The DS 7 has been unwrapped on its Geneva Motor Show stand ahead of its public debut. With innovative lighting, bold looks and impressive in-car tech, this is the most luxurious SUV ever to come out of France.

With its LED light signatures, unique interior stitching techniques, and the motorised watch by B.R.M placed on the dashboard, as featured on DS E-Tense concept, DS 7 Crossback represents the brand’s vision for the future. The SUV will be available with a plug-in hybrid petrol drivetrain with 296bhp and four-wheel-drive, a new latest-generation Efficient Automatic Transmission with 8-speeds, a THP S&S 222bhp engine and two electric motors.

DS has always placed particular emphasis on the light signature of its vehicles, and it continues to be a key feature of DS styling. Resembling faceted jewels, the LED modules of the DS Active LED Vision headlamps emit a purple light when DS 7 Crossback is unlocked, before pivoting by 180 degrees. The distinctive effect is visible by day or night, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. The brand’s instantly recognisable light signature is emphasised by the vertical beads of the daytime-running lights, combined with the scrolling indicators.  As for the rear, each light is a full LED made up of illuminated scales. The lighting designers used advanced laser engraving technology to design this unique signature, referred to as DS 3D rear lights, and achieve exceptional precision.

The ‘style’ aspect is also reflected in the interior, with two 12-inch screens positioned at the heart of the cabin. The first is an innovation in the world of SUVs: it works with the navigation system as well as managing the multimedia interface, MirrorScreen and DS Connect functions. The second is a screen dedicated to the digital instrument cluster.

The contemporary interior of DS 7 Crossback, available with a choice of interior ambiences, reflects the brand’s concept of even more options. These ambience ‘Inspirations’ are named Bastille, Rivoli, and Opera, and Performance Line.

Reflecting the highest standards of craftsmanship, considerable thought went into every detail of the ‘Inspirations’ and the materials used, in terms of their selection (such as leather, wood or Alcantara), and positioning inside the car. These ‘Inspirations’ encompass a wide area designed to meet high standards of quality, extending from the dashboard to the door panels and from the consoles to the seats. The steering wheel and roof grab handles, for example, can be fully upholstered in leather, as well as the centre console – a finish that is rarely seen for this category of car. Depending on the ‘Inspiration’ selected, even the control switch on the central screen can be specified in crystal.

Alongside the E-Tense hybrid, DS 7 Crossback will ultimately be available with a choice of five powerful, highly-efficient, high-torque internal combustion engines compliant with the Euro 6.2 standard and will also premiere the new-generation Efficient Automatic Transmission with 8-speeds (EAT8): and two Diesel units (BlueHDi 130 S&S – with a choice of 6-speed manual or EAT8 – and the BlueHDi 180 EAT8).

DS Connected Pilot makes it possible to delegate driving and also to take back control at any time. Taking another step towards autonomous driving, this system is more than just a driving aid: DS Connected Pilot provides maximum support at all times, taking over on the driver’s command.

The on-board camera of DS Connected Pilot recognises broken and unbroken road markings. While driving, it continuously analyses the image of the road ahead to understand the vehicle’s situation. If DS 7 Crossback deviates from the road markings or accidentally crosses a white line, the system gently moves the wheel slightly in the opposite direction to keep it on course. If the driver wishes to maintain the vehicle’s trajectory, they can cancel the corrective manoeuvre by keeping a grip on the steering wheel, particularly if or when taking action to avoid a potential collision. The corrective manoeuvre is also interrupted if the indicators are activated. This function is activated from 18mph and is then operational between 0 and 112mph. This ingenious system is also able to manage DS 7 Crossback in traffic jams: the car restarts automatically without driver action. Driving comfort is maintained, without pointless stress or unnecessary action.

The engineers and technicians of DS Automobiles have developed a camera-scanning active suspension system. DS Active Scan Suspension features the latest innovations in electronic technology. Identifying and anticipating the forthcoming surface undulations, be they any bumps and dips in the road, it continuously controls the damper actuation (shock absorbers) accordingly.

The DS 7 Crossback is expected in UK showrooms by early 2018, with full details and pricing anticipated closer to its arrival date.