DS 7 E-Tense 225 2022 review

We’ve tried different variations of this powertrain in countless models, and it’s one that’s adept at providing refined progress in a cruiser, but gets flustered if you rush it. The result is that it doesn’t really feel at home in a performance derivative.

In general, the ‘lesser’ 225 just feels truer to DS’s mission of refinement and comfort thanks to its softer ride and slightly longer electric range. Even in its best spec, however, the DS 7 is quite hard to recommend, because it struggles to really convince in the area it should excel at: ride comfort.

The DS 7 always feels unsettled and slightly harsh over broken tarmac, but also struggles to control body movements over large bumps. Meanwhile, the handling is secure but unremarkable. Combine the unresolved chassis with a powertrain that can have a mind of its own on occasion and you end up with a car that’s unsatisfying to drive.

Where the DS 7 comes into its own is on long motorway journeys. The interior materials are mostly pleasing and the seats are supportive, with a tall but comfortable driving position. The new infotainment system is a huge improvement, and thanks to laminated glass, the cabin remains quiet on the motorway, allowing the Focal audio system to shine. The DS 7 is somewhere between an Audi Q3 and Audi Q5 in size, but is reasonably roomy whichever segment you compare it with.