Big tickets on all-new DS9 luxury sedan

PSA Group’s premium DS brand has presented its all-new DS9 to the world – a model the company describes as “an all-new large saloon for the global market”.

This will not, however, include Australia for the foreseeable future as independent distributor Inchcape Australasia remains steadfast in its resolve to build up PSA’s Peugeot and Citroen brands before any moves are made to add the niche DS.

Measuring in at 4930mm long and 1850mm wide, the DS9 will initially be powered by a new ‘E-Tense’ plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of producing a combined 168kW of power and more than 320Nm of torque.

Other more powerful versions will follow, including an all-wheel-drive PHEV flagship tipped to produce a combined 268kW, as well as a 186kW PHEV and a 168kW petrol-only option. All will combine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Awash with Nappa leather and Alcantara, the DS9’s interior is said to offer the perfect blend of comfort, sophistication and detail, especially in the rear where comfort and space were top priorities for the development team.

Thanks to its 2900mm wheelbase, rear legroom is aplenty in the DS9 with the rear seats taking things a step further, boasting heating, cooling and massage functions, something DS claims as a first for the class.

Other interior niceties include crystal-shaped touch-sensitive buttons throughout as well as a premium 14-speaker sound system courtesy of Focal Electra, custom-made for the DS9.

To ensure the journey is as comfortable and pleasant as the interior, DS Active Scan Suspension is fitted standard.

The system uses a front-facing camera to scan the road ahead for imperfections while level sensors, accelerometers and drivetrain sensors take note of all other movements and adjust the damping of each individual wheel accordingly.

“This 21st-century DS suspension combines the hushed comfort of a prestigious saloon with the dynamics of a grand touring coupe,” the company said.

Thanks to the DS Drive Assist system, DS9 drivers and passengers alike will be able to enjoy a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving experience with the system functioning up to 180km/h.

If at any point the driver wants to retake control, all he or she has to do is firmly grip the steering wheel.

DS Park Pilot adds to the autonomous capability with every aspect of almost any reasonable parking manoeuvre imaginable taken care of by the system – so long as it agrees the space is suitable.

A full suite of active safety features are also on board including driver attention monitoring, advanced automatic headlight control and DS Night Vision which uses an infrared camera in the grille to detect pedestrians, cyclists and animals up 100m down the road.

According to DS design director Thierry Metroz, the DS9 is the culmination of every aspect and value of the brand.

“We’ve employed all our expertise so that DS9 is considered a benchmark in terms of comfort, style, elegance and exclusive desire,” he said.

“This project united our teams because it was a dream for all those who create DS on a daily basis.

“For a saloon, poise is an essential quality.”

The phrase of choice for DS in describing the DS9’s shape was “fastback”, likening it the 4-door Coupes, Gran Coupes and Sportbacks from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi respectively.