DS 4: Parisian Chic, made in Rüsselsheim

With the DS 4, DS returns to the C-segment and surprises twice: Inside, the DS 4 with its minimalist design actually reminisces the original DS, but the DS 4 is built in Rüsselsheim! This is intended to combine “German precision and the special expertise of DS Automobiles in terms of Parisian luxury savoir-faire,” following the motto: “Designed in Paris, Made in Germany.”

With the three versions – DS 4, DS 4 Cross, and DS 4 Performance Line – they aim to appeal to customers of classic compact sedans as well as lovers of SUV coupes. Marion David – Director Product, DS Automobiles, explains:

“The DS 4 was conceived to redefine the silhouette of the premium C-segment. It targets customers who are attracted to two vehicle types: the emerging SUV coupe and the traditional compact sedan. During the entire design phase, the idea of addressing these two segments determined our decisions.”
 

The DS 4 measures 4.40 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width, and 1.47 meters in height. It stands on wheels up to 20 inches, positioning it at the upper boundary of compact cars and the lower boundary of CUVs. The exterior design combines flowing and sharp lines. The roof extends deeply over the steeply sloping rear window, which is decorated using an enameling screen printing process. Visually, the DS 4 appears clearer and more dynamic than the DS 3 Crossback.

Three versions – three characters

The DS 4 forms the core of the series: Here, according to DS, elegance with subtle chrome accents and a contrasting black roof dominates. It is primarily aimed at lovers of the classic compact sedan. The DS 4 Cross is more oriented towards fans of the SUV silhouette. The SUV’s optical perception is achieved through various modifications: Thanks to glossy black window frames, a roof painted in the car's color, a glossy black grille, and striking wheels, the DS 4 Cross distinguishes itself from the compact sedan and gains its own identity. The additional roof rails make the DS 4 Cross appear visually taller. Additionally, the lower part of the bumpers is highlighted by special protection and a matte black tint. As an exclusive option, the DS 4 Cross can be equipped with Advanced Traction Control for improved traction, with sand, snow, and mud modes as well as hill descent control. Last but not least, there is again the DS 4 Performance Line, which appears sportier in comparison. It offers, in addition to an exclusive interior – including a forged carbon insert on the steering wheel – black exterior paint and striking wheels with Performance Line-typical carmine-red hubcaps. The DS 4 is available in a total of seven exterior colors, including three new ones: Copper-Gold, Silk-Gray, Velvet-Red. The four proven colors from DS Automobiles are: Crystal-Gray, Perla Nera-Black, Platinum-Gray, and Pearl-White.

Minimalist interior design in the style of the original DS

Inside the DS 4, DS ignites a material firework: Various types of leather, Clous de Paris guilloché – these are fine ornamental patterns, consisting of multiple intertwined and overlapping lines, Alcantara, forged carbon, wood, and innovative manufacturing techniques. The DS 4 features a digital, flowing and ergonomic interior with intuitive integration of all elements – both in function and style.

Particularly exciting is the “sword” on the dashboard: The chrome design element, which resembles the shape of a horizontally lying sword, unites the controls of the air conditioning and the innovative, almost invisible DS Air ventilation system. This makes the central area very calm. The window control elements, which align with the integrated side vents, are now finally back in the vehicle doors and no longer in the center console. The French also combine DS Smart Touch, a 5-inch touchscreen connected to the DS Iris System, and the DS E-Toggle, a compact controller for the automatic transmission positioned on the center console.

They were also innovative with the seats: The design is based on a seat shell that creates a new comfort zone. The extended seat, high-density foam, and the novel shell construction are intended to offer a comfortable seating experience.

The interior of the DS 4 is optionally available in two-tone and offered in the Trocadero and Rivoli versions. The comfortable novel seat shells are surrounded by grained leather and elements with Clous de Paris guilloché. The upper area of the interior focuses on functional aspects and is decorated with brown ash wood and premium Nappa leather in Criollo-Brown.

True to the brand's heritage, the Opera interior is sophisticatedly designed with seats made of Nappa leather in Criollo-Brown and bracelet finish. Brown ash wood decorations and extensive Nappa leather in Criollo-Brown complete the luxurious appearance.

The harmonious interior atmosphere is additionally enhanced by indirect, individually adjustable ambient lighting. For the acoustic ambiance, the 690-watt sound system from Focal with 14 speakers and acoustic side windows ensures a unique experience – another first in this segment.

An air purification system actively protects the cockpit with sensors for PM2.5 particles in the interior and for detecting pollutants in the outdoor environment. The regulation of the air entering the vehicle is optimized by an additional filtration system that can clean the interior air in just a few minutes. The quality of the air is continuously analyzed and the information is displayed on the central screen.

Sustainability takes precedence: "SustaiNobility" combines it with noble materials

The DS 4 is made of 95% reusable materials and 85% recyclable parts. 30% of the components consist of renewable or recycled materials, divided between metals and polymers. The DS 4 includes a total of 28 kilograms of recycled plastic. Interesting: The dashboard is made of 20% hemp, especially in the non-visible part. Among the recycled materials, polypropylene, polyester fibers, and elastomer are used under the chassis as deflectors, noise dampers, or supports. Chief Designer Thierry Métroz calls this combination of luxury and environmental consciousness 'sustaiNoble': sustainable and noble at the same time.

Big wheels: 19 and 20 inches

At the core of the range are 19-inch wheels, with various tires from Michelin offered. A so-called "Tall & Narrow" offer was developed to minimize aerodynamic resistance, reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining generous design and high comfort. For the first time, the DS 4 will also be available with 19-inch all-season 3PMSF tires of class A. The 20-inch wheels, offered exclusively for the E-Tense versions, are equipped with Goodyear class A tires, a first in this size. The high level of dynamics is supported by a 10% reduced wheel mass (i.e., 1.5 kg per wheel) with aerodynamic inserts to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The powertrains: Plug-in hybrids and combustion engines, but unfortunately no pure electric vehicles

The DS 4 also sits on the EMP2 platform, which means in the plug-in hybrid: A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 133 kW (180 HP, 300 Nm) is combined with an electric motor with 81 kW (110 HP, 320 Nm) and an e-EAT8 transmission, resulting in a total output of 165 kW (225 HP, 360 Nm). Thus, according to WLTP, it emits only 28 to 35 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The DS 4 is supposed to be powered by a more efficient battery with new, more compact cells with higher capacity, enabling a range of more than 50 kilometers in emission-free operation (WLTP). The battery capacity is 12.4 kW/h. Additionally, PureTech 130,180, and 225 gasoline engines as well as the BlueHDi 130 are available. New in the compact class: All models are exclusively equipped with 8-speed automatic transmissions. The market launch of the DS 4 is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021.

What does that mean?

With the DS 4, DS is likely to significantly increase its sales figures: It aims at the heart of the compact class and also presents itself as a pseudo-SUV. Inside, it indeed sets new standards in looks and feel. It remains to be seen whether the plug-in will be more efficient and the infotainment system will be easier to use. So far, DS had room for improvement in this area.