Creations
N°4 : AVANT-GARDE DESIGN
AND ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY
GENESIS OF AN ASSERTIVE DESIGN
During the research brief for the design of N°4, initiated in 2022, an observation is obvious: the style of DS 4, revealed in February 2021, is the criterion most appreciated by customers.
“The proportions of DS 4 are balanced and give it a unique stature: its silhouette is dynamic with its long hood, curved rear windows, sensual and sculpted sides and athletic back wings. The assembly is anchored on large diameter wheels -19 or 20′. The front view appears very horizontal, placed on the road.
Design Director of DS Automobiles
Three objectives guided the designers to design N°4, whose development took almost two and a half years.
• Asserting the personality of the front of the DS 4 to reinforce the consistency with the very muscular rear, and anchoring N°4 in the world of hatches, with a more horizontal front.
• Ensuring affiliation with the stylistic codes of N°8, whose new light signature features very thin vertical V-shaped lights and an illuminated grille.
• Highlighting the electrification through this new light signature, which suggests the arrival of the 100% electric E-TENSE version in the N°4 range.
Less visible design elements contribute to optimize the aerodynamics of N°4, such as the elongated hood, profiled leading edges, the more closed grille as well as the tighter underbody. This work improves the efficiency of the electrified versions: Hybrid (48 V), Plug-in Hybrid and 100% electric.
THE EXTERIOR DESIGN IS INSPIRED
BY THE DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE CONCEPT
A radical light signature
A grille with a very graphic design, without chrome
The processing of the grille results from the hot stamping technique. The result accentuates the brilliance of the fine vertical lines, for an elegant and sophisticated graphic effect.
This know-how is a trademark of DS Automobiles, comparable to leather markings in leather goods. Another technique – the jet bread – recently allowed to industrialize in series the two-tone hood extended on N°8.
“On N°4, we find the light signature of the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept, with the fine vertical V-shaped DRLs. But above all, we can see this horizontal luminous line with a gradient effect that connects to the illuminated logo, giving a rather radical signature.“
Thierry METROZ – Design Director of DS Automobiles
A subtly modernized back face
The Dark chrome treatment of the surface of the rear lights contrasts with the enlarged scales that diffuse the light to give a magical effect.
On the boot lid, the new name of model N°4 is placed under the lettering 'DS Automobiles'. This new signature inaugurated on N°8 is visible from afar and affirms the brand’s identity.
THE INTERIOR DESIGN INVITES
TO SERENITY ON BOARD
A seamless dashboard
“We have simplified the interior design of N°4, avoiding multiple screens. The dashboard design is fluid, with the aerators masked and perfectly integrated. The luminous atmosphere with indirect lights creates a soft and subdued light mood.”
Thierry METROZ – Design Director of DS Automobiles
Improved ergonomics
The handset screen facing the driver is increased to 10.25 inches, to improve the visibility of information. The central screen now includes the control of all functions, to simplify access to commands.
The user interface (UI) adopts an animated graphic universe, in line with N°8. The graphics with chiseled, technological and elegant patterns subtly remind of pyramids.
Refined materials, DS expertise
The new Criollo Brown harmony of Nappa Leather, combined with a wooden decor, reinforces the personality of N°4.
The deep black Alcantara finish enhanced with Light Gold topstitching brings a touch of refinement.
The three fundamentals of DS know-how are still present in the cabin, with the pearl stitching, the leather seats with watch strap patterns and the "Clous de Paris" guillochage on the decorations, inspired by the world of watchmaking.
“I am very proud of what we achieved with my team on N°4: we managed to preserve the strength and character of this unique silhouette and give it a new face that should turn heads.”
Thierry METROZ – Design Director for DS Automobiles
