The DS X E-Tense concept car, unveiled late last year, is the French firm’s vision of what motoring will look like in 2035 – with DS design chief Thierry Metroz calling it a direct response to “boring” concepts from other firms.
The three-seat concept, built largely on the running gear of a DS Formula E car, features a highly unusual asymmetric design, which was inspired by a sidecar motorcycle. It features an open-top driver’s seat that echoes a single-seater cockpit combined with a spacious covered passenger pod designed for relaxation.
Powered by two Formula E electric motors that combine to make 536bhp – and 1341bhp in circuit mode – the concept previews a machine with autonomous capabilities, allowing the owner to choose between an intense driving experience or being driven in comfort.
Metroz said the X E-Tense aims to show how the firm can marry autonomy with driving experience. “When I look at electric and autonomous concepts from other brands, I am really afraid,” he told Autocar. “They all use the same design philosophy: they are white and look like something between a washing machine and a phone box. There is no soul or emotion. It’s really very boring.
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Rods
This is one of those concept cars...
...that you’ll look back on in 15 years time and think “those designers were wayyy off the mark, there!”
Having said that, the lighting tech does sound kinda cool.
jer
By 2035
I expect we'll have become accustomed to no grills on electric cars. Socially are we expecting to not speak to our partners in 2035 there again it Could be only through an AI app that doesn't say the wrong things.
Dave Ryan
Erm...
xxxx
2035
If I was running the DS car company I wouldn't look quite so far forward.
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
FMS
xxxx wrote:
We all are surprised, that based solely on your amazing posts, that they haven't snapped you up already...be content to run your decrepit sofa and leave the buying, running and enjoying of actual cars to the rest of us. TwIT, the w is silent, as you should be.
abkq
The car design world needs
The car design world needs more bold concept cars like this. Assymetry is an idea that can be exploited further.
It's a shame real world DSs look so unexceptional. While DS is developing a distinctive language of interior luxury (very different from Bentley/Rolls Royce or the premium Germans) its exterior design leaves a lot to be desired.
gagaga
Jaguar called
They want their Discovery designer back....
nicebiscuit
Nothing wrong with assymetry
Original Fiat Panda did it right, also Alfa with their offset numberplates. But this is just pig ugly and the assymetry appears to be for no actual reason. Its electric. What does the grill do?!
Deisgners should give themselves a slap and go lie down in a darkened room with pictures of the original DS, SM, GS, CX, 2CV - hell even the Ami 6 to discover how to do 'different' well. This could be anyones... Except they wouldnt want it.
And whilst they're at it ditch the 'DS' brand - its embarrassing.
simonali
Really?
"a spacious covered passenger pod designed for relaxation."
As far as I can tell from the photos, the passengers will have their feet dangling directly above the road surface like Wilma Flintstone. That doesn't sound very relaxing!
Thekrankis
Better to sort out the current dire DS.....
....otherwise there will be no future cars made by DS.
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