The DS E-Tense Is A Stunning Electric Sports Car

At the end of 2014, after the successful introduction of the DS3 hatchback, Citroen recognised that it needed to aim for a larger chunk of the premium car sector. To do this, DS was made into a standalone brand, which at the time, looked like a great move. But over the next couple of years we were all left a little disappointed. We received some minor updates to the DS3, the introduction of the pretty boring DS4 and DS5 models, and the unveiling of the rather odd-looking Divine DS concept. What the brand really needed was a halo car, something to show the world that the premium end of Citroen meant business. Well, someone has clearly got that memo, because DS has just revealed this, the stunning E-Tense concept car.

Designed to showcase the ultimate capabilities of DS, the E-Tense is a seriously impressive machine. The car features a 402bhp electric motor which generates 381lb ft of torque, enough to give the car a 0-62mph of 4.5 seconds, putting it on par with BMW’s i8. Power is supplied from advanced lithium-ion batteries, which are stored under the car’s monocoque carbonfibre chassis to keep the centre of gravity low, with front and rear double-wishbone suspension tying up the package. The only disappointment is the car’s range of 193 miles (you’d get 224 miles in city driving), meaning it doesn’t completely live up to its claim of being a true ‘Grand Tourer’.

On pure aesthetics alone, the car is a work of art; there are beautiful details everywhere you look. For example, the rear of the car features LED tail lights and indicators integrated into the roof, reminiscent of the iconic 1955 DS. Movable LED daytime running lights - which can rotate 180 degrees - are also a nod to the original car’s directional headlights. The E-Tense also shuns a rear window, with the driver relying solely on digital rear view technology.

The interior is equally bonkers. It took 800 hours to design, featuring a detachable BRM watch, tulip-shaped steering wheel and high quality Focal nine-speaker sound system. Oh and did we mention that French designers Moynat came up with a handcrafted helmet harness that can be removed and used as a ridiculously expensive bag? We need one.

Avant-garde styling can be very hit and miss, but we love the direction DS has taken. The brand needed to make a strong statement about its future direction. With new boys Alpine joining the mix, we can’t wait for this new era of French sports cars.