Currently reading: Beijing motor show 2012: Citroen DS9 caught undisguised
The Citroen DS9 concept has been spied undisguised ahead of its debut at the Beijing motor show

The luxurious new Citroen DS9 concept has been spied completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut at next month’s Beijing motor show.

The new model was caught while on a promotional shoot on the famous Place de la Concorde in Paris, one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Inspired by the Metropolis concept from the Shanghai world expo in 2010, the new DS9 will be the flagship model for Citroen’s expanded DS line-up.

Citroen boss Frederic Banzet confirmed to Autocar at the Geneva motor show earlier this month that 2012 would mark the “internationalisation” of the DS brand. To that end, the firm was planning to launch three new DS models created initially for China alongside a worldwide rollout of its existing DS3, DS4, and DS5.

The DS9 will be the first of these three new DS models to reach production, tipped by insiders to be by the end of 2013. The DS6 name has previously been floated for this flagship, but the concept features a ‘9’ in its rear numberplate. Giving it the DS9 badge also allows Citroen plenty of breathing space between the DS5 and DS9 to launch other DS models.

The Beijing car is a concept, so it’s expected to lose the dramatic wheels and wing mirrors for production. But Citroen’s current DS production cars have stayed true to their concepts, so the basic silhouette of the DS9 is expected to be carried over for production.

As well as drawing inspiration from the acclaimed Metropolis concept, the big Citroen also bears resemblance to Peugeot HX1 concept from last year’s Frankfurt motor show.

The HX1 sported a pair of novel rear ‘scissor’ doors, which opened upwards. It’s possible the DS9 concept could adopt these, but their chances of making production would be slim due to the engineering costs.

It’s also possible the DS9 could adopt the six-seater HX1’s three rows of seats, given how much of a premium rear cabin space is put on cars for Chinese buyers.

The DS9 is likely to be sold outside China, but a UK launch would initially appear doubtful given the lack of success recent big Citroens have endured. “They could end up elsewhere as we have a worldwide ambition with DS,” Banzet confirmed.

The other new Citroen DS models for China will be a C-segment saloon and a new SUV.

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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michael knight 24 March 2012

Re: Citroen DS9 caught undisguised

As retribution for the snivelling car brand-snobbery in the UK, I think all the car companies should withdraw from the UK, apart from BMW with the 320D. Which is, obviously, the best car in the real world... We can then bask in our smugness and conformity, flashing at each other as we drive past.

RadeB 23 March 2012

Re: Citroen DS9 caught undisguised

I have no idea why, but it irresistibly reminds me of this one.

Zimmerit 23 March 2012

Re: Citroen DS9 caught undisguised

It might sell in China but if they tried in Japan it would be harpooned in the name of scientific research. Quite like it myself though.