DS X E-tense

We take a ride in amazing sidecar-inspired EV

MANY concept cars are little more than showcases for a maker’s future models, but the DS X E-tense is different. According to the brand, the car previews the vehicles we may be buying in 2035. And it’s not only a static dream, because this concept actually drives – and Auto Express was invited to go for a spin.

The styling may look bizarre, but in the metal the X E-tense seems to work. Inspired by a motorcycle and sidecar, the car’s asymmetrical cockpits serve a purpose: one side features a conventional steering wheel and pedals, the other cocoon is for when you want to be driven autonomously.

In the cocoon there’s an armchair-like seat trimmed in red leather and feathers, a high-end Focal sound system, BRM clock and a glass floor to see the road beneath. There’s even a coffee machine.

A few styling traits will find their way on to future DS models – and sooner than 2035, too. The studded grille is likely to grace the next DS 4 hatch, with a bit less chrome trim, while the X E-tense’s lighting system could appear within the next five years.

The front lights are made up of 1,500 LEDS spread over the lower part of the car, with indicators flowing over the surface and five ultrabright LEDS acting as headlights.

The back end gets a similar arrangement, but it also shows the different energy-recovery phases for the battery. That’s right: the DS X E-tense is electric. Its powertrain is taken from this year’s DS Virgin Racing Formula E car, and is mounted in a carbon-fibre chassis. DS says it’s good for 1,360bhp, but today it makes a modest 200bhp.

We’re not allowed behind the wheel yet, so we take to the passenger seat instead. There’s little time to pour a coffee, though, because thanks to that Formula E powertrain, the X E-tense is lightning fast off the mark. The glass floor enhances the gut-wrenching acceleration, and the noise – part spaceship, part air-raid siren – emphasises the sense of speed, too.

In 15 years’ time we’ll either sagely nod our heads at DS’S foresight of

“Motorcycle and sidecar-inspired styling may look bizarre, but in the metal the X E-tense seems to work”

motoring in the year 2035, or we’ll laugh at the absurdity of it all. Either way, the DS X E-tense is an interesting, smileinducing car that adds a spark to the fledgling DS Automobiles brand.