DS has revealed its radical X E-Tense Concept as it previews what to expect from the car of 2035. Free to express their creativity, DS’s designers delivered an all-electric sports coupe that majors on luxury and technology.
Importantly for the evo-inclined, all that tech, such as full autonomous functionality, doesn’t render the driver obsolete – a steering-wheel is thankfully present. DS claims the concept is a direct antidote to the homogenised transport mediums many expect to see in the future.
Furthering that claim are the performance figures attached to the DS X E-Tense. Two inboard electric motors, one placed at each wheel on the front axle, deliver a combined maximum power output of 1341bhp in circuit mode; this can be dialled back to 536bhp in road mode.
Hanging from the carbonfibre chassis is a suspension set-up consisting of springs and torsion bars. Meanwhile, traction, grip and deceleration are controlled by an advanced active system that responds to the road and weather conditions.
Arguably the most advanced aspect of the DS X E-Tense is its eccentric design. The headline feature of this is the asymmetric cockpit, which seats the driver further forward than the passenger, who occupies a separate area. This design cue ensures a low-slung sports-car aesthetic that clearly punctuates the whole design, from the flared wheelarches and angular doors to the aggressive rear diffuser.
Ingress to the driver compartment is via a gullwing door, which when lifted reveals a reclined bucket seat. The interior surfaces of both cabin areas are trimmed with a mixture of leather, wood and metal. Keeping up the futuristic theme is the electrochromic glass floor that can provide a view to the road below.
Explaining the thinking that led to this concept, Eric Apode, DS’s vice president of products, said the brand ‘wanted the opportunity to dream about 2035’, the year it will mark the 80th anniversary of the classic Citroën DS.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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