DS 5
| Company type | Subcompact executive car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën C5 hatchback (initial generation) |
| Founded | November 2011 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | DS 5 (hatchback) |
| Owner | PSA Group (formerly Citroën, now DS Automobiles) |
The DS 5 is a subcompact executive, five-door hatchback created by the French manufacturer Citroën, introduced to the European market in November 2011. As the third vehicle under the upscale sub-brand DS, it was initially sold as the Citroën DS5. In 2015, following Citroën’s decision to establish DS as an independent brand, the model was rebranded simply as the DS 5.
Details
Unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, the DS5 represented Citroën’s first production at Peugeot’s primary European factory in Sochaux, illustrating PSA Group’s approach of platform sharing.
Blending characteristics of both hatchback and estate body styles, its dimensions are comparable to rivals such as the Lancia Delta. Constructed on PSA’s PF2 platform, which it shares with the Peugeot 3008, the DS5 succeeded the initial generation C5 hatchback within Citroën’s range.
Inside, the cabin draws inspiration from aviation design, featuring dual center consoles alongside a head-up display that enhances its premium appeal. This aviation theme, linking back to the original Citroën DS, was emphasized through targeted marketing collaborations.
The powertrain lineup includes turbocharged gasoline engines, two diesel options, and PSA’s innovative Hybrid4 diesel-electric system. This Hybrid4 setup pairs a 163 hp 2.0L HDi diesel engine with a 37 hp electric motor mounted on the rear axle, providing all-wheel-drive capability and allowing for electric-only operation. Depending on the trim level, CO2 emissions vary between 99g/km and 107g/km, highlighting its environmentally conscious engineering.
As Citroën’s inaugural hybrid model and the automotive industry’s first diesel-electric hybrid available in series production, it marked a significant technological advancement. A hybrid convertible variant notably featured in French President François Hollande’s investiture procession in May 2012.
Following Citroën’s strategic brand realignment in 2015, the vehicle was renamed DS 5 to underscore its luxury positioning within Groupe PSA’s portfolio.
Awards
- The DS5 Hybrid4 received the Best Eco Car award at Glasgow’s Scottish Car of the Year 2012.
- In 2011, Top Gear honored the DS5 as "Family Car of the Year".
Sales and production
| Year | Global Production | Global Sales | Remarks |
| 2010 | Template:TBA | 200 | |
| 2011 | 4,560 | 3,255 | Cumulative DS5 production totaled 4,773 units. |
| 2012 | 29,700 | 27,800 | Cumulative DS5 production reached 34,500 units. |
| 2013 | |||
| 2014 |
Citroën C-SportLounge
Before the DS5 entered production, it was preceded by the Citroën C-Sportlounge, a concept vehicle revealed in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Designed by Frédéric Soubirou under Jean-Pierre Ploué’s direction at Citroën Design, this concept influenced many design elements of the DS5. Notably, it featured rear-hinged suicide doors, whereas the final DS5 model adopted conventional front-opening doors.
The front-wheel-drive C-SportLounge was equipped with a engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and rode on 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 tires. Its aerodynamic silhouette achieved a drag coefficient of 0.26, while its interior design took cues from aircraft cockpits.
External links
- Official Citroën C-SportLounge page on the corporate site.