DS Automobiles unveiled its all new DS 4, a car from Premium C segment, which combines French luxury with enhanced technology and bold design. The DS 4 is specifically designed to excel in four important areas: E-TENSE concept, stylish and digital interior, dynamic comfort, and lightweight signature.
E-TENSE Concept
The first thing to notice is the development of a new version of the EMP2 platform. This new version of the EMP2 platform still enables it to accommodate different types of powertrain, and is still dynamic and safe as well, and was developed for the DS 4.
The new version of the EMP2 platform has made it possible to improve many useful features, while giving a new freedom of expression that gives form to unprecedented proportions.
The new version of the EMP2 platform has been developed to achieve desired proportions and aerodynamic performance. The body / wheels ratio unique to the luxury segment creates a sporty yet efficient silhouette.
Lightweight signature
The new version of the EMP2 platform introduces new components made from composite materials, hot-pressed structural parts, and more compact elements such as the air conditioning unit, providing more storage space elsewhere.
Safety
The new version of the EMP2 platform is designed to comply with the latest and most stringent regulatory and consumer standards, without compromising the overall weight of the structure.
Dynamic and acoustic qualities
The new version of the EMP2 platform takes the idea of dynamic serenity so dear to DS Motor Corporation. The use of technical solutions such as bond welding and completely redesigned suspension and steering components to ensure standard driving comfort through optimal body rigidity with exceptional response to the enjoyment of driving.
Hybrid engine
The new version of the EMP2 platform is designed to accommodate the new generation plug-in hybrid drivetrain without compromising cockpit space. The 180hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine is paired with the 110hp electric motor and EAT8 gearbox, which generates 225hp combined. The kit is fed by a more efficient battery with new, more compact, larger-capacity cells located behind the deformable beam and giving a range of over 50 km in Zero Emission Mode (WLTP combined cycle).
Stylish and digital interior
In terms of connectivity, the priority was to provide a solution so that the driver would not have to take their eyes off the road. The DS EXTENDED HEAD UP DISPLAY is a first step towards augmented reality. With new immersive technology, vital driving information is displayed directly on the road. Using an optical illusion, data is projected four meters before the windshield to track the driver’s gaze diagonally at 21 inches. This sensory and experiential technology is part of a wider offering, at the heart of a completely reimagined infotainment system: the DS IRIS SYSTEM. The new interface takes smartphone usability with a tactile, smooth, and responsive interface based on the idea of profiles that can be fully customized using icons. The settings and screen are automatically loaded when the user enters the car. The idea behind personalization is to enable everyone to adjust the content to their requirements.
The DS IRIS system can be controlled by voice and gesture. Leading manufacturer DS, pushed the boundaries of automobiles to find a partner able to offer its customers the best natural language voice recognition solution. DS IRIS SYSTEM features a personal assistant who is able to recognize what they are being told so that the system can fulfil orders.
As for gestures, the DS SMART TOUCH, located on the centre console, is a screen that you can use with your fingertips. The screen also identifies normal movements such as zooming in and out and handwriting recognition.
In order for the system to always operate and plan at the highest level, updates will be performed instantly via the cloud.
Comfort and dynamic serenity
Already featured on DS 3 CROSSBACK, DS 7 CROSSBACK and DS 9, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving – the highest level permitted on the road at the moment – has seen a major upgrade to the DS 4 with DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0.
This translates into precise vehicle placement in the driver’s lane of choice, supported by new functions such as semi-automatic overtaking, cornering speed adjustment and speed recommendations expected from the signs.
DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 includes sensors that record everything that happens in and around the vehicle to assist the driver. Packed with gear like front radar, radar in all four corners of the car, and a camera at the top of the windshield, the DS 4 puts itself where its driver wants it through artificial intelligence.
The DS Motor Company also revolves around the concept of Dynamic Serenity. With the DS 4, it translates into a class-leading response. One of the strengths is the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION controlled damping. It displays and predicts irregularities in the road surface and transmits data to a computer. With four position sensors and three accelerometers, the system controls each of the wheels independently. Using the information it receives, it makes the suspension stiffer or softer as required. The result is increased comfort, no matter the road conditions.
DS NIGHT VISION: another technology that enables DS cars to stand out from the competition. The system makes the road and its hazards as visible as possible. There is an infrared camera in the front grille, and it detects pedestrians and animals 200 meters away at night and in poor lighting conditions. The driver sees the road in his digital instrument cluster and sees hazards emerging as warnings in the DS EXTENDED HEAD UP DISPLAY to enable him to respond.
DS light signature
With the new generation of DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights that are narrower and more modern, Matrix Beam and Dynamic Bending Light technology are integrated into the same system to give a distinct and unique identity.
The DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights still consist of three LED modules and are the signature of the DS cars:
Indoor headlight unit is used for reverse function.
The rotating central unit can turn at a 33.5 degree angle. Illuminates the sides of the vehicle’s path and follows where you are looking at the corners. The system adapts to traffic conditions, steering wheel angle, speed, and weather conditions with five preset modes: City, Country, Highway, Bad Weather and Fog.
The Matrix Beam Outdoor Drive unit is actuated, divided into fifteen parts that turn on and off independently, depending on the driving conditions it senses.
The projector headlights adapt to traffic conditions, steering wheel angle, speed and weather conditions with five preset modes: City, Country, Highway, Extreme Weather and Fog. It allows you to constantly drive on the main light without dazzling other road users. Using a camera at the top of the windshield, these smart headlights automatically adapt the beam of light to a range of up to 300 meters, depending on traffic conditions, without dazzling others.
The DS MATRIX LED VISION headlights are complemented by the extended daytime running lamps consisting of 98 lights. In addition to its signature vertical light, these daytime running lights perform a new high-tech welcome routine.
In the cockpit, the technology also serves elegance: an innovative ventilation system has been developed with very compact vents, it is positioned high and equipped with invisible vanes.
The principle behind DS AIR is the air flow that is directed by a cone that gives the best possible direction up and down. All while operating like a classic hatch vent. Thanks to its vertical pressure, it appears discreet and hidden away, allowing purity of design in the cockpit of the DS 4.