We’ve seen eye-popping coupe concepts before from Citroen’s new stand-alone DS brand, including the 2CV-inspired 2009 Revolte and the low-slung 2010 Survolt, but the 2016 E-TENSE is altogether different.
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Powering the E-TENSE is an electric powertrain that injects 402 horsepower and 516 Nm (381 pound-feet) of torque into the sports vehicle. This concept aims to cement DS’s position as a standalone premium brand that is separate to its founders Citroen. In addition to the aforementioned Audi and Lexus cues, there’s also some Honda hiding in the E-Tense’s headlights and taillights. The rear turn signals are located at the top of the roof pillars, a styling cue that pays a discreet homage to the original Citroën DS that was introduced amid much fanfare at the 1955 Paris Auto Show. The only disappointment is the car’s range of 193 miles (you’d get 224 miles in city driving), meaning it doesn’t completely live up to its claim of being a true “Grand Tourer”. Other features include the “cold steel” used for the dashboard, creating a futuristic look, and the strongly marked tulip-shape of the steering wheel.
Photos of the interior are not available at this point, but DS mentions its upholsterers needed 800 hours to design, test and make the cabin.
We will have more information about the new DS E-Tense EV Concept when it appears at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Power is supplied from advanced lithium-ion batteries, which are stored under the car’s monocoque carbonfibre chassis to keep the centre of gravity low, with front and rear double-wishbone suspension tying up the package.
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The PSA Peugeot Citroen brand has recently showcased an initial teaser image of the E-Tense concept. Given its involvement in Formula E, it’s perhaps not surprising that the DS E-Tense is all-electric. A high-performance electric GT that embodies refinement, technology and DS design that opens the way to the future of DS.
