Citroen's premium sub-brand DS Automobiles has dropped this all-electric GT ahead of Geneva next week, celebrating both participation in Formula E and partnership with top-class French design and luxury brands.
As you'd expect given the Formula E participation the E-Tense is 100 per cent electric, with 402hp and 380lb ft going to the rear-wheels. The batteries are placed low and centrally within the carbon fibre chassis to keep the centre of gravity nice and low.
Much like the Divine DS from the
2014 Paris show
there's no rear window. Instead, the E-Tense focuses on having a central chrome-plated spine running from the bonnet rearward, cameras doing the job of wing mirrors for essential concept car kudos. The colour, the boast of 'scale like design' in the rear lights ... although not officially raised any further in the release there's a certain lizard-like intensity and organic theme running through the E-Tense. The chrome spine is distinctive, rear indicators inspired by the original DS are a nice nod and overall it's a great looking concept.
Inside steel and upholstery apparently inspired by watch strap design are combined with features designed in conjunction with luxury French brands. There's a Focal sound system, helmet harnesses by Moynat and a BRM timepiece in the dash that can be removed and worn when you park up.
So far so very much showstand concept. But with Renault rediscovering its sports car mojo with its Alpine reboot perhaps Citroen sees an opportunity with DS to bring its own French twist to the sports car sector. Don't expect anything too soon but for now it's nice to enjoy a proper bit of concept car madness every now and then