Pricing for the New DS Automobiles N°4 is revealed and it’s cheaper than we expected

The DS Automobiles brand takes Citroen’s focus on comfort and gives it a more premium twist. The family-size DS 4 hatchback has been around for a while and with its latest refresh DS Automobiles is giving it a new look and a new name – enter the N°4. On first inspection, this may appear as though DS has simply given the car a new front grille and some different lettering on the back. However, the biggest difference between the old DS 4 and the new N°4 is that the latter will be available with a fully electric E-Tense version for the first time alongside plug-in hybrid and mild hybridpower options.
• The DS N°4, previously known as the DS 4, slots between the DS 3 and the DS 7 in the line-up • It features striking looks and a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric power • With a range of up to 279 miles for the EV • Set to arrive by the end of the year • The mild hybrid will start from £32,200 while the electric version starts at £36,930

The new design brings the styling in line with the N°8 at the front using the brand’s latest light signature and stretching out the grille which now features an illuminated strip and DS logo. Down the side of the car, the N°4 is unchanged. At the back the DS logo has been swapped with DS Automobiles lettering so there can be no doubt which brand the N°4 belongs to and there’s also a new light signature. Although, from what we’ve seen it looks very similar to the DS 4 except the plastic cover now has a darker tint and the trim connecting the lights is now a glossy black. There will be four trim levels: Pallas, Pallas+, Étoile, Étoile Nappas. Pallas is only available on the entry-level electric E-Tense model, while Pallas+ and Étoile are available across all powertrains. Étoile Nappas is the preserve of both hybrid variants.

Inside there’s a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster which works alongside a central 10-inch infotainment screen all of which DS promises to be simpler to use than the previous model and higher trim levels also benefit from a head up display. Entry-level Pallas trim cars feature canvas upholstery, while moving up to Étoile spec gains black Alcantara with gold trim. Étoile Nappas models get brown leather upholstery. To give the interior a sleeker look, the air vents are disguised in the dashboard with ambient lighting aiming to add a sophisticated feel. From Pallas+ trim onwards the N°4 gains the DS Iris System with ChatGPT built in which responses to voice commands. Theres the usual suite of safety systems as standard. The N°4 comes with DS Drive Assist 2.0 which adds Level 2 semi-autonomous driving allowing for semi-autonomous lane changes and overtaking alongside all the usual advanced driver assistance features. Electric models will support vehicle to load (V2L) which allows you to power other devices from your car’s battery.

The EV version gets a 58kWh battery, 213 horsepower and up to 280 miles of range. It should be able to rapid charge from 20-80 per cent in around half an hour and to add up to 62 miles of range in as little as 11 minutes. Meanwhile, the 225 horsepower plug-in hybrid has been given an all-electric range of up to 50 miles and DS says this is a 30 per cent improvement on the previous model we lived with on long-term test. Finally, there will be a mild hybrid version with 145 horsepower which will use a 1.2-litre petrol engine combined with a small motor and battery to help improve efficiency. This allows the car to run in electric only mode for short distances at low speeds.

We expected the electric N°4 to cost at least £40,000, but the entry-level model actually starts at £36,995. This is strategic move from DS as this price dips just below the £37,000 threshold for the government’s new EV grant giving the N°4 a chance to qualify. You can keep an eye on our list of eligible cars here or find out more about the scheme here. Meanwhile, the mild hybrid N°4 starts from £32,200 and the plug-in hybrid is priced from £39,000. Order books are now open with first cars expected to arrive in the UK by the end of the year.

DS is launching its new flagship all-electric model this year with the N°8. With its sleek saloon-like proportions and plush interior DS will be hoping it catches the eye of would-be Polestar 4 buyers. Given DS is giving its model names a revamp, we expect the DS 3 and DS 7 could be next in line for an update.

Obvious N°4 rivals include the closely related Peugeot 308 and the less snazzy Vauxhall Astra both of which offer a range of fuel types. For those considering the all-electric N°4, Renault’s Megane E-tech is a stylish contender. However, for those not looking to make the switch to an EV might be tempted by the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series.