DS9 Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More | 02 April 2024

Welcome to our in-depth buyer's guide on the new DS9 to give you the answer to all the questions you could have about this Executive Saloon.

As a distinctive player in the Executive Saloon class, the DS 9 offers you a unique blend of features and characteristics that appeal to a wide range of buyers. This guide aims to provide you with a detailed and unbiased look at what the DS9 has to offer. For instance, we will explore its design, performance, comfort, technology, and much more to help you determine if it's the right fit for your individual needs and preferences.

Consequently, whether you are drawn to its stylish exterior or curious about the driving experience it promises, join us as we delve into the various aspects of the DS 9.

Table of Contents

• Exterior Design
• Interior Luxury
• Attention to Detail
• Comfort
• Steering and Responsiveness
• Performance, Handling, & Engines
• Acceleration and Top Speed
• Handling and Ride Quality
• Traction and Stability Control
• Braking Performance
• Fuel Efficiency
• Boot Space
• Advanced Technology
• DS9 Reliability
• What types of Alloy Wheels can come with the DS 9?
• What Paint Colours can the DS 9 come in?
• How Many Models of the DS 9 are there?
• How do the different DS 9 models differ?
• DS9 Final Thoughts

Top Features of the DS 9

The DS 9 brings with it many features, with some of the ones of note being:

• ☑ The DS9 boasts an elegant exterior combined with a luxurious interior, reflecting its French design. This makes it a clear stand out in the executive car segment.
• ☑ Equipped with advanced suspension systems, the DS9 provides you with a smooth and comfortable ride - effectively absorbing the road's imperfections.
• ☑ The car offers you ample interior space, especially in the rear seats - making it ideal for passengers who prioritise comfort and legroom.
• ☑ The DS9 comes with a range of safety features, including driver assistance systems, which enhance the safety for both you, the driver and your passengers.
• ☑ The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin - including leather and wood - adds to the overall luxurious feel of the car.

Exterior Design

When we talk about the exterior design, on the outside, the DS9 boasts a striking exterior with a bold front grille, sleek lines, and dynamic proportions that give you a car that shows strength on the road.

The use of premium materials and attention to detail is evident, with chrome accents and a range of sophisticated colour options that enhance its visual appeal.

This is further backed up by its LED headlights and taillights, which provide you with superior illumination on the road ahead and for cars behind you and add to its striking appearance.

Consequently, the DS9's design is a blend of modern aesthetics crossed with timeless sophistication, which has been optimised for aerodynamics to provide you with better performance and efficiency on the road.

Interior Luxury

Inside, the DS9 offers you a pure sanctuary of both comfort and luxury.

Furthermore, inside the cabin, it is spacious, featuring high-quality materials such as soft leather, polished wood, and brushed metal finishes.

The seats have also been ergonomically designed for superior comfort, and the layout is intuitive, offering easy access to the controls and features at arm's length.

The ergonomic seats also provide you with excellent support and comfort - ideal for long journeys.

Then we have the Ambient lighting. This, combined with the panoramic sunroof, contributes to an inviting interior atmosphere, allowing you to create an atmosphere for any mood while allowing light to bathe the cabin during the day.

Attention to Detail

Every aspect of the DS9's interior has been meticulously crafted, from the stitching on the leather seats to the ambient lighting, creating a serene atmosphere.

The panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to your cabin, enhancing the sense of space and luxury you get when you step inside.

Consequently, even the smallest details, like the switch gear quality and the tactile feel of the surfaces around you, have been carefully considered to provide you with a premium-level experience.

All of this gives you a cabin designed with practicality in mind, offering you ample storage, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comprehensive array of connectivity options to keep you constantly connected.

Comfort

Comfort is paramount in the DS9, with features like climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and ample legroom for all your passengers.

Consequently, the car's suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and handling - ensuring you get a very smooth ride on various road conditions.

Seating

The DS9's seats are a pinnacle of comfort. Designed ergonomically, they provide you with excellent support during long journeys.

The front seats often come with many adjustments available for you to make, including lumbar support and heating and ventilation options, to name a few. These cater to your individual comfort needs.

Furthermore, the use of high-quality materials like premium leather enhances your seating experience, making every journey a luxurious experience.

Generous Legroom and Headroom

It would only be correct to talk about comfort by mentioning the legroom and headroom available. When it comes to these metrics, the space you get is abundant in the DS9 - with generous legroom and headroom available for both your front and rear passengers.

The car's design further ensures that even taller individuals can sit comfortably without feeling cramped - making it an ideal choice for families or those who frequently need to travel with multiple passengers.

Noise Insulation

Additional attention has been paid to the DS9's noise insulation features, ensuring you get a quiet and serene cabin environment while on the road. 

For instance, the car effectively filters out external noise, such as traffic and wind, allowing you and your passengers to relax or talk without interruption - further enhancing the comfort of your ride.

Steering and Responsiveness

With the DS9, you get a precision-engineered steering system that offers you responsive and accurate feedback when you need it the most.

