Pure electric drive for the first time: the DS 4 becomes the DS N°4

With a new name and fresh design, the revamped DS 4 is entering the second half of its life as the DS N°4. For the first time, there is also a pure electric version, the E-Tense, which shares its technology with the Opel Astra Electric and offers a range of 450 kilometres. Built in Rüsselsheim, it can now be ordered at prices starting at 45,900 euros.

Ds n4 perlanera black — Image: DS Automobiles

DS Automobiles has extensively revamped the second generation of the DS4, which has been on the market since 2021. The French brand has also changed its name in the process. Inspired by Chanel perfume names, the more sophisticated technical sibling of the Opel Astra and Peugeot 308 is now marketed as the DS N°4, pronounced DS numéro 4. The French company is talking about a new model, but it is basically just a facelift that has now been launched on the market.

The most important innovation: for the first time, there is also a purely electric version of the 4.40-metre-long compact car. Until now, plug-in hybrids were the best that could be offered in terms of electrification. Technically, the DS N°4 E-Tense draws on the Stellantis Group’s parts shelf – under the bonnet, it is largely similar to its electric brothers from Sochaux and Rüsselsheim.

An NMC battery with a usable capacity of 58.3 kWh is located in the underbody, which should enable a WLTP range of 450 kilometres. The battery can be charged at a maximum of 120 kW. This should allow the charge level to be increased from 20 to 80 per cent in half an hour.

The drive is provided by the 156 kW (213 hp) and 343 Newton metre electric motor, which is used in almost all models based on the EMP2 platform. The front-wheel drive vehicle, which weighs around 1.8 tonnes, accelerates to 100 kph in 7.1 seconds. At 170 kph, the propulsion is electronically limited.

The latest electric models from the Stellantis Group finally have features that are simply a must for a modern electric car, but which have long been unavailable from Peugeot, Opel and Co. The DS N°4 E-Tense, for example, offers battery preconditioning and intelligent charging route planning. Plug & Charge is also set to be available from 2026.

The N°4 E-Tense, built by Opel in Rüsselsheim, costs at least 45,900 euros with a purely electric drive. By comparison, its technically almost identical sibling, the Astra Electric, which rolls off the same production line but is less focused on design and luxury, is around 8,000 euros cheaper in its basic configuration. However, it also offers fewer features and hardly stands out from the crowd.

stellantis.com

This article was first published by Elias Holdenried for electrive’s German edition

1 Comment

about „Pure electric drive for the first time: the DS 4 becomes the DS N°4“

Rein

10.10.2025 um 16:19

I think this might be the nail in the coffin for DS as a stand alone brand. I’ve watched multiple reviews of this vehicle. Unfortunately the compromise made on this mixed energy platform are very pronounced in this vehicle. The back seats are cramped and the is a severe lack of storage. While the design and materials are very nice the price is artificially inflated to separate it from the slew of other vehicles that it shares platforms with. It’s just not competitive against other premium brands at this price.With Tavares gone and Stellantis’ struggle worsening some tough decisions are going to be made. His assessment of the value of established brands is looking dated with so many new brands flooding the market. An honest assessment of the value of the their brands in this new environment would see them slim down from 14 to 8 or 9. Keeping a couple of retired names as top trim levels on core brands, including DS for Citroen.