DS 8 FWD Long Range

Overview

The 2025 DS 8 FWD Long Range arrives as a bold statement from the premium French automaker, targeting the electric SUV space with a heavy dose of avant-garde style. Positioned as the distance champion of the lineup, this front-wheel-drive model is all about maximizing efficiency and delivering a serene, long-haul experience. It's a chic alternative to its German rivals, blending a high-fashion interior with cutting-edge platform technology. While official US pricing hasn't been announced, expect it to compete in the premium end of the market, offering a unique blend of comfort and panache.

What's New for 2025?

Everything. The DS 8 is an entirely new nameplate for 2025, marking a significant debut for the brand. It’s one of the first vehicles to ride on the highly anticipated STLA Medium platform from parent company Stellantis. This dedicated EV architecture is a game-changer, designed from the ground up to optimize battery packaging, interior space, and overall efficiency. The model introduces DS's latest design language, featuring razor-sharp lines and advanced lighting, along with the newest generation of the brand's sophisticated infotainment and driver interface, making it a truly next-generation machine.

Design & Exterior

The DS 8 is a real head-turner, showcasing a dramatic fastback SUV silhouette that bleeds French couture. The exterior is a masterclass in sharp, sculptural lines, dominated by the signature DS Light Veil daytime running lights that create an unforgettable face. Flush door handles and aero-optimized wheels on this Long Range trim keep things sleek and efficient. It’s a sizable craft, measuring an impressive 190.3 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width, and standing 62 inches tall, giving it a commanding yet graceful presence on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the DS 8 and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more like a Parisian boutique than a car. The focus is on unique, high-quality materials and a driver-centric, cocoon-like environment for its five passengers. While it drips with style, it’s also practical, offering a generous 21.9 cubic feet of trunk space for luggage. However, there is no front trunk, or 'frunk'. Tech is front-and-center with a large central infotainment screen and a crisp digital driver's display, both running a slick, modern interface with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

The FWD Long Range trim is engineered for smooth, efficient cruising rather than outright drag-strip dominance. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor drives the front wheels, producing a healthy 276 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of instant torque. That's enough grunt to get this stylish SUV from 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. Expect a supremely comfortable and quiet ride, with the chassis tuned to soak up bumps effortlessly. Multiple regenerative braking modes will allow for one-pedal driving in city traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

This is where the FWD Long Range model truly shines. It’s equipped with a massive 97.2 kWh usable battery pack, which Green Cars Compare calculates will deliver an outstanding real-world range of 396 miles. That class-leading distance is achieved through superb efficiency of around 4.07 mi/kWh. When it's time to juice up, its 400V architecture can handle DC fast charging at speeds up to 200 kW. For the US market, it would feature a CCS Type 1 or NACS port, allowing for a 10-80% top-up in around 30 minutes. Home charging is handled by a robust 11 kW on-board AC charger.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

As an all-new model, the DS 8 has not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but a strong performance is expected. It will undoubtedly come loaded with a comprehensive suite of safety tech. Standard features are expected to include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and a sophisticated lane-keeping assist system. A more advanced Level 2 semi-autonomous system, likely Stellantis’s Drive Assist 2.0, should be available, enabling hands-on adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and automated lane-change capabilities for relaxed highway driving.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While official US warranty details are pending, we can expect the DS 8 to align with other Stellantis premium brands. This would likely include a basic limited warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles. Critically, the high-voltage battery pack will be covered by a federally mandated warranty of at least 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing it against significant degradation. A powertrain warranty matching the basic coverage is also expected. It remains to be seen if DS will offer complimentary maintenance as a perk to entice early adopters in the competitive US market.