Should you one?

It’s definitely one for non-conformists, this one, and consequently, if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s likeable enough to be easy to live with. It delivers on comfort, refinement and fuel economy, and undercuts the BMW 530e by about £6,000 while offering more standard equipment.

But the executive saloon market isn’t really one where individualistic cars tend to find success, and that’s reflected in its dismal resale values. We’ve already said that the Audi A4 and A6, BMW 3 and 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz C- and E-Class are high on this car’s hit list, but it’s equally likely the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XF will be also on potential DS 9 customers’ shopping lists.

What we like

If you like standing beside your car explaining DS to strangers, are French or just plain fall in love with the design, this endearing limo is the perfect Parisian-style car for you. Immense on the motorway too.

What we don’t like

It’s expensive on a monthly rental though, hampered by DS’s nascent brand image yielding poor residual values – and the great British public’s herd immunity to big French cars. The infotainment also feels old and unwieldy and is thrown into sharp relief by the group’s excellent set-up in the new Peugeot 308, and is long overdue for its upcoming upgrades. 

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