New 2021 DS 9 saloon gets price tag of £40,615

• Available as a petrol or plug-in hybrid model at launch
• 335bhp version will arrive later
• Prices start from £40,615

Prices and specifications for the new DS 9 saloon have been revealed. The new flagship model will go on sale on 8 April, with prices starting from £40,615.

When it arrives, the new flagship model will be the third DS on sale in the UK, sitting above the DS 3 and DS 7 Crossback SUVs. It's the French firm’s first attempt at a luxury saloon, and the car will be an indirect rival to the current crop of German luxury saloon models, including the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6.

DS 9 saloon: engines, economy and performance

At launch, the DS 9 will be available with a regular petrol engine or with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Both are front-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

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The regular model uses a 1.6-litre PureTech petrol engine and produces 222bhp. It’s the fastest of the launch models, going from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds. Claimed fuel economy is 40.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 155g/km.

The ‘E-Tense’-badged plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a 11.9kWh battery to produce an identical power figure of 222bhp. Performance is slightly behind the regular petrol model, taking 8.3 seconds from 0-62mph.

According to DS, the PHEV model can manage up to 34 miles of pure-electric running at speeds of up to 84mph, with a full recharge taking just under two hours when connected to a 7kW home wallbox. Its powertrain makes it the most economical model on paper, with an official fuel economy figure of up to 256.8mpg and low CO2 emissions of 33g/km.

A more powerful plug-in hybrid model has also been confirmed. This is likely to be on sale by the end of the year and will boast a 355bhp powertrain and four-wheel drive.

Design, platform and dimensions

The DS 9 is designed as a fastback but resembles a traditional saloon. At the front, the styling is reminiscent of the current DS 3 and DS 7 Crossback models thanks to a large 3D diamond-mesh grille. Vertical LED running lights and DS ‘Active LED Vision’ headlights are also fitted.

The rest of the exterior design is a mixture of modern and classic design elements, including chrome trim along the bonnet towards the windscreen. The high-mounted rear indicators on the C-pillars are a clear tribute to those of the original Citroen DS of the 1950s, the car that the brand is named after.

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There’s a full-width third brake light and 3D diamond-pattern LED rear lights that are a similar design to existing DS models, while chrome detailing and smooth bumpers also feature. The side profile mixes smooth curves and a sharpened line running the full length of the car. The door handles are flush fitting and the car has a two-tone black roof and door mirrors.

Measuring in at 4,930mm long and 1,850mm wide, the DS 9 occupies the full-size executive saloon sector. It sits on the same EMP2 platform as the DS 7 Crossback family SUV and the Peugeot 508 saloon, both of which are already available as plug-in hybrids.

Interior and technology

The design of the dashboard and interior is familiar from the DS7. There are minor differences, however, including the storage area beneath the infotainment display, the air vents and the door panels.

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Thanks to the car’s substantial 2.9m wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels), passengers in the rear should have plenty of legroom. The rear seats will be available with a massage function and heating and cooling.

Trim levels and pricing

The DS 9 will be offered in two trim levels consisting of Performance Line+ and Rivoli+. Buyers will also be able to select a number of interior ‘inspiration’ options to personalise their cars, with each adding different materials and themes.

In sporty Performance Line+ spec, standard equipment includes Active Vision LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Inside, a sports steering wheel and electric heated front seats are standard, along with a 12.3-inch digital dial cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Prices start from £40,615 for the regular petrol model, rising to £46,100 for the E-Tense PHEV.

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The luxury orientated Rovili+ builds on the entry-spec car, adding black leather upholstery and a different set of 19-inch alloys. It also gets heated and ventilated massage seats, dual-zone climate control and a 360-degree monitor.

The Rovili+ model also gets more safety tech, including DS’s Drive Assist system. This system is capable of semi-autonomous driving functionality, combining with the car’s adaptive cruise control and cameras to keep it in lane at speeds of up to 111mph. Other features include a driver attention monitor, automatic parking assistance and a night vision function that operates via an infrared camera to show a clear view of the road ahead at night.

Active Scan suspension is also standard on all but the entry-level petrol model. This system uses the car’s cameras to scan the road for bumps as you drive, automatically adjusting the suspension to improve ride quality.

Prices for the flagship Rivoli+ model start from £44,715 with the entry-level petrol engine, increasing to £49,200 for the plug-in hybrid version.

Interested in knowing more about the DS range? Read our reviews on the DS 3 Crossback, DS 3 Crossback E-Tense and DS 7 Crossback for more information.