Following the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4 SUV launch a few years ago, the French carmaker now adds a more affordable FWD version to the lineup, called “E-Tense 225”.
As one could expect, the newcomer packs 225 horsepower (168 kW) under the hood, while its maximum torque lies close to 360 Nm (266 lb-ft). It comprises a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 180 hp (134 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of its own and a single 110hp (82kW) electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The E-Tense 4x4 is much stronger, packing 300 hp (224 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) total. This enables it to sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds, while the new E-Tense 225 barely manages the same in 8.9 seconds.
The car’s 13.2-kWh battery should give it up to 55 kilometers (34 miles) of WLTP-rated all-electric range, the manufacturer claims. Dropping the speed and keeping it down will yield up to 72 km (45 miles). Normal fuel economy in hybrid mode averages to 1.5l / 100 km (UK: 188 MPG; USA: 157 MPG). Floor the pedal, however, and you’re looking at up to 6.5l / 100 km (UK: 43.5 MPG; USA: 36 MPG). The battery goes from empty to 100% full in 1h 45m using a dedicated 7.4kW wall charger device.
The new DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 ships with 19-inch wheels by default (20” optional), a Level 2 self-drive tech, night vision, and a smart suspension system that uses a camera to scan the road and adjust the shocks accordingly.