DS N°4 E-TENSE: The Stylish 2025 Urban EV for Sophisticated Drivers
Meet the DS N°4, a front-wheel-drive electric SUV born from French elegance and South Korean engineering. Designed for urban commuters who crave sophistication over speed, this five-door crossover hits the streets with flair and purpose. Priced at $45,000 (€39,000/£34,800), it fits snugly between mainstream and luxury, offering a 450 km (280 mi) WLTP range and a cabin that whispers Parisian chic. With sales kicking off in 2025, it’s built for those who see their EV as a lifestyle choice, not just a mode of transport.
- Manufactured in South Korea, engineered with French finesse
- Unveiled in 2024, sales start in 2025 for global urbanites
- Base trim priced at $45,000 (€39,000/£34,800); upscale ÉTOILE from $58,000 (€51,000/£45,500)
- Positioned as a boutique SUV with premium flair
Specs: Battery and Performance Insights
Battery: Efficient Power Delivery for Everyday Use
The DS N°4 E-TENSE runs on a smart 58.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of delivering a solid 450 km (280 mi) range on a full charge. Plug into a DC fast charger and you’ll gain 100 km (62 mi) in just 11 minutes, or go from 20% to 80% in about 31 minutes—perfect for quick turnaround errands or fast top-ups during weekend outings. For at-home users, the 11 kW onboard charger handles overnight refills while the bi-directional charging feature hints at future grid-sharing perks.
- Battery Capacity: 58.3 kWh usable
- Range: 450 km (280 mi)
- Fast Charge: 100 km (62 mi) in 11 minutes
- 20–80% Charge Time: 31 minutes
- Onboard Charger: 11 kW + bi-directional capability
Performance: Quiet Power with a City Edge
Powering the DS N°4 is a 213 hp (157 kW) electric motor paired with 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque. It hits 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.1 seconds—not bad for an SUV that puts comfort over chaos. The top speed clocks in at 160 km/h (99 mph), enough for highway jaunts and intercity cruising. Front-wheel-drive keeps things intuitive for daily drivers, and regenerative braking smooths out stop-and-go traffic.
- Max Power: 213 hp (157 kW)
- Torque: 343 Nm (253 lb-ft)
- Top Speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
- Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.1 sec
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
The lineup includes two trims: the well-equipped PALLAS and the posher ÉTOILE. The latter, at $58,000 (€51,000/£45,500), adds matrix LEDs, Nappa leather, and a HUD to the mix.
Exterior and Interior Design Features
Exterior: Couture Lines and Functional Details
From its illuminated DS badge to its flush-mounted door handles and angular tail lamps, the DS N°4 wears its fashion-forward French roots proudly. Measuring 4.4 meters (173 inches) in length and 1.83 meters (72 inches) wide, the silhouette is sleek yet purposeful. Buyers can pick between 19-inch SAPPORO or LIMA wheels, while the ÉTOILE trim spices it up with matrix LED lights and keyless go.
Interior: A Boutique Hotel on Wheels
Inside, the cabin reads like a spread from a Paris design mag. Alcantara and Nappa leather team up with precision-cut guilloché trim, creating a lounge-like vibe. A pair of 10-inch displays anchors the DS IRIS infotainment system—complete with ChatGPT-powered voice control. The air’s kept pure with a \"Clean Cabin\" filter and dual-zone climate keeps all passengers comfortable without fuss.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique design inside and out, head-turner appeal
- Fast charging adds 62 mi (100 km) in just 11 minutes
- Advanced DS IRIS infotainment with voice AI
- Comfort-tuned for urban driving, quiet cabin
- Respectable 450 km (280 mi) real-world range
Cons
- No all-wheel drive option available
- Performance doesn’t push sporty boundaries
- Top tech and trim require step-up pricing
- AI assistant may not suit traditional drivers
- Limited appeal to thrill-seekers
Conclusion:
The DS N°4 E-TENSE caters to a buyer who values experience over excess. If you want your EV to whisper instead of shout—while still looking sharp parked at the curb—this one’s calling your name. The DS N°4 marries refined performance with elegant touches in a way few electric crossovers manage. It’s a confident entry for those who think style and smarts belong in the same lane.
