DS AUTOMOBILES DS 7 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

DS Automobiles introduced the DS 7 Crossback in 2017 and refreshed it five years later; in 2022, it refreshed and ditched the “Crossback” moniker while it improved the rest of the vehicle.

After Citroen introduced the DS Automobiles as an upscale brand in 2016, the new car manufacturer started to work on its existing products, such as the DS3 and the DS 5. Later, it added new models to the range, such as the DS 7 Crossback. It was a welcomed vehicle since it provided luxurious features for a lower price than its competitors. But that advantage couldn’t last forever. As a result, in 2022, the young automaker introduced the facelifted version of the DS 7. While it retained the overall shape, it ditched the Crossback nameplate and moved on to the compact premium crossover segment with the 2022 DS 7, a vehicle that tried to compete against the likes of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.

Its front fascia sported the same design language introduced by the DS 9 in 2020, featuring a large hexagonal-shaped grille that resembled a diamond. Depending on the trims and options, it featured a tri-dimensional mesh adorned by chromed rhomboidal-shaped elements and two chromed wings extended over the standard DS PIXEL headlights. On the lower side, the automaker placed a horizontal slat, and underneath it, a second broad air intake flanked by a pair of scoops. A set of three vertical LED lines formed the daytime running lights that flanked the entire front fascia.

With a profile typical for a crossover, with rounded shapes and curved panels, the 2022 DS 7 surprised with its low-slung greenhouse and narrow windows for such a vehicle. In the rear area, between the rear doors and the rearmost pillars, the automaker added a third row of triangular windows, while a curved tailgate elegantly ended the vehicle. Finally, at the back, DS Automobiles installed narrow taillights extended from the quarter panels to the tailgate and sported a 3D design inside.

With a cabin fit for four passengers, the DS 7 surprised its customers with an unusual, luxurious ambiance for a French vehicle. At the front, the automaker installed bucket seats with mild bolstering and separated by a tall center console. There, the DS 7 housed the gear selector with a golf club shape, tilted forward. In addition, a set of buttons adorned by rhomboidal shapes controlled various functions of the car. On the center console, the automaker placed a 12-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, while the TFT display of the instrument panel was in front of the driver.

Under its skin, the DS 7 installed a range of hybrid, gasoline, and turbodiesel engines. The version fitted with the plug-in hybrid drivetrain featured an all-wheel drive system where the front wheels were put in motion by the internal combustion engine while an electric motor powered those in the back.

DS Automobiles evolved from being a special division within the Citroen brand into a car manufacturer by using a strategy similar to the one used by Honda when it launched the Acura or by Hyundai when it made the Genesis.

The French automaker knew that if it could provide high-quality products and share the underpinnings with the rest of the Peugeot/Citroen range, it could gain more money from each unit sold. As a result, it started low with the DS as a separate line of vehicles but still wearing the Citroen badge. In 2014, it created DS Automobiles as a distinct brand with different products, such as the 2017 DS 7 Crossback. The crossover was based on the same EMP2 platform used by the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross, and Opel Grandland. But besides the engine, transmissions, and some electronic components, it shared nothing with its siblings. It featured a completely redesigned bodywork and a unique interior. The 2017 DS 7 Crossback was aimed at deeper-pocket customers, with improved interiors and charismatic styling.

The car's front fascia featured a broad mesh grille adorned by the brand's logo, which took center stage. It was flanked by chromed trims and a set of swept-back LED headlights. Additional styling cues included vertical LED daytime running lights that flanked the side scoops from the bumper and a center-mounted trapezoidal air intake in the apron.

DS Automobiles' design department penned the vehicle like a crossover, even though it was only available in a 2WD configuration. Its tall waistline and arched roofline ended with a curved and raked-forward tailgate adorned on its upper area by a roof spoiler. The automaker created a profile with muscular-looking fenders and large light-alloy wheels sporting a unique, diamond-cut design. At the back, the automaker installed slim LED taillights underlined by a chromed trim that crossed the vehicle from side to side. It matched the trims on the rectangular exhausts placed underneath the rear valance.

There was more to say about the car's interior than any other Citroen in production at that time. A set of high-bolstered front seats that featured angular motifs on their seatbacks welcomed their occupants and kept them in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Between them, the automaker installed a tall center console that housed the gear selector, two cupholders, and several buttons for driving modes. At the same time, the dashboard included a 12-inch touchscreen on the center stack above the buttons for the HVAC system. In addition, a similarly-sized TFT display fronted the driver inside the instrument cluster, showing various information that customers could customize to the information they wanted to see on the screen. Particular attention to detail was paid to the FOCAL sound system, which featured 14 speakers. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding bench seat that could expand the trunk space.

Under its skin, the 2017 DS 7 Crossback was available with a range of diesel, gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engines ranging between 130 PS (128 hp) and 300 PS (296 hp). While most versions sent their power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, electrified versions were fitted as standard with an automatic gearbox.