When you think of luxury sedans, what comes to mind? Probably something German, like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series. Maybe something British, like a Bentley Flying Spur or a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Or maybe something American, like a Cadillac CT6 or a Lincoln Continental. But what about something French?
Yes, French. The country that gave us the Citroen DS, the Renault 16, and the Peugeot 604 has a new contender in the luxury sedan segment: the DS 9 MY 23. And it's not just a rebadged version of some other car from the Stellantis group (the giant conglomerate that owns DS, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Chrysler, and many more). No, the DS 9 MY 23 is a bespoke creation that combines French elegance, refinement, and innovation with modern technology, performance, and efficiency.
What Is The DS 9 MY 23?
The DS 9 MY 23 is the flagship model of DS Automobiles, a premium brand that was spun off from Citroen in 2015. The name DS is a homage to the iconic Citroen DS of the 1950s and 1960s, which was known for its futuristic design, advanced hydropneumatic suspension, and innovative features. The DS 9 MY 23 is also a nod to the Citroën SM of the early 1970s, which was a collaboration with Maserati and featured a sleek coupe body, a V6 engine, and a self-leveling suspension.
The DS 9 MY 23 is based on the EMP2 platform, which is shared with other Stellantis models, such as the Peugeot 508 and the Opel Insignia. However, the DS 9 MY 23 has a longer wheelbase (2.89 meters or about 114 inches) than its siblings, giving it more interior space and presence. The exterior design is elegant and distinctive, with LED headlights that resemble jewels, a large chrome grille with a prominent DS logo, and flush door handles that pop out when you approach the car. The rear end features LED taillights that create a three-dimensional effect, a chrome strip that connects them, and dual exhaust tips.
The interior of the DS 9 MY 23 is where the French flair really shines. The cabin is crafted with high-quality leather, wood, Alcantara, and metal materials. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with massage, heating, cooling, and memory functions. The dashboard is dominated by a 12-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system, which includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and a Focal Electra sound system. The driver also gets a 12-inch digital instrument cluster that can display various information such as speed, navigation directions, driving modes, and safety alerts.
The DS 9 MY 23 also offers plenty of luxury features for the passengers in the back seat. There is ample legroom and headroom for two adults (or three in a pinch), thanks to the long wheelbase and the panoramic sunroof. The rear seats also have massage, heating, and cooling functions, as well as individual climate controls and USB ports. There is even a touchscreen tablet that can be used to adjust various settings or access entertainment options.
How Does The DS 9 MY 23 Drive?
The DS 9 MY 23 is not just about comfort and style; it's also about performance and efficiency. The sedan is available with three powertrain options: two plug-in hybrid variants and one gasoline-only variant.
The plug-in hybrid variants consist of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base plug-in hybrid variant produces a combined output of 225 horsepower (167 kilowatts) and can travel up to 31 miles (50 kilometers) on electric power alone. The battery capacity is 11.9 kilowatt-hours, which can be recharged in about 1 hour using a 7-kilowatt charger.
The more powerful plug-in hybrid variant produces 360 horsepower (268 kilowatts) and adds another electric motor on the rear axle for all-wheel drive capability. This variant can travel up to 28 miles (45 kilometers) on electric power alone and has a battery capacity of 13.2 kilowatt-hours, which can be recharged in about 1 hour using an 11-kilowatt charger.
The gasoline-only variant uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 225 horsepower (167 kilowatts) and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All variants of the DS 9 MY 23 come with four driving modes: Electric (for pure electric driving), Hybrid (for optimal efficiency), Sport (for enhanced performance), and Comfort (for smooth ride quality). The sedan also features an adaptive suspension system that adjusts to different road conditions and driving styles.
The DS 9 MY 23 is not meant to be a sporty sedan; it's more focused on providing a refined and relaxing driving experience. However, it's not sluggish or boring either; it can accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8 seconds for the base plug-in hybrid variant,5.7 seconds for the more powerful plug-in hybrid variant, and 8 seconds for the gasoline-only variant. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) for all variants.
