DS 4 E-Tense is the first version of DS manufactured by DS Automobiles (a sub-brand created by Citroën), that belongs to the PHEV group. First unveiled on February 2021, DS 4 E-Tense is the second generation of DS 4 that received a new look, both inside and out. The new design originated in Paris, but its assembly line is located in Rüsselsheim, in Opel’s plant.
What does the hybrid hatchback model offers?
The DS4 will come in three models, DS4 Crossback, DS4 Performance Line, and the main DS4 hatchback. There will be two petrol, one diesel and one hybrid (E-Tense) option. A pure-electric version will not see the light of the day before 2024. EV fans will have to make do with E-Tense PHEV that employs a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that, together with an electric motor outputs 222 horsepower. The 12.4kWh battery provides additional 35 miles of range if you’re using the regenerative braking system orderly.
The front end is dominated by thin matrix LED lights and a huge hexagonal grille with diamond inlays, while the sides of the car have several intriguing creases and lines. The taillights feature a laser-embossed design, and the back overhang is minimal. Everything appears to be quite distinctive and modern, and DS claims that the automobile was intended to be as aerodynamic as possible.
Dimensions of the hatchback version of this vehicle can be found in the table below:
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm / 106.3 inches |
| Length | 4,400 mm / 173.2 inches |
| Width | 1,830mm / 72 inches |
| Height | 1,470mm / 57.9 inches |
Interior – Diamond-themed Space Shuttle
The interior of DS 4 E-Tense is its strongest part. Designers of this vehicle did not have to look at any of the other top brands for inspiration, because they decided to tell their own narrative. A dashing cabin provides a combination of dark colors with silver finishes, diamond-shaped buttons and symbols, providing an aggressive, yet classy feel.
A 10-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch digital driver’s display are standard on all models, with updated visuals and configurable shortcut buttons that blend with the “invisible” air vents. It’s more responsive than prior DS setups, and it works in combination with a 5-inch touchpad located above the gear selector on higher-spec vehicles, which can be used to access standard features like navigation or your favorite radio station. It works well, but it takes some time to get used to.
The angled window switches, which are high up on the door panels and merged with the air vents, are very appealing. The 4’s interior has genuine wood and forged carbon trimmings, leather and plaited fabric upholstery, and Alcantara accents, as well as DS’ trademark watch strap-shaped seat pattern. The chairs are constructed of high-density foam and come with options for heating, ventilation, and massaging. The DS 4 is reported to be constructed with 85 percent recyclable parts and 95 percent reusable materials, thanks to handcrafted production methods such as concealed seams.
Safety features and competition
Driver Assistant suite offers Level 2 autonomy with speed adjustment using traffic sign recognition, semiautomatic lane changes, and speed adjustment in corners. The steering wheel has a grip sensor to better monitor driver engagement, and “radar corners” enable long-range blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Night vision is also available, as is DS’ Active Scan suspension technology, which utilizes a camera in the windshield to change damping individually at each wheel. There’s also an “extended head-up display” from DS, which the company claims is the first step toward augmented reality. It uses optical illusion to make the 21-inch diagonal display area look 4 meters ahead of the driver, projecting important information into the road ahead.
As for the competition, the Frenchie will have a group of strong opponents, originating mostly from Germany, such as BMW X1 xDrive25e, Mercedes A250 e, and Audi Q3 TSFI e. Hard competitors for sure, but none of these had the metamorphosis in the way DS 4 E-Tense did. With that in mind, this vehicle will discover and obtain its market without any issues.
Price and Release date
DS4 E-Tense starts at 41,000 euros (around $47,000) for the Performance Line trim and goes up to 47,500 euros ($55,000) for the Rivoli trim. For an additional 700 euros, customers may upgrade to the SUV-styled Cross model, albeit the differences are just cosmetic – even the ride height remains the same.
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