French President Macron Showcases New Electric DS N7 Presidential Car Ahead of Israeli Launch
French President Emmanuel Macron, known for his preference for French-made vehicles, recently appeared at Bastille Day celebrations with a new armored DS N7, an extended and electric version of the luxury crossover. Since entering the Élysée Palace in 2017, Macron has used seven different French cars, consistently promoting domestic brands. The DS N7, a second-generation model from Stellantis' luxury division, builds on the popular DS 7 Crossback platform, which has sold over 200,000 units since 2017 and accounts for half of the brand's sales.
The DS N7 features a sharp, aerodynamic design inspired by the 2020 Aero Sport Lounge concept, with a drag coefficient of 0.26. It offers a 30% larger window area and an optional panoramic sunroof, although some design elements like door handles and the steering wheel shape received mixed reviews. The interior combines luxury materials such as real wood and Napa leather with advanced technology, including a 16-inch touchscreen running Stellantis' IRIS system with ChatGPT integration. However, the infotainment system's user interface was criticized for being cluttered and slow.
Measuring 4.66 meters in length with a 2.79-meter wheelbase, the DS N7 provides spacious seating and a 560-liter trunk, though the high loading sill may be inconvenient. Powertrain options include a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine producing 145 hp and several electric variants: front-wheel drive with 230 or 245 hp, and an all-wheel-drive 350 hp version with dual motors. The electric models offer ranges up to 740 km on a 97.2 kWh battery, with fast charging at 160 kW enabling 20% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes.
Driving impressions highlight excellent comfort aided by an electronically controlled suspension system with road-scanning cameras, though the petrol version lacks some adaptive features. The electric version weighs 2.1 tons and exhibits some body roll in corners but maintains good dynamic capabilities. The steering wheel design and some control placements were noted as unusual but functional.
The DS N7 will launch in Europe soon and is expected in Israel by late 2026, with production in Italy. Pricing in Europe positions it above comparable models like the Audi Q3 and BMW iX1, suggesting a starting price over 350,000 shekels for the electric version. The vehicle's success in Israel will largely depend on its final pricing and market reception.
