DS Automobiles, the premium offshoot of Citroën, has launched its all-electric flagship model, the DS No8, a bold coupe-SUV that underscores the brand’s ambitions in the luxury EV space. However, in a sign of mounting industry uncertainty, DS is not ruling out adding a combustion-based variant in the future.
Speaking to Autocar at a recent international press event, DS product chief Cyprien Laurentie admitted that adapting the No8 to accommodate a combustion engine “is always a possibility.” While the current No8 range includes only electric options—with outputs ranging from 227 hp (169 kW) to a maximum of 370 hp (276 kW) with the boost function—Laurentie acknowledged the company will “keep a close eye on the market and adapt if necessary.”
Laurentie also touted the EV’s capability, noting that its estimated range of up to 466 miles (750 km) eliminates the typical compromises associated with electric driving. “It’s perfect for commuting and travelling,” he said, positioning the No8 as a well-rounded electric luxury offering. But that confidence is tempered by the reality that DS has long struggled to gain traction in the competitive premium segment.
If DS decides to diversify its powertrain lineup, the transition may not be overly complex. The No8 shares the STLA Medium platform with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross, both of which are available with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric configurations. However, with competitors offering increasingly capable plug-ins, any combustion-based No8 would need to go beyond the modest electric-only range seen in models like the C5 Aircross PHEV.
DS Automobiles now faces a strategic choice: continue staking its future on EV-only prestige, or hedge its bets by embracing hybrid power to meet shifting consumer demand and regulatory headwinds.
