Citroën is doing its best to conspurcate the ‘DS’ model name. This is as far removed from Citroën’s ancient reputation as conceivable and has absolutely nothing to do with the original Citroën DS, which was the pinnacle of automotive technology back in the day and a gorgeous, astonishing vehicle to boot. I look at this and see a design that makes even an Hyundai look pretty, not a member of the lineage of the Traction Avant, DS, SM, CX and XM. If Citroën is to keep making cars like this one, maybe it’s time PSA gives the brand a mercy shot. (Or they could hire Carrozzeria Bertone and create beautiful cars, like the last well-designed Citroën, the Xantia.)
Typically seen as more of a budget brand, Citroën set out to move upmarket with the re-launch of its DS line and the debut of the DS3 in 2010. But in the years since, it has only produced hatchbacks, and as anyone could tell you, a luxury marque wouldn’t be a luxury marque without a luxury sedan. And that’s what the French automaker has set out to create with this latest model to join the family.
Designed specifically for the Chinese market – where buyers still demand sedans like we do here – the DS 5LS is based on (and will be built alongside) the existing DS5 hatch. Its design is derived closely from theNumero 9 and Wild Rubis concepts, but with a trunk and applied to a footprint only slightly larger than the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Positioned in the smaller C segment, however, the DS 5LS claims the longest wheelbase in its class. That gives it a rather commodious interior, swathed in leather, wood and metal, with features like massaging front seats and reclining rear seats.
Power comes in the form of a twin-scroll turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine displacing either 1.6 or 2.0 liters, mated to a six-speed automatic. Buyers will be able to choose between nine exterior colors when they order theirs through one of 50 dedicated DS dealerships across China. With its launch at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, Citroën also announced that it will be launching an SUV in the Chinese market as well sometime next year.
