The DS e-Tense is a spectacular coupe hundred percent electric. We have already tested a prototype that is far from the series … but who knows?

The spectacular prototype DS e-Tense It has been presented this year at the Geneva Motor Show and has won the award best concept car, a victory that could have been the end to his career, as often happens with empty shells.

DS bet is infinitely more risky, is not limited to half-measures, so that the DS e-Tense It is a real car capable of shooting as a standard vehicle for any road. And to prove they have organized a road test no less than in the heart of Paris, one afternoon in early July! A true “self” of faith announcing the course that will take the mark with future models that succeed the initial DS3, DS4 and DS5 so different from each other. Let us not forget that there are only since 2010 and DS as an independent brand has little more than a year When in 2015 Carlos Tavares He took the reins of PSA group. Dare to throw journalists in the streets of the French capital aboard a single prototype demonstrates the courage, confidence and hopes of DS and deserves our admiration.

DS e-Tense: we tried

Apprehension before getting into the car because a prototype almost always must be taken with great caution, but in this case the testers will happen without any restrictions put us project managers DS e-Tense. I climb with Thierry Metroz copilot, director of brand style, I said a button on the center of the roof of the car to start and another in the central tunnel to engage the change is continuous and three gears.

Intermittent traffic out with exemplary handling and with some unavoidable ringing in the dense traffic of the capital. A procession of cars DS It gives us some protection from the peculiar Parisian drivers and tranquility that allows us to appreciate the car. Total silence since its launch, without the slightest vibration or noise transmission, DS e-Tense It moves like a race car, dancing on four 20-inch tires.

DS e-Tense: carbon fiber and more than 400 hp

In the chapter on suspensions and DS-Tense, double wishbones at each wheel and carbon fiber chassis induce such personality, but do not interpret that it is inconvenient because the suspension works great without being hard and filter very good bill. Of course not everything is perfect, the stylized mirrors are not practical, it is the central rear video camera and has interference and precious seats are close to the wood … but look aesthetically fluffy. What matters to us is the dynamic part where the DS e-Tense out with two electric motors of 201 hp and 510 Nm each in all available from idle or rather since the march began. Located in rear center position, mechanical drives the rear wheels and reminds us that the car is signed by DS Performance, the DS racing team participating in the Formula E and finished third championship in his first participation. Accelerating midrange push the car breaks the balance with other vehicles around us and soon you have to stop to return to the fold. The feeling is amazing because there is no variation in the acceleration force is not interrupted and to have no turning point. A 100 km / h the strength of the acceleration seems even greater than 60 km / h and produces vertigo especially since accompanied only by a gentle beep piñonería that betrays the effort of a silent mechanics. In driving conditions we had, clearly limited, we could glimpse the acceleration 4.5 seconds to 100 km / h It seems very plausible, especially considering the car weighs 1,850 kg, of which 400 kg are batteries. The wheel is true that weight is not perceived nor have the feeling of going on a prototype. Sitting pretty low, with a stretched posture and good sense of space, the car is carried away naturally and with an excellent view forward and its dimensions are appreciated. The address is a pleasant surprise, precise and very “real” because the wheels touch lightly and pull the steering wheel rim transmits sensations.

He steering wheel of the DS e-Tense tulip-shaped leather center is a preciousness that is unfortunately … Plano round up and down, suffers the same lagoon seats: much lack of practical design validation. As for the brakes are powerful and metered with a perfect soft touch. Thus slowing to turn sharp turn when leaving the Parisian peripheral, the DS e-Tense conveys good feelings and suggests a real and good dynamic qualities that could see no traffic road closed … We discussed these impressions to Thierry and tells us that for them DS E-Tense is a rolling laboratory and therefore is an evolving vehicle will be corrected and polishing. If your aesthetic appearance announces the style of future DS, technical solutions also anticipate the future, as the traction chain of this prototype or LED headlights, adjustable to 180 ° in front and shapes of scales behind that end up in vehicles Street. But for now we are in an ABS-equipped but without stability control prototype and is starting to rain, which does not seem to affect Thierry acknowledging that yes, we could slip at any paved rotunda of the capital. The truth is that the entire team of DS is surprisingly relaxed and after driving the e-Tense understand the trust that overwhelms them because the car is a real prototype but so well done that deserves all the praise.

DS e-Tense: striking design

As for the design of the car I can only say that his real presence impacts infinitely more than any image. The silhouette of the car has an absolutely perfect balance and fluidity and make up a harmonious ensemble where the aggressiveness of forms and delicacy style faultlessly without resources zany mix. Beyond the color it or not, it seems that any tone would be valued by the ways of the car undoubtedly It is one of the most beautiful coupes that exist today. Inside the design is minimalist but with a degree of refinement in materials and details specific to a brand that wants to represent French luxury. The shapes of door panels and the dashboard recall the outer flow, leather stitched with pearl dot (which will be standard) is a pleasure for the eyes and touch.

Aerators and different buttons decorated with the motif “Paris nail” known in watchmaking as well as digital instrumentation and touchscreen celebrate good taste and simplicity. As for the most futuristic car paradoxically it is very real and it is reflected in the grille of the car and into the bracket that connects the central display on the dashboard, both made in 3D primer. Eric apode, product manager, anticipates that this is the future, the next revolution to perform the impossible today. However the DS e-Tense It’s like the DS style book but do not pose bring to the series, despite being real by 85-90% compared to production. Why not manufacture ?, we asked. Eric sighs and releases the brand is still very young … Carlos Tavares announced that between 2018 and 2020 six unpublished new DS models are provided, we would prefer them seven.