This system ensures you get a connected feel to the road, allowing you to confidently manoeuvre in city streets and have excellent stability at higher speeds on the motorway.

The steering is further tuned to provide you with a balance of agility and comfort - making it effortless to handle in various driving conditions.

Performance, Handling, & Engines

The DS9 is especially renowned for its exceptional handling and drivability - offering you a perfect balance between comfort and performance.

As a result, the DS9 delivers an engaging driving experience due to its offering you a balance of power and efficiency simultaneously.

Its engine options provide you with robust performance, while the suspension system ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. Its handling is also precise, making the DS9 a joy to drive on both city streets and highways.

It can come in one of 2 engine types, which consist of:

• Plug-in Hybrid E-Tense 250
• Plug-in Hybrid E-Tense 4x4 360

When we look at its engine stats, the new DS 9 gives us:

Acceleration and Top Speed

Equipped with top-of-the-line hybrid engines, the DS9 boasts impressive acceleration figures, capable of reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds with the E-Tense 4x4 360 engine or 8.1 seconds with the E-Tense 250 engine option.

Its top speed also competes with the best in its class, with the ability to go up to 155 MPH - ensuring that you can enjoy a thrilling ride while maintaining stability and control simultaneously.

Handling and Ride Quality

Regarding handling and ride quality, the DS9's suspension system is a perfect blend of comfort and sportiness.

As a result, the car offers you a smooth ride over various terrains, absorbing bumps and providing a comfortable experience with its MacPherson axle with wishbone lower arms, coil springs, piloted telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar at the front.

To the rear, this is complimented further with its Multi-link rear axle, coil springs, telescopic piloted hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar rear suspension system.

This means you get precise and agile handling, with responsive steering that gives you confidence on both winding roads and in the city.

Traction and Stability Control

To enhance its drivability, the DS9 comes equipped with advanced traction and stability control systems.

Both of these systems work in tandem to ensure the car remains stable and composed when you need it to be - particularly in adverse weather conditions or on challenging road surfaces.

This not only enhances your safety but also contributes to a more enjoyable and stress-free driving experience at the same time.

Braking Performance

The DS9's braking system is robust and reliable, providing strong and consistent stopping power.

As a result, the brakes are designed to handle the car's power output effectively, offering you peace of mind and added safety - whether in everyday driving or more demanding situations.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its power, the DS9 is also very fuel efficient - especially being a hybrid.

This is due to the car's advanced engines and aerodynamic design, all of which contribute to favourable fuel economy figures, making it a practical choice for everyday use without compromising performance.

For instance, you can combine an MPG of 188.3 on the E-Tense 4x4 360 to 353.1 MPG with the E-Tense 250 engine.

Boot Space

The DS9 also excels in providing you with ample cargo space.

The boot is spacious enough, with its 510 litres of storage space, to accommodate luggage for long trips, and the practical layout makes it easy to load and unload items.

Additionally, the rear seats can often be folded down to create extra space for larger items - enhancing the DS9's versatility.

Advanced Technology

Equipped with the latest automotive technology, the DS9 offers you a wide range of safety, entertainment, and convenience features. These can include, for instance, an intuitive infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems - such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision detection systems - and connectivity options that keep you and your passengers engaged and secure while on the road.

With some of the ones of note being:

Performance and Technology Top Features

• Plug-in hybrid powertrains
  Choose from two options, offering up to 360 horsepower and an electric-only driving range of up to 51 miles.
• DS Active Scan Suspension
  Uses a camera and sensors to scan the road and adjust the suspension for a smoother ride.
• DS IRIS System
  Features a 12-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and a personal assistant that learns your preferences and anticipates your needs.

Safety and Comfort

• Night vision system
  Helps you see pedestrians and animals at night, even in complete darkness.
• Level 2 semi-autonomous driving
  Features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist enhance safety and control.
• Massaging seats and heated / ventilated seats
  Which provides you with enhanced comfort and luxury.

Design and Luxury

• Spacious and elegant interior
  Long wheelbase and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
• Focal Electra® sound system Which delivers an immersive listening experience.
• Clous de Paris guilloche pattern
  An intricate pattern found throughout the interior adds a touch of French luxury.

DS9 Reliability

Regarding reliability, the DS9 has been recognised as a highly reliable car with many industry awards under its belt.

For instance, some of these include:

• Auto Express - Luxury Car of the Year Award
• Autocar - Design Award
• Red Dot Design Award
• What Car? - Best Large Executive Car Award
• Women's World Car of the Year - Luxury Car Award

With some of its more notable awards consisting of:

Luxury SUV of the Year Award by Top Gear Electric Awards

Praised for its electric power and luxurious comfort blend, the DS9 won top prize in Top Gear's luxury SUV category.

Luxury SUV of the Year Award by What car? Car of the Year Awards

What Car? Saw the DS9 as the pinnacle of luxury SUV offerings, awarding it the highest honour they can in the category.

