The latest member of the Citroen DS family has been revealed at a glitzy event at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. Don't go getting your hopes up though, as the DS 5LS has been designed exclusively for the Chinese market.
The luxury saloon (for that is what the 'LS' stands for) will become the second model of the standalone DS brand to be built at Citroen's plant in Shenzen in China when it goes on sale in March next year.
Exterior
Based on the existing DS5 hatchback, the saloon is actually shorter than that car, but features a 2,710mm wheelbase, which Citroen says offers best-in-class legroom. The move is to attract Chinese buyers who prefer to be driven rather than drive themselves. The styling of the new model owes a lot to both the Wild Rubis SUV and the Numero 9 concepts with chrome wings that encircle the front grille and extend into the headlights. This new look is expected to be seen on European models soon, starting with the facelifted DS3.
Interior
Much emphasis has been put on the interior to give it that luxury look with wood and metal used in abundance. Leather also features heavily including on the seats, which are finished in the DS signature 'watch strap' design. The chairs themselves are also heated and the rear seats are inclined at a 29-degree angle for extra comfort.
Mechanicals
Buyers will have the choice between two petrol engine options; either 160- or 200hp versions of the firm's turbocharged 1.6-litre THP engine with both engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Little has been said about the chassis other than "the dynamism of DS 5LS is enhanced by a wide-track stance", but we have to assume the standard car's harsh ride has been fixed to go with the luxury name.
Anything else?
Production of the Citroen DS 5LS is expected to begin in March with a likely Beijing Motor Show debut in April. The car will be sold in standalone DS stores in China and will, in time, be followed by a home grown SUV, possibly based on the Wild Rubis.