The futuristic DS Coupe SUV surprises without grille camouflage

But what happened to the developers of the DS brand that they forgot to hide the front of the future 100% electric SUV? The model that the premium French brand will unveil at the end of the year. Lack of adhesive film? Did they lose a few square meters to hide the grille and bumper?

Unless the model's illuminated grille was revealed at the end of an advertising film not so long ago, does DS no longer feel the need to keep its face secret? Or was the initially camouflaged shield damaged while driving, forcing technicians to replace it with a model without the adhesive film?

DS8 ELECTRIC FUTURE: The look of the big DS just got a little sharper, as does the inside!

Flat and complete mesh

In any case, the future flagship that will replace the DS9 and which will be released soon will be based on the STLA Medium technical platform from the Stellantis group. It was released by the Peugeot E-3008 and then shared by the 5008 as the Opel Grandland. A technical community that we will also find under the hood with an entry-level version with a single powerful 210/230 hp engine, While at the top of the offer, a two-engine configuration is available and taking advantage of all-wheel drive will provide more than 300 hp.

The headlight outline is reminiscent of those on the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept car unveiled in spring 2020. Just like the flat, full grille.

The rear handles were reinstalled in the quarter panels

In the same vein, the high-pitched fastback silhouette imposed by the electric base is already clearly visible. The production car thus clearly abandoned the unique spirit of the concept car's shooting brake. Just as we can guess from the original kite shape on the quarter panels. Just as the origami-style bonnet was discarded for obvious safety reasons, in the event of a collision with a cyclist or pedestrian, we can imagine the carnage replaced by an autoclave-type model whose contours recall those of the Peugeot 3008. In the end , the car that could be called the DS8 Crossback has moved up a notch.

In the photos taken by our shovel hunters, the taillight signature is partially visible with very subtle lights exactly following the horizontal and vertical edges of the car.

Another detail that is really recognizable are the traditional door handles that appear at the front. An element that improves aerodynamics takes advantage of the autonomy available in the DS3 urban SUV range, the DS4 compact sedan and the DS9 grand tourer. Surprisingly, the rear doors benefit from handles positioned high in the rear quarter. No doubt an attempt to highlight the coupe aspect of the car. However, the first version of the DS4, the one born under the Citroën era, in 2010, already introduced this gimmick.