DS N°8 finds its middle ground: a third battery to take on the Chinese rivals

Stellantis is testing a DS N°8 with an 86 kWh NMC battery — a new Medium Range version with around 245 hp and 600–650 km is expected by mid-2027.

Stellantis is preparing a new battery for the DS N°8, designed to bridge the gap between the entry-level and long-range versions. A prototype of the crossover has been spotted with a lithium-ion pack of 86 kWh — this variant could reach the market by mid-2027.

Right now the electric DS N°8 is sold with two NMC batteries. The base pack has 79.9 kWh gross and 73.7 kWh usable, while the top one offers 101 kWh gross and 97.2 kWh usable. The new battery will slot between them and is likely to underpin a Medium Range version. A 245 hp motor and a range of around 600–650 km are expected.

It’s an important addition to the line-up: not everyone needs the full 750 km, but the base 527 km no longer looks convincing for a premium crossover when set against its Chinese rivals. A mid-size battery would let DS offer a stronger balance of price, range and power.

DS had already given the N°8 a 22 kW onboard charger — now standard equipment, cutting AC charging times. The next step is the battery itself: European brands have to respond faster to cars from China, where long range and rich equipment often come for less money.

Mercedes-Benz is taking a similar path with the new electric CLA: it’s also preparing a version with an NMC battery of around 85 kWh and high efficiency rather than top power.

The DS N°8 isn’t changing its shape, but it is changing the most expensive argument an EV can make. In 2027 buyers will look not only at the premium cabin, but at how many kilometres they get without paying for the top trim.