DS No 4 2026: three energy options and a polarizing design

The DS No 4 2026 arrives with mild hybrid, PHEV up to 50 miles, and EV with 280 miles, combined with a bold look and prices starting from £32,200.

The DS No 4 2026 emerges as the premium take on a hatchback with a crossover stance, seeking to occupy space between styles. It shares the platform with the Peugeot 308 and the Vauxhall Astra, targeting high-level competitors such as the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, and BMW 1 Series. The extra height also places it against rivals like the BMW X2, Cupra Formentor, and Lexus UX, without looking exactly like any of them — exactly what DS wants.

Design that stands out

Proportions are the secret: a short front end, low sill line, and a very flat bonnet create a strong silhouette. Large wheel arches allow for wheels up to 20 inches, aligned with the bodywork's windows. The bodywork features pronounced diagonal grooves and an optional two-tone roof, plus flush door handles and textured LED lighting for a high-standard look. The result is a modern road-hugging vehicle that still ensures aerodynamics for a hatch-style crossover.

What's under the hood

You can choose between three types of power. The mild hybrid version uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with a 28 hp electric motor, generating 143 bhp/170 lb-ft. It offers electric power during deceleration, but the setup is modest in electric mode.

• Hybrid: 143 bhp / 170 lb-ft
• PHEV: 222 bhp / 266 lb-ft with 1.6 turbo engine + 108 bhp electric motor; range up to 50 miles WLTP with a 14.6 kWh battery (improvements over the predecessor)
• Electric (No4 E-Tense): 210 bhp / 253 lb-ft with a front motor, 58.3 kWh battery; estimated range of 280 miles and fast charging from 20–80% in about 30 minutes on a 120 kW charger; 5h20m on a domestic outlet

Interior and technology

Inside, the DS No 4 follows the DS line with textured metals, soft leather, and Alcantara inserts. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch central touchscreen, which was already common in the DS range but now seems less responsive. The central control panel tried to reduce physical buttons, which might bother those who prefer quick shortcuts. There is also an informative head-up display, ambient lighting, and air vents that some call “invisible”. Luggage space reaches 430 liters, less on the PHEV and EV variants.

Price and versions

• Hybrid: starting from £32,200
• PHEV: starting from £39,000
• Electric (No4 E-Tense): starting from £36,995, eligible for a £1.5k EV subsidy

Our choice within the range is the DS No4 E-Tense 157 kW Pallas+ 61 kWh 5dr Auto, for those seeking electric traction with a premium package, listed at £39,095.

Verdict

The DS No 4 2026 is, visually, a car that seems to combine the robustness of a premium hatch with the elevation of a crossover. The look is striking, the cabin offers pleasant finishing, but the package does not entirely dissociate itself from the shared parts of an Astra/308 — something DS acknowledges by delivering an experience that is simultaneously distinct and, in some aspects, familiar. The challenge is clear: competing with the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes A-Class demands not only style but a balance between sophistication, comfort, and practicality. In summary, it arrives with strong visual talent, a well-finished interior, and a diverse energy proposition, but it may have to fight against the perception that its core is not as premium as it suggests.

We invite you to give your opinion

Do you believe the DS No 4 2026 delivers the right balance between bold design, technology, and price, or do you prefer to look at its traditional rivals in the premium segment? Leave your comment below with your take on the viability of this proposal in daily use.