Used DS 9 2021-present review

Tempting people away from tradition isn't an easy job, but it's one the DS 9 takes on. It's a left-field luxury car competing with a sea of popular German rivals, many of which excel in both the new and used car markets – think BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.

However, to be frank, the DS 9 doesn't really cut it as a new car, mainly because it isn't competitively priced. Specifically, you'll need in excess of £50,000 to afford one. The used market, on the other hand, is a different story...

The most affordable DS 9 models are either the 1.6 PureTech 225 or 1.6 E-Tense 225 versions. They each have a 1.6-litre petrol engine, front-wheel drive and a 0-62mph time just beyond the eight-second mark, but the E-Tense is a plug-in hybrid. It has a 11.9kWh battery and an electric motor for 38 miles (officially) of electric-only range.

These two variants were soon discontinued after launch, with the model range revised to comprise a 1.6 E-Tense 250 and a 1.6 E-Tense 4x4 360. The former is much like the 225, but gains some extra power – though it only matches the 225's 0-62mph time – and electric-only range, courtesy of a larger, 15.6kWh battery. Officially, you'll go 46 miles before running out of juice and that's an impressive figure.

The 360 is the closest thing we have to a fully-fledged DS 9 performance car, although its straight-line speed isn't anything to write home about next to the Audi S6, for example. The 360 completes the 0-62mph sprint in 5.6sec, aided by four-wheel drive.

As for the DS 9's other variants and their performance, you won't find them lacking if you're upgrading from, say, an everyday family car. If you've come from an executive car or something like a 5 Series or E-Class, you might be disappointed – the DS 9 isn't especially punchy in the context of its key rivals, unfortunately.

It's a similar story in regards to handling. Yes, next to a Vauxhall Astra, it's quite capable in the corners, with good grip and minimal body roll. However, hop in a DS 9 after driving a 5 Series and you'll find it a clear step down. From its steering to its body control, the DS 9 isn't as sharp and confidence-inspiring.

As for comfort – a priority for a luxury car to get right – the DS 9 yet again proves good, not great. The ride is supple at speed on smooth roads, but it’s still easily unsettled by imperfections in the road. On a more positive note, the DS 9 does an excellent job of isolating you from wind and road noise.

The hushed driving experience compliments the model's posh interior. Depending on your chosen trim, it's covered in plenty of suave materials, from leather to Alcantara. There are some welcome details dotted around the place, too, such as a clock that reveals itself upon a press of the start button.

Its Stellantis – parent company of manufacturers like Citroën and Peugeot – roots are present, mind you. Some of the DS 9's buttons and controls, even though they aren't bargain-bin material, aren't quite on the same level as the rest of the interior and the model's luxury car status. This is because they've been lifted straight out of a Peugeot 308.

The 12in touchscreen infotainment system comes with sat-nav, but isn't very intuitive to use and responds sluggishly to prods. All things considered, it's one of the least impressive systems in the class, although you do at least get plenty of gadgets, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

Speaking of equipment, the entry-level Performance Line + trim gets things like heated, electrically adjustable front seats with adjustable lumbar support, as well as automatic windscreen wipers. Step up to Rivoli+ and you've got pretty much every piece of kit under the sun, including massaging front seats. If you must go further, there's Opera, which has a heated windscreen, heated and ventilated rear seats with massaging function, an electric boot lid, an upgraded stereo system and even nicer interior materials.

Rear space is reasonable rather than outstanding. If your passengers are tall, their heads will be in close proximity to the ceiling (especially those sitting in the slightly raised middle seat) and while leg room is decent, there's not much foot space under the front seats. Indeed, the Audi A6 is more generous on rear seat space.

Things are better when you look at boot space, though, with the DS 9 giving you 510 litres of space (473-litres if you go for the Opera trim level, or get an example with the optional-from-new Focal Electra sound system on Rivoli+ trim) compared with 410 litres in the BMW 5 Series 530e and 370-litres in the Mercedes E-Class E300e.

Interested in buying a used DS 9? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You'll find 2021 and 2022 DS 9 examples for as little as £26,000. That's a far cry from its new car price, making it a bargain, although indicating worrying deprecation at the same time.

As we mentioned, it'll be a 1.6 PureTech 225 or a 1.6 E-Tense 225. It'll be a Performance Line + car, but for around £1000 more, you can get a Rivoli+ model. If you'd like a 1.6 E-Tense 250, you'll need around £30,000.

Opera cars, as well as 1.6 E-Tense 4x4 360 models, are yet to reach the used market. In saying that, used examples of DS 9s in general aren't commonplace. In fact, you wouldn't be wrong to call them rare.

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MPG

The 1.6 PureTech 225 officially averages 43.7mpg. The plug-in hybrids all average in excess of 200mpg (again, officially), but it'll be difficult to achieve a figure near to that.

Road tax

The 1.6 PureTech 225 will be £180 per year in road tax. The plug-in hybrids will be £170 per year each.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups range from 35 to 43, depending on your chosen version. For three services of a 2021 1.6 E-Tense 225, we were quoted £1292 via DS.

If you'll be driving your DS 9 on electric power alone a lot of the time, then consider the 1.6 E-Tense 250 if you have the cash for it – you'll see the benefits of its better electric-only range. However, we believe most buyers will be happy saving some money and sticking with the 1.6 E-Tense 225.

We'd spend the extra grand needed to get a Rivoli+ model, though. It's a justifiable price increase (over Performance Line +) for a trim that basically has every item of equipment you could ever want on it.

Our favourite DS 9: 1.6 E-Tense 225

We've spoken a little bit about some of the DS 9's rivals – the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class to name two – already, so are there any you should consider that we haven't mentioned? Well, there's also the Volvo S90 T8. You can get this plug-in hybrid for around £30,000 if you opt for a 2021 car. You do get a lot more performance (than any DS 9 can offer) for your money, though.

The Skoda Superb isn't quite as plush inside as the DS 9 – it's an executive car, rather than a luxury one – but it remains very comfortable and refined. You can also get the Superb in plug-in hybrid form, with the model variant being called the iV. If you'd like a 2021 iV, you'll need around £24,000.

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Interested in buying a used DS 9? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.