DS No 4 2026 arrives with premium style and three engine options

DS No 4 2026 arrives with mild hybrid, PHEV, and EV, targeting Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series; prices start at £32,200, with the electric variant starting at £36,995.

The DS No 4 2026 arrives to confirm the brand's personality: a premium hatch with a crossover stance, seeking to balance French exclusivity with segment pragmatism.

Proportion and Style

The design favors a compact front end, striking diagonal lines, and a wheel set that can reach 20 inches. The result is a package with an aerodynamic profile, low roof, and prominent body creases, in addition to features like flush door handles and LED lighting with textured finish for a more sophisticated look.

Powertrain Range

• Mild Hybrid (self-charging): 143 hp/170 Nm, 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with a 28 hp electric motor and small battery, offering some electrified driving capability and energy recovery.
• PHEV: 222 hp/266 Nm, 1.6-liter turbo engine + 108 hp electric motor, with up to 50 miles WLTP range thanks to a 14.6 kWh battery (a ~30% improvement over the previous generation).
• Electric No4 E–Tense: 210 hp/253 Nm front motor, range of up to 280 miles with a 58.3 kWh battery; 20–80% recharge in about 30 minutes with a 120 kW charger (or ~5h20 at home).

Interior and Technology

Inside, DS maintains the metallic blade aesthetic and well-padded leather or Alcantara, with two predominant screens: a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch central screen. The impression is one of robustness, although some software elements and responsiveness detract from the premium aspiration.

The dash is complemented by a generous head-up display and ambient lighting, while luggage space reaches 430 liters, with reduced capacity in the PHEV and electric models.

Price and Options

Starting prices vary by powertrain:

• Hybrid: from £32,200
• PHEV: from £39,000
• Electric: from £36,995, eligible for the £1.5k EV subsidy

Among the options, the line also includes the DS 157 kW E–TENSE Pallas+ version with a 61 kWh battery, announced at £39,095.

Verdict

The DS No 4 2026 is described as “mildly eccentric and self-consciously French” — elegant, yet, in practice, it continues to look like a disguised Astra/308. The look is striking, but the interior does not deliver the premium standard promised by some elements, and the driving experience might sound restless to some readers.

When competing with rivals like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes A-Class, the No 4's finish and assertiveness are challenged by proposals with virtues already consolidated in the segment. Nevertheless, the package maintains a distinct proposition that may appeal to those who value style and personality.

Did you like the DS No 4 2026? We want to know: which powertrain would you choose for this model and why?