About DS Automobiles DS 5LS
In late 2013, Citroen unveiled in Paris a special version of the DS 5 created for the Chinese market, and unlike the regular DS 5, it was a sedan, not a hatchback.
The French automaker tried to enter the premium segment and created an upscale range called the DS. It made a few models, such as the DS3 in 2009 and the 2011 DS 5. However, while the former was a hatchback and the latter was more of a minivan, the DS 5LS was a sedan, and the LS part of the nameplate came from the Luxury Sedan. Even though it confused the market with their nameplates, with or without a space between the DS and the number, customers loved them. The DS3, for instance, was sold in more than 300.000 units in its first four years of production run, despite the world financial crisis that hit the automotive market between 2008 and 2012. And then, in 2013, the automaker created a special version of the DS 5 for the Chinese market, and it was a sedan.
With a front fascia that resembled its DS 5 minivan brother, the 5LS sported a broad, hexagonal-shaped grille adorned by a 3D pattern. It was surrounded by a chromed trim extended on the sides with wing-like elements extended into the headlights. Its lower bumper featured an additional air intake flanked by side scoops decorated with chromed elements and fog lamps. Unlike the DS 5, the 5LS featured a broad hood with two creased lines that visually connected the grille to the A-pillars instead of a longitudinal power dome.
From its profile, the DS 5LS resembled the shape of the Citroen C5, even though it relied on the PF2 platform, not on the PF3 one used for the French sedan. The chromed trim that adorned the upper side of the window line was extended rearward onto the deck. Citroen also included turn-signal lamps in the door mirror caps. At the same time, on the lower side of the door panels, the automaker added chromed elements. Finally, at the back, the automaker installed wide taillights that merged from the rear quarter panels onto the trunk’s lid, while below, under the bumper, it placed chromed fake exhausts.
Inside, Citroen installed a conventional yet stylish cabin. The driver fronted a flat-bottom steering wheel and an instrument cluster with analog dials where the speedometer took center stage. On the sloped center console, the car manufacturer included a touchscreen for the infotainment system, followed by the stereo and the HVAC controls in its lower area. Between the front bucket seats, Citroen placed a center console that housed the gear stick and a small storage area. The DS 5LS featured a bench seat in the back that could accommodate up to three passengers.
Citroen offered the DS 5LS with an extensive choice of engines. Customers could get the vehicle with either a diesel, a gasoline, or a hybrid drivetrain. Besides the latter version, which was available with an all-wheel drive system, the other two sent their power to the front wheels only.