Exterior and Interior photos of DS N°4 E-TENSE
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Comparison:
COMPARE: How this SUV Stacks Up Against Rivals
In the mid-premium electric crossover class, the DS N°4 E-TENSE finds itself up against some stiff but stylish competition. Let's see how it compares against the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Kia Niro EV, Peugeot e-3008, and Hyundai Kona Electric—all electric SUVs in the same $40,000 to $60,000 price bracket.
Range Comparison
The DS N°4 leads the elegance race, but its 450 km (280 mi) range sits comfortably in the upper-middle of the segment. Kia Niro EV delivers a solid 460 km (286 mi), while the Hyundai Kona Electric hits a similar 452 km (281 mi). The Peugeot e-3008 edges ahead with 525 km (326 mi), while the Volvo XC40 Recharge slightly lags at 418 km (260 mi).
Acceleration and Speed
The N°4’s 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 7.1 seconds keeps things brisk but refined. Volvo XC40 Recharge leads with a snappy 4.9 seconds thanks to its AWD dual-motor setup. Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro EV hover around 7.5 seconds, while the Peugeot e-3008 clocks in just behind at 7.8 seconds. Top speeds? The DS N°4 caps at 160 km/h (99 mph), similar to the Kia and Hyundai twins, whereas the Volvo stretches to 180 km/h (112 mph).
Power and Drive
With 213 hp (157 kW), the DS N°4 is no slouch. The Volvo XC40 towers with 408 hp (304 kW) and dual-motor AWD. The Peugeot e-3008 and Kia Niro both provide about 204 hp (152 kW), while the Hyundai Kona offers 218 hp (160 kW). DS N°4 holds its ground in front-wheel drive territory, focusing on refinement rather than outright muscle.
Charging Speed
Charging is where the N°4 earns real street cred—adding 100 km (62 mi) in just 11 minutes and reaching 80% in 31 minutes. Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona offer similar DC speeds but take a few minutes longer. Volvo XC40 needs about 37 minutes for the same 20–80% boost, and the Peugeot e-3008 finishes in about 30 minutes flat.
Pricing
The DS N°4 E-TENSE starts at $45,000 (€39,000/£34,800), making it slightly pricier than the $42,000 Kia Niro EV and the $40,000 Hyundai Kona Electric. The Peugeot e-3008 sits close at $44,000 (€38,000/£33,000), while the more powerful Volvo XC40 Recharge enters premium territory at $53,000 (€46,000/£40,800).
FAQ:
What is the driving range on a single charge?
The DS N°4 offers a WLTP-certified driving range of 450 km (280 miles), which makes it ideal for both city commuting and weekend travel without frequent recharges.
How much does it cost?
The DS N°4 starts at $45,000 (€39,000, £34,800) for the base trim, while the top ÉTOILE version begins at $58,000 (€51,000, £45,500).
How fast is this SUV from 0 to 100 km/h?
The DS N°4 E-TENSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 7.1 seconds, which is peppy enough for daily traffic and merging onto highways.
What is the top speed of this EV?
The top speed of the DS N°4 is electronically limited to 160 km/h (99 mph), which suits most everyday driving scenarios including highway use.
How powerful is the electric motor?
The DS N°4 delivers a maximum output of 213 horsepower (157 kW) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque, all sent to the front wheels.
What is the battery capacity?
The battery has a usable capacity of 58.3 kWh, offering a balance between urban efficiency and long-range capability in a compact SUV format.
How long does it take to charge the N°4?
Fast charging adds 100 km (62 mi) of range in 11 minutes, and a 20–80% top-up takes only 31 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Is all-wheel drive available?
No, the DS N°4 comes exclusively in front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration, prioritizing efficiency and simplicity for city drivers.
What are some standout interior features?
It boasts twin 10-inch displays, ChatGPT-enabled DS IRIS voice assistant, ambient lighting, Alcantara or Nappa leather trim, and a Clean Cabin air system.
How does it handle city driving?
With regenerative braking, compact dimensions, and a smooth electric drivetrain, it’s tuned for refined, comfortable urban maneuverability.
