DS No. 4 e-Tense review – all-electric hatchback gets an upgrade

One look is enough to know that the DS No. 4 is no ordinary electric hatchback. From its bright lights to the sculpted French couture bodywork, this is a car that refuses to blend into the gray mass of identikit EVs. It may not be exactly new – it’s effectively a new car – but it’s different, and in E-Tense electric form, it’s quite good – if not exactly flawless.

Upmarket French brand DS Automobiles from Stellantis has given the former DS4 a significant mid-life overhaul and a new name to match. The No. 4 is available as a self-charging hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and – the one we’re testing – a full EV. Prices for the DS No. 4 e-Tense start at £36,995 for the Pallas trim and rise to £41,860 for the Etoile trim we drove.

This is a head-spinning thing. A dramatic new front end with animated lighting and shiny DS badges gives the No. 4 some real concept-car realism. Inside, the DS experience continues with a plush cabin featuring Alcantara or Nappa leather, hidden vents, a head-up display and a voice assistant powered by ChatGPIT.

But it’s not just a pretty face. The E-Tense version offers 213bhp and 343Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox – it’s fast but never sporty. It also has good tech – fast charging up to 120kW, a clever navigation system that plans charging stops, and app controls for all the essentials.

It is not without flaws. The ride feels firm – especially low-speed riding over rough surfaces – and there are odd ergonomic quirks inside, like oddly placed switches or reflective surfaces in bright lights. But overall, this is a refined, stylish and surprisingly comfortable car to live in.

How we tested

My first drive of the DS No. 4 took place in the beautiful Portuguese city of Porto at the car’s international launch. Its rocky roads were a strong test of the car’s comfort credentials, while I made sure the roads felt similar to those UK buyers would drive in nearby towns and on motorways. Of course, I also made sure I tested the practicality of the car – riding in the back and filling the boot – while also getting all the tech thoroughly worked out.

Independent Rating: 7/10

ds number 4 specifications

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

Under the skin, the DS No. 4 e-Tense has a 58.3kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor that produces 213bhp and 343Nm of torque. It’s good for 0-62mph in around 8.0 seconds – respectable, if not thrilling – and has a claimed maximum range of 279 miles. In the real world, you’re likely to see about 230 miles with mixed driving.

Charging performance is good rather than class leading. The No. 4 supports 11kW AC charging for quick top-ups at home or work, and 120kW DC fast charging will get you from 20 to 80% in around 30 minutes if you can find a suitable fast charger. Battery preconditioning is also available through the MyDS app, which helps speed up charging in cold conditions.

There are three brake regeneration settings controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel. The strongest (B+) is effective but still prevents true one-pedal driving – and brake feel is smooth and progressive.

On the move, the Number 4 feels refined and organized at pace. The primary ride quality – over big bumps and undulations that test body control – is good. But it’s the secondary ride over low-frequency bumps that lets it down a bit. The car may feel a little too firm on broken or speckled surfaces, as we have plenty of in the UK. I wouldn’t describe it as a crashing ride, but it definitely feels busy and doesn’t live up to the DS’s comfort mantra.

The steering is quite light and precise, but completely devoid of feel; It’s best to leave it in its Normal mode, where throttle and steering responses feel most natural. There is some wheel spin under full throttle from a standstill, but generally the No. 4 is more of a cruiser than a bruiser – and that’s fine for most people.

Interior, practicality and boot space

The cabin of the DS No.4 is one of the most distinctive cabins in the compact EV segment. Where most rivals wear minimal and monochrome, the DS is totally in fashion.

Our Etoile models feature Alcantara-trimmed seats, bronze dashboard accents and laser-etched details. You can also get Criollo Brown Nappa leather and ash wood finishes – all of which makes even premium German rivals look a little dull by comparison.

