As with its radical exterior, the rest of the No8’s interior represents a dramatic departure from the brand’s existing models. Most notably, it uses a novel four-spoke steering wheel, while the cabin is clad in monolithic, geometric panels.
In the pursuit of a more minimalist look, designers have also removed traditional buttons from the dashboard and placed most of the car’s controls within the centrally mounted 16in infotainment screen.
The No8 will be offered with a choice of three powertrains and two batteries. The entry-level car gets a single front-mounted motor that puts out up to 256bhp and 254lb ft. It’s paired with a 74kWh battery, giving a range of 355 miles and a 0-62mph time of 7.7sec.
The middle-rung Long Range car also has a single motor, which delivers up to 276bhp, but gains the 97.2kWh battery. Supplied by France-based Automotive Cells Company, it’s composed of 12 modules that each weigh 34.45kg and gives the headline range figure of 466 miles. The extra mass slows the 0-62mph to 7.8sec, though.
The range-topper uses the same battery but adds a second motor on the rear axle, boosting combined power to 370bhp. This cuts its 0-62mph sprint to 5.4sec but also compromises efficiency, reducing its range to 426 miles.
Given DS’s push for efficiency, all three powertrains have been programmed to reduce power outputs when charge levels are low. The entry-level car drops to 227bhp, Long Range to 242bhp and the top-rung car to 345bhp.
