Representing the art of travel and the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and innovation, DS Automobiles has unveiled its new flagship, the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8. This unique version of the upcoming DS N°8—set to go on sale in September 2025—was specially designed for the French Presidency and made its grand debut during France’s Victory in Europe Day (May 8) ceremony.
French President Emmanuel Macron became the first head of state in France to use a 100% electric official vehicle, taking part in the national parade with this bespoke electric model. Boasting a record range of up to 750 km thanks to its ACC-developed battery, the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 was presented to the President in a special ceremony at the Élysée Palace, attended by DS Automobiles engineers, artisans, and partners.
DS vehicles have long been associated with French presidential tradition. Since the establishment of the Fifth Republic, models such as the DS, SM, DS 5, and DS 7 have been used by seven different presidents. Notably, during his 2017 inauguration, President Macron greeted the public aboard a custom-designed PRESIDENTIAL DS 7 CROSSBACK, parading down the Champs-Élysées. In 2021, the DS 7 ÉLYSÉE, a stretched version with a 300-horsepower E-TENSE plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, joined the official state fleet.
Continuing this tradition, DS Automobiles created the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 specifically for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, aiming to bring the head of state closer to the people during the parade.
The PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 was meticulously re-engineered by DS Automobiles’ design and engineering teams. Like the previous Élysée model, it features an exclusive Sapphire Blue exterior, a color reserved solely for this vehicle. Its distinctive styling is completed with black-painted fenders and the illuminated DS LUMINASCREEN grille, proudly showcasing the blue, white, and red colors of the French Republic.
Other presidential touches include custom tricolor badges on both ends of the car and flag mounts on the front bumper. Reflecting DS Automobiles’ philosophy of blending craftsmanship with innovation, the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 embodies the expertise of numerous French artisans and suppliers.
During a private pre-event at the Élysée Palace, DS Automobiles CEO Xavier Peugeot and the designers had the honor of presenting their work directly to President Macron.
The interior of the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 is a celebration of French luxury and heritage. It features marquetry by Lison de Caunes, known for reviving her grandfather André Groult’s traditional straw inlay techniques. Surfaces in sea green and midnight blue tones enhance the cabin’s atmosphere, while Verel de Belval satin fabrics by MÉTAPHORES (a Hermès group brand) add timeless elegance.
Atelier Lognon, a Paris-based specialist in pleated fabrics, contributed intricate door panel designs, and DS’s own upholstery experts incorporated Nappa leather and Alcantara®, accented by pearl stitching for a refined, luxurious finish.
In terms of protection, Centigon equipped the vehicle with state-level armoring. Its ACC-manufactured battery delivers up to 750 km of range, with 200 km chargeable in just 10 minutes, and 20% to 80% recharge in only 27 minutes. The acoustic experience has also been elevated with a tailor-made FOCAL sound system, offering immersive, concert-level clarity and depth.
The PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 will be on public display from May 21–25, 2025, at the RÉVÉLATIONS biennale at Grand Palais, an event celebrating the finest in craftsmanship and design. DS Automobiles is a long-time partner of this prestigious exhibition.
“Presented on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 continues a legacy of DS vehicles proudly serving the French Presidency for nearly 70 years,” said DS Automobiles CEO Xavier Peugeot. “Just like the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony, this model blends heritage with modernity, pushing boundaries in electric mobility with 750 km of range and unmatched craftsmanship. It’s a symbol of visionary excellence, revealed to the public even before its official market launch.”
