Vehicle Overview
The 2025 DS 4 is a striking compact premium hatchback-crossover that blends French luxury with bold design and cutting-edge technology. Positioned between a traditional hatchback and a high-riding crossover, the DS 4 targets premium buyers who want elegance, practicality, and innovation—without defaulting to German brands. Available in petrol, plug-in hybrid, and upcoming electric variants, the DS 4 offers multiple drivetrains to suit modern needs.
| Segment | Compact Premium Hatchback / Crossover |
| Body Style | 5-door hatchback-SUV coupe blend |
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Trim Levels | Bastille, Performance Line, Trocadero, Rivoli, Opera, Cross |
Key Specifications
Petrol Version (PureTech 130 / 180 / 225)
| Engine | 1.2L and 1.6L turbocharged petrol |
| Power | 130–225 hp |
| Torque | Up to 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
0–100 km/h: 7.9–10.4 seconds
Plug-in Hybrid (E-TENSE 225)
| Engine | 1.6L petrol + electric motor |
| System Power | 225 hp |
| Battery | 12.4 kWh |
| EV Range (WLTP) | Up to 62 km |
Charging
7.4 kW AC: ~2 hours full charge
Dimensions
| Length | 4,400 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,470 mm |
| Ground Clearance | ~170 mm |
| Boot | 430L (petrol) / ~390L (hybrid) |
Exterior Design
The DS 4 is a visual standout in its segment, merging coupe lines with crossover presence:
DS Wings grille flanked by Matrix LED Vision headlights
Daytime running lights form blade-like vertical accents
Sculpted body with muscular haunches and flush door handles
Optional black roof and chrome window trim
Cross trim adds SUV-style cladding and increased ride height
Color palette includes Lacquered Grey, Pearl White, Velvet Red, and Crystal Pearl
Bold, elegant, and unmistakably French—a design-first alternative to Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series.
Interior, Comfort & Materials
A true highlight of the DS 4 is its artisan-crafted cabin:
| Premium materials | Nappa leather, Alcantara, wood or forged carbon accents |
10-way power front seats with ventilation and massage (Opera trim)
| DS Smart Touch | a mini touchscreen on the center console for shortcuts |
Configurable ambient lighting and acoustic laminated glass
Excellent driving position, good rear room for two adults
Hatchback practicality blended with upscale design cues
Luxury that feels bespoke, even in mid-range trims.
Features & Infotainment
Packed with intuitive and modern tech
10-inch HD central infotainment screen
7-inch digital instrument cluster
DS Iris System with AI-based voice assistant
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Optional head-up display with augmented reality
Wireless charging pad, USB-C ports
14-speaker FOCAL Electra sound system (Rivoli & Opera trims)
Intelligent, immersive, and highly customizable, especially with DS’s unique interface.
Safety & Ratings
The 2025 DS 4 features a comprehensive safety package
| Euro NCAP | 4-star safety rating (2022) |
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
DS Drive Assist (Level 2 semi-autonomous driving)
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Lane Centering Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Traffic Sign Recognition
Automatic Emergency Braking
360° camera and Park Assist
Meets premium safety expectations with innovative semi-autonomous tech.
Driving Performance
The DS 4 delivers a refined, composed, and quiet driving experience:
PureTech engines offer solid torque and smooth shifting
| E-TENSE PHEV | Electric torque at low speeds, seamless hybrid transitions |
DS Active Scan Suspension (Rivoli and up) uses a camera to pre-load damping
Light but precise steering, great for urban navigation
Stable at highway speeds, composed through corners
Performance leans more toward luxury and comfort than outright sportiness—but it feels upscale.
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
Petrol Engines
| WLTP | ~5.8–6.6 L/100km |
CO₂: ~133–148 g/km
Plug-in Hybrid (E-TENSE 225)
| WLTP | ~1.3 L/100km |
CO₂: ~29 g/km
| EV-Only Range | Up to 62 km (WLTP) |
| Real-World Range | ~45–55 km |
| Charging | 7.4 kW onboard charger = full charge in ~2 hours |
Perfect for short electric commutes and hybrid long-distance efficiency.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
Boot Capacity
430L (petrol)
~390L (hybrid)
Fold-flat rear seats (60:40 split)
Useful rear space for two adults
Cabin storage includes center bin, wide door pockets, and console trays
Electric tailgate (Rivoli+)
Cross trim offers extra ground clearance and light gravel-road confidence
A stylish and capable daily driver that works for families, professionals, or couples.
Warranty & Maintenance
| Standard Warranty | 3 years / 100,000 km |
| Hybrid Battery Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km |
Service Intervals
| Petrol | 20,000 km / 1 year |
| Hybrid | Every 15,000 km |
Optional prepaid maintenance and extended warranty plans from DS Stores
Reliable with premium service options available.
Price & Value for Money
| Starting Price (Europe) | From €31,500 (PureTech 130) |
| E-TENSE PHEV 225 | From ~€39,500 |
| Top Trims (Opera PHEV) | ~€47,000 |
Positioned competitively between Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes A-Class
Qualifies for PHEV tax incentives in many markets
Offers a premium experience with a uniquely French twist—especially at mid-trim levels.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Price (From) | Power | EV Range | Boot | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS 4 E-TENSE | €39,500 | 225 hp | 62 km | ~390L | Luxury meets hybrid tech |
| Audi A3 Sportback PHEV | €41,000 | 204 hp | 61 km | 280L | Audi refinement |
| Mercedes A250e | €42,000 | 218 hp | 71 km | 310L | EV-first hybrid system |
| BMW 1 Series | €33,500 | 136–178 hp | N/A | 380L | Rear-biased dynamics (M Sport) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Standout French design
Luxurious and original interior
Plug-in hybrid with solid electric range
Smooth, comfortable ride quality
Generous standard tech and features
Cons
Rear headroom slightly tight due to sloping roof
Interface has a learning curve
Pricey top trims
Smaller boot in PHEV model
Overall Rating
4.3 / 5 stars
The 2025 DS 4 offers distinctively elegant style, premium materials, and smooth hybrid driving—positioning it as a stylish alternative to mainstream luxury compacts.
Final Verdict
The 2025 DS 4 is ideal for design-driven buyers, style-conscious professionals, and plug-in hybrid seekers who want a premium daily driver without defaulting to the usual German trio. With its gorgeous interior, refined road manners, and PHEV flexibility, it stands apart in the growing sea of sameness.
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Pros & cons
- Premium badge appeal and refined cabin ambience
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
Final verdict
The DS 4 is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting premium materials, image and comfort. |
| Body style | Car |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the DS 4 good for UK roads?
Should I buy new or used?
What should I check before ordering?
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.