode to maximize your electric drive across a journey, progress won’t be smooth. On the other hand, the 300 and 360 models cannot blend both power sources (gasoline and electric) convincingly, nor can they match the smooth way the Lexus NX 450h drives on the road.
The problem is the automatic gearbox’s relentless gearbox, which means that when you need to go fast, you often have to wait for the automatic transmission and engine to work together.
The handling and stability of the 2023 DS 7
In fact, the DS 7 feels smoother on highways than others, but it’s not ideal for handling or the best on twisty highways, with the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 feeling more poised. From the elegant French 7 sedan.
Steering in the 2023 DS 7
The steering feels precise for this type of vehicle and the weighting is firm enough to steer it where you need it to go, but a mid-corner bump and the gearbox’s pesky habit of shifting at inopportune moments upset the 2023 DS 7’s composure. It’s a shame because grip levels are passable. Quite right, and the car hangs bravely even if you’re a little fidgety.
The suspension of the 2023 DS 7
Sheer handling isn’t, of course, what large SUVs like the 2023 DS are designed for. Comfort is a primary goal of the vehicle, and all PHEV versions come with Active Scan Suspension, which uses a camera to read the road surface and adjusts the suspension to suit its motion when Comfort mode is engaged.
Active Scan scanning technology reversed? The end result of the 2023 DS 7’s performance is more flexible than the BMW X1 M Sport or Audi Q3 S Line with large alloy wheels, but potholes at low speeds affect the 21-inch wheels. Equipped with lower-spec models, models with 19-inch wheels help smooth out bumps and edge potholes a bit. Smaller wheels improve highway riding, and models with larger wheels give them an annoying fidgety feeling.
The brake system of the DS 7 2023
Brake response has improved, though, from being grippy at low speeds to all together being more progressive, making it easier to slow smoothly to a stop. Wind noise is also well suppressed on models equipped with the Focal Sound System which brings thicker laminated side windows.
Features of the DS 7 2023
- A spacious and practical car
- Competitive emissions ratings
- Good level of standard equipment
Disadvantages of the DS 7 2023
- Interior quality is poor in places
- The price is high compared to competitors
- Grip brakes and handling are good, but the gears aren’t impressive
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.