It’s not all perfect. Some of the buttons on the center console are small and hard to read, and the housing for the head-up display itself can reflect harshly in the windscreen in bright sunlight. The 10.25-inch driver display is also a little small by current standards – but the augmented reality-style head-up system compensates for this.

Our car also had a very old fashioned sunroof. Some people may like the fact that you can open it, but it’s not a full-length panoramic roof that you get with a manually controlled cover, you have to lean back and slide forward if you don’t want streaming daylight.

The space is respectable. Front-seat comfort is excellent due to the wide seats (with heating, cooling and massage on upper trims). Rear legroom is decent, although the sloping roofline affects rear headroom a bit. Visibility through the shallow rear window isn’t great either – you feel as if you’re looking upwards rather than backwards.

Boot space for the electric E-Tense is 390 liters – slightly less in the hybrid version due to battery placement, but still fine for a family hatch. The tailgate can be optionally motorized and hands-free, and the loading lip is nice and low.

Storage around the cabin is reasonable, although some cubbies are on the small side. But overall, it is a classy and cozy place that is different in all the right ways.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

DS No. 4 specializes in technology – and gets most of it right. Infotainment focuses on a 10-inch touchscreen that – for once – is integrated into the dash rather than looking like an iPad placed on top. It is powered by DS Iris, which includes over-the-air updates, 3D navigation, voice controls, and customizable widgets. It’s reasonably responsive, although it can take a second or two to respond when busy.

New for 2025 is integrated ChatGPT voice assistance, bringing a touch of entertainment and functionality to common tasks. Just say “Ok Iris” and ask her anything – from setting the temperature to telling a joke. This is more helpful than a gimmick, but didn’t get all my questions correct.

A fully digital instrument cluster sits behind the wheel, although it is smaller than rivals. The real star is the head-up display which floats information such as speed, navigation and warnings four meters in front of the driver’s eye line. It works brilliantly, although the unit running it reflects light oddly on the windscreen in some situations.

Our test car came with the optional FOCAL Electra 14-speaker sound system. It’s crisp and punchy but lacks a bit of richness – still, it’s a strong upgrade over the standard system.

All models get wireless phone charging, USB-C ports, and full wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a robust suite of safety kit, including adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind-spot warning and DS Drive Assist 2.0 for semi-autonomous driving on motorways – which worked well on my testing.

Prices and operating costs

The DS No. 4 E-Tense sits in premium territory when it comes to price. The entry-level PALLAS Edition starts at £36,995, while the top-spec ÉTOILE E-Tense tested here comes in at £41,860. It’s not cheap – but when you look at the spec list and quality it seems worth it.

Range is competitive but not extraordinary – expect 230 real-world miles. Charging costs will be reasonable and with a low mileage tax rate and low road tax for company car drivers, it should appeal to fleet users too.

Servicing is every 2 years or 25,000 miles, and DS offers full digital service history and remote diagnostic tools via the MyDS app. There’s also a dedicated e-coaching widget to help you drive more efficiently.

It’s not the most affordable EV in its class, but it is one of the most exclusive and desirable.

ds number 4 rival

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge ds no 4?

Using the rapid DC charger at its maximum 120 kW rate, the No. 4 can go from 20 to 80% in about 30 minutes. At home, a 7kW wallbox will take about 9 hours to fully charge.

How much does it cost – is it worth it?

The DS No. 4 E-Tense range runs from £36,995 to £41,860. If you value elegance over absolute limits, then yes, it’s worth it. This is a premium electric hatch with a bold identity – a welcome antidote to the cookie-cutter EV standard.

Does DS replace batteries for free?

Yes – DS covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. The rest of the car is covered by a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty as standard in the UK, with optional extended cover available.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV and hybrid electric cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Verdict: DS No. 4

The DS No. 4 E-Tense is refreshingly different. If you want an electric car with style, character and comfort, this is it. But dynamically, it’s not as comfortable as I’d have liked – and the DS is ultimately about comfort – while there are some usability shortcomings inside.