DS No4

The look! The No8 not only introduces a new nomenclature (method of naming), but also a new style. DS' designers had seen room for improvement for quite some time. For instance, the harmony in the silhouette was not perfect and the style of the front and rear did not match optimally either.

And there was something else: the DS4 is a hatchback, but was more reminiscent of a crossover because of the inter-relationships of the sheet metal. The new nose therefore emphasises the car's width, not its height. This is thanks to a new grille that not only has a horizontal shape, but with the patterns of the slats again accentuates the width. As the space between the slats increases towards the centre, the (illuminated!) DS logo is even more prominent.

The bonnet has been redesigned to emphasise the car's length. This may seem like a detail, but it definitely makes the No4 look like a hatchback and less like a crossover.

And there is another new development that DS introduced with the No8: the models now have a less French (60% are sold outside France) and less feminine look to appeal to a larger target group. This is not only in the shape, but also, for example, in the use of excessive chrome. From now on, only the line under the roof and above the doors is chromed. All other chrome has been replaced with matt black for a more modern look. None of this in any way detracts from the refinement, but the new style does make DS look more modern and approachable.

Space

Still, the DS 4 / No4 offers a distinctly cosy cabin built around the occupants. They imagine themselves in a cocoon of leather, alcantara and other special materials. Characteristic of DS are the many references to the world of fashion, as exclusive stitching is used wherever possible. A triangle shape recurs in many places, creating a fascinating effect through reflections from all directions.

Because the No4 is not a new car, space is similar to the DS4. That is, space in the front is good, that in the rear even above average (depending on the type of front seats).

Equipment

For DS, a display screen should not be an interruption or obstacle on the dashboard. Instead, it should be part of the whole, or better still, embellish the interior. This is why DS has not only integrated the display screen well, but also provided modern graphics (design of the menus). Those graphics follow the car's style perfectly and so the display is really part of the whole.

As of now, there is a larger display behind the steering wheel. This provides better readability, along with a number of new layouts that can be arranged by the driver. DS is moving with the times by introducing a smart voice-activated assistant with ChatGPT as its "brain" in the car. Those who do not need this for the sake of digital safety can turn on a privacy mode to (temporarily) disable all digital eavesdroppers.

According to DS, the audio system from French specialist Focal has not been changed. However, in the two driven examples of the No4, it sounded skimpy and artificial rather than musical and clear as before.

Plug-in hybrid

For the 2025 model year, almost all engines are new or updated. The plug-in hybrid has been revamped. The battery has a larger capacity than before, increasing the range by 30%. Moreover, the electric motor got stronger (125 hp) and at the same time more economical.

When driving electrically, 81 km can therefore be covered. This is true not only in theory, but also during the test drive on a demanding route (but under favourable weather conditions). Thanks to its good sound insulation and whisper-quiet electric drive, the No4 provides the comfort that comes with a high-end car.

Sound insulation, however, is limited to noises from outside. It is therefore all the more noticeable when the petrol engine takes over drive from the electric motor. This can be heard and felt and actually detracts from the premium feel. Because both engines deliver roughly the same power, the character of the No4 is always the same. The No4 PHEV performs well, but prefers to be driven calmly.

Electric car

From model year 2025, the DS No4 will be available as an all-electric car. Although the No4 is a mid-size car, DS does not use the electric powertrain of other mid-size cars from the same parent company (Stellantis). In order to provide the added value that comes with this premium product, DS has borrowed a battery and electric motor from higher-end models. The electric No4 has the 58 kWh battery and 213 hp electric motor from the Peugeot 408.

This theoretically gives the No4 a range of 450 km. During testing on yet another demanding track under favourable weather conditions, the actual range came to 368 km. As a rule, the No4 allows itself to be driven calmly, but some urging is enough for quick sprints. This makes the electric No4 faster, smoother and more comfortable than a similar combustion-engined car.

With three levels of regeneration, the driver can choose how much energy is recovered and how strongly the car holds back when the accelerator is released.

Driving behaviour

DS has not updated the chassis for the 2025 model year. This is because there are very few hatchbacks in this segment, and thanks to its lower build, the No4 has better handling than the many crossovers and SUVs in the segment anyway.

But DS is not leaving it at that. The platform is similar to that of the Opel Astra and Peugeot 308. However, the tuning has been adjusted for more refined handling with light yet precise steering.The No4 is therefore more comfortable than other Stellantis models in the same segment, without compromising stability or safety.

Conclusion

DS Automobiles introduces the No4, which is much more than just a new name for the DS 4. The exterior has been changed in image-defining ways. Therefore, the No4 has less the look of a crossover and more of a hatchback. In the process, the extravagantly French style has been swapped for a more worldly look, which is nevertheless still as desirable. In order not to lag behind the Chinese competition, DS now offers rich equipment at a relatively favourable price.

The plug-in hybrid offers greater range and performance thanks to a more powerful battery. Henceforth, the No4 is available as an all-electric car. The electric powertrain comes from larger cars from the same parent company. That makes for good performance combined with more comfort. In short: the DS4 has more than a new name and, as No4, appeals to a larger target group with more modern technology.