It seems like Stellantis is in a perpetual state of turmoil that just keeps getting worse, but the French brands in the conglomerate appear to be on a completely opposite trajectory. Citroën and Peugeot have launched a bunch super-efficient hybrids and EVs with innovative and sometimes strange designs, and now the DS Automobiles spin-off luxury brand is about to release something wild called the N°8. It’s not a perfume but a new fully electric sedan-crossover-thing, and this week DS put out the first image of its wild interior that Barbarella would love.
I could have gone with any number of her sci-fi peers, like “Flash Gordon” or “The Jetsons” or maybe “The Fifth Element,” but I’m just in a Barbarella mood today. The boat-inspired upright gold band that runs across the dashboard and door panels is so pulpy mid-century sci-fi, especially in how it’s illuminated at night, and the speaker grilles being integrated in the door pieces is really slick. The dashboard itself is very low and slim and furniture-like, which makes the floating screens feel more like a holistic part of the design. That center console is super sci-fi too, the lights even look like jumping into hyperspace.
What’s a little freakier is the steering wheel. I’ve honestly never seen anything like this four-spoke wheel — maybe a sorta similar vibe on some ’50s American stuff — and it reminds me of some less-positive sci-fi things. Like, the headcrabs from “Half-Life” and the facehugger from “Alien,” or maybe a spider from “Arachnophobia.” The four outstretched spokes make it look like a jumping creature. I do really love it, though.
The N°8 won’t be fully revealed for another few weeks, but DS has shown what it looks like with camouflage on. It’ll be the brand’s flagship and largest model, and it takes the form of a lifted crossover-y sedan, like the Polestar 2 or Volvo S60 Cross Country, with a low 0.24 drag coefficient. It has the most extreme example of DS’ star-like light signature yet, and some really cool design flourishes like the tailgate spoiler. We don’t know which platform the N°8 will ride on yet, but it’ll have a range of 466 miles on the European WLTP cycle.
As for that name… Here’s what DS had to say:
This approach links the names of the existing range and those of the Brand’s future models, while retaining numbers and adopting a bolder rationale with “N°” (number).This strategy is combined with an incrasingly assertive brand presence, with a badge that remains conspicuous at the front and the DS Automobiles signature written out in full at the rear of the car. The introduction of the “N°” naming convention launches a new generation of models for DS Automobiles, highlighting a significant development.
“N°” is a nod to the French language, as it represents the usual way of writing “number” in French, embodying an elegance and timelessness that transcends languages. It signifies the dawn of a new era. The “°” is designed like a diamond tip, symbolic of elegance and expertise. The future DS Automobiles range will follow this new naming strategy. The number will correspond to the size and segment of the model.
“8” is a new number for DS Automobiles. Its shape, close to the infinity sign, is associated with balance and serenity, which combine to form a harmonious whole. To maintain the Brand’s identity, the rear of the car will sport the “N°8” signature supplemented by “DS AUTOMOBILES”. This separated branding ensures a clear division between the Brand and the model, while indicating a progression towards the electric future.
You know what? Go for it. We need more fun weird shit in cars, and the French are the best and fun and weird. I don’t really care if Stellantis survives, because I can rest easy knowing that the French will thrive no matter what.