The steering is light and precise, making maneuvering in tight spaces or on twisty roads easy. The brakes are strong and responsive, with a regenerative braking function for the plug-in hybrid variants. The noise insulation is excellent, creating a serene atmosphere inside the cabin.
How Much Does The DS 9 MY 23 Cost?
The DS 9 MY 23 is not cheap; it's priced to compete with other luxury sedans in its class. In Europe, the base plug-in hybrid variant starts at €47,700 ($54,900), the more powerful plug-in hybrid variant starts at €66,000 ($76,000), and the gasoline-only variant starts at €47,200 ($54,300). These prices include a 20 percent value-added tax (VAT) that applies in most European countries. The DS 9 MY 23 is also eligible for various incentives and subsidies for low-emission vehicles, depending on the market.
In China, where the DS 9 MY 23 is also produced and sold, the prices are lower, starting from 289,900 yuan ($44,700) for the base plug-in hybrid variant, 359,900 yuan ($55,500) for the more powerful plug-in hybrid variant, and 259,900 yuan ($40,000) for the gasoline-only variant. These prices do not include any taxes or fees.
The DS 9 MY 23 is not currently available in the United States, but there are plans to launch it there in the future, along with other DS models. The exact timing and pricing are not yet confirmed, but the DS 9 MY 23 is expected to compete with other luxury sedans, such as the Genesis G80, the Volvo S90, and the Lexus ES.
What Makes The DS 9 MY 23 Special?
The DS 9 MY 23 is not just another luxury sedan; it's a statement of French identity and culture. The heritage and savoir-faire of French haut fashion, art, and architecture inspires the sedan. The design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the car.
For example, the DS 9 MY 23 features a unique roofline that pays tribute to the original Citroen DS. The roof is made of black Alcantara fabric that contrasts with the body color and creates a dynamic silhouette. The roof also has a "Clous de Paris" guilloché pattern that resembles a watch dial and adds a touch of sophistication.
Another example is the interior upholstery that is made of Nappa leather that is hand-stitched by skilled artisans. The leather is available in various colors and finishes, such as Opera (black), Rivoli (beige), or Bastille (brown). The leather also covers the dashboard, the door panels, and the steering wheel. The seats have a "pearl" stitching pattern that creates a three-dimensional effect and enhances comfort.
The DS 9 MY 23 also offers several customization options that allow customers to personalize their cars according to their preferences and tastes. For instance, customers can choose from different exterior colors, such as Pearl White, Midnight Blue, Artense Grey, or Perla Nera Black. They can also opt for different wheel designs, ranging from 18-inch to 20-inch in size.
One of the most exclusive options is the Esprit de Voyage collection, which is a limited edition of only 100 units worldwide. The Esprit de Voyage collection features a special exterior color called Vert Emeraude (Emerald Green), inspired by Versailles Palace's green marble. The interior also has a unique color scheme called Aubergine (Eggplant), which is a dark purple hue that contrasts with ivory stitching. The Esprit de Voyage collection also comes with a numbered plaque on the dashboard and a matching luggage set.
Is The DS 9 MY 23 Worth It?
The DS 9 MY 23 is not a car for everyone; it's a car for those who appreciate French elegance, refinement, and innovation. It's a car that stands out from the crowd with its distinctive design, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. It's a car that offers a refined and relaxing driving experience, with a choice of efficient and powerful powertrains. It's a car that embodies the spirit of French luxury, with a rich history and a modern flair.
The DS 9 MY 23 is not perfect; it has some drawbacks, such as limited trunk space, a high price tag, and a lack of brand recognition in some markets. It also faces stiff competition from other established luxury sedans with more features, performance, or prestige.
However, the DS 9 MY 23 is not trying to be like other luxury sedans; it's trying to be different, to be unique, to be French. And for some customers, that might be enough to make them fall in love with the DS 9 MY 23.
The DS 9 MY 23 is not a car for everyone; it's a car for those who dare to be different.
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