The 2025 DS8 is France’s newest electric sedan/crossover

While DS Automobiles doesn’t have as much global reach as many of the other brands under the Stellantis umbrella, it’s taking electrification just as seriously as some of its sister brands. One of its most important new electric models will be a low-slung crossover called the DS8, which our spy photographers recently captured up close in testing photos.

The DS8’s styling is probably the first thing that catches your eye. The electric car era has brought with it cars with attractive styling, and much like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Peugeot 408 and Polestar 2, the DS8 is a cross between a traditional sedan and a crossover. In theory, that means it has the sleek looks of a sedan, but with some of the practical features of a crossover.

Read: 2025 DS8 electric crossover shows off high-tech cabin in new spy photos

Although thick camouflage covers the entire body of the test car, the front end of the DS8 allows the slim headlights to be clearly seen, which reminds us of the ill-fated NEVS Emily GT. A small lower grille can also be seen, and although there is little else interesting on the dashboard, the finished product should have some more intricate design details.

The shape of the rear side windows also caught our attention. The rear doors appear to lack traditional handles, instead being integrated into the thick C-pillars. The front handles will be flush with the bodywork and will be revealed when the car is unlocked.

CarScoops has learned that the new DS8 will be based on Stellantis’ STLA Medium architecture rather than the EMP2 underpinnings of the Peugeot 408 and Citroen C5 X. Powertrain details remain a mystery, but we do know that the STLA Medium platform can support single- and dual-motor setups with between 215 horsepower and 382 horsepower.

DS Automobiles will only sell pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2025. The French car brand made this commitment at the end of 2020, and the DS8 is an important step towards achieving this goal.

Baldauf