A NEW flagship for French premium brand DS has been unveiled with the arrival of the DS No 8 SUV coupe.

As well as heralding a new naming system for its models, the No 8 is highly aerodynamic which results in a claimed 466 mile range.

It is 4.82m long with a width of 1.90m and a height of 1.58m and features an illuminated grille at the front.

At the rear the DS No 8 has a vertical light signature which is said to make it recognisable at night from more than 100m away.

The car is the first Stellantis model to be produced only as an electric vehicle and the No 8 will be available in three powertrains developing 230hp, 245hp and 350hp, the latter being fitted with two electric motors for four-wheel drive.

All motors have additional power that periodically gives an extra 30hp to the FWD version and 25hp to the AWD long range model.

It will be available with a choice of two batteries - 74kWh to the FWD 230hp car and 97.2kWh to the FWD 245hp and the AWD 350hp versions.

The DS No 8 FWD long range has a range of 466 miles for a consumption of 4.8 mi/kWh. It also claims an impressive range of more than 310 miles on the motorway with a zero to 62 mph time of 5.4 seconds for the AWD long range version, and in around 7.7 seconds for the FWD versions. Every model has a top speed limited to 118 mph.

Recharging up to 80 per cent capacity takes 27 minutes from a fast charger.

Inside, the car breaks with convention by having an X-shaped spoked steering wheel

Lighting is a major feature in the new generation of DS interiors with backlit graphics inspired by a starlit sky.

Comfort is boosted by a neck warmer that is fitted into the backrests of the front seats and illuminated by a backlit DS logo with a crystal appearance, while the interior also features a double-decker floating centre console with the lower part being a large storage space, that can be hidden by a sliding shutter and accommodates two removable cup holders and two USB-C sockets.

Boot space is a large 620 litres and the maximum towing limit with a braked trailer is 1.4 tonnes.

Prices are still to be revealed but are expected to start from around £40,000 topping out closer to the £70,000 mark.