Luxury SUV of the Year Award by Auto Express Awards

Highlighting the DS9's combination of elegance, performance, and practicality, Auto Express named it their top choice for luxury SUVs.

Best Plug-in Hybrid Car Award by Carbuyer

Recognising the DS9's efficiency and driving dynamics, Carbuyer crowned it the best plug-in hybrid car on the market.

Top Picks Large SUV Award by Parkers

Parkers named the DS9 a top pick for those seeking a spacious and luxurious SUV experience.

Plug-in Hybrid SUV of the Year Award by What Car?

What Car? Singled out the DS9 as the standout choice among plug-in hybrid SUVs, praising its range, refinement, and technology.

Best Large SUV Award by Auto Express Driver Power

Based on owner feedback, Auto Express awarded the DS9 the title of best large SUV, highlighting its reliability and satisfaction levels.

PHEV of the Year Award by DrivingElectric Awards

DrivingElectric focused on the DS9's electric capabilities, declaring it the best PHEV of the year for its impressive range and efficiency.

Best PHEV for Drivers Award by Top Gear Electric Awards

Top Gear Electric appreciated the DS9's engaging driving experience and responsiveness, making it their choice for the most enjoyable PHEV to drive.

What types of Alloy Wheels can come with the DS 9?

The DS 9 can come with one of 2 alloy wheel options. These can include, for instance:

• 19 inch ‘Versailles’ alloy wheels
• 20-inch ‘Munich’ alloy wheels - Standard on E-TENSE 4x4 360 versions

What Paint Colours can the DS 9 come in?

The DS 9 can come in 1 of 5 main paint colours. These consist of:

• Midnight Blue M0AP
• Perla Nera Black M09V
• Platinum Grey M0VL
• Pearl Crystal M0PH
• Pearl White M6N9
• Perla Nera Black Roof Colour

How Many Models of the DS 9 are there?

The new DS 9 comes in 3 main models, with these being:

• DS 9 Rivoli +
• DS 9 Opera
• DS 9 Esprit De Voyage

How do the different DS 9 models differ?

The 3 main models of the DS 9 differ in several ways. These consist of, for example:

DS 9 Rivoli + Key Features

DS 9 Rivoli + key features consist of:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION
• DS IRIS SYSTEM
• 19-inch ‘VERSAILLES’ alloy wheels (20-inch ‘MUNICH’ alloy wheels on E-TENSE 4x4 360 version)
• Advanced Safety Pack with
• Drive Assist
• Heated, massaging and ventilated front seat

DS 9 Opera Key Features

In addition to the Rivoli +, the DS 9 Opera key features consist of:

• OPERA Interior - Basalt Black
• Basalt Black nappa watchstrap leather seats, Basalt Black Nappa leather décor and pearl stitch detail
• DS NIGHT VISION (includes 360° vision)
• Motorised tailgate with hands-free access
• FOCAL Electra® HiFi system
• Extended dual-zone climate control
• Sunroof
• Lounge Pack
• Includes Rear Lounge armrest, heated rear seats

DS 9 Esprit De Voyage Key Features

In addition to the Opera, the DS 9 Esprit De Voyage key features consist of:

• Pearl Grey Pearl
• Grey Nappa watchstrap leather seats, Pearl Grey Nappa leather décor and pearl stitch detail
• 20-inch ‘MUNICH’ alloy wheels
• Backlit ‘Esprit De Voyage’ front door sill
• ‘Esprit De Voyage’ inscription on front console
• Rear armrest in Pearl Grey Nappa Leather

What Interior Trims can come with the DS 9?

There are 1 of 4 interior trims available for the DS 9. These can consist of:

• Basalt Black Leather Basalt Black grained leather seats with Basalt Black Diamond-shaped Nappa leather décor 57FO
• Basalt Black, Basalt Black nappa watchstrap leather seats, Basalt Black Nappa leather décor, Pearl stitching and Pearl Grey Alcantara® headlining 4HFO
• Rubis RedRubis Red Nappa watchstrap leather seats, Rubis Red leather décor to the dashboard, steering wheel and door panels, Pearl stitching and Pearl Grey Alcantara® headlining 4HFJ
• Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Nappa watchstrap leather seats, Pearl Grey Nappa leather décor, pearl stitching and Black Alcantara® headlining 4HFW

DS9 Final Thoughts

After exploring the various aspects of the DS9 in this buyer's guide, it is clear that this executive car stands out as a remarkable example of luxury, performance, and innovation.

Consequently, the DS9 is highly recommended for buyers seeking a luxury Saloon that excels in comfort, performance, and technology.

It gives you an excellent choice for both daily commutes and long-distance travel, offering you a blend of style, sophistication, and practicality that is rare in the market.

Overall, the DS9 is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a luxury car that combines aesthetic appeal with performance and cutting-edge technology.

It is a car offering a unique driving experience, setting itself apart in a crowded market.

Why not book a test drive of the DS9 at one of our local DS dealerships, to find out what the DS9 is like to drive, today?