DS Automobiles DS 5 History

Launched in Europe in November 2011 as the Citroën DS5, the DS 5 was the brand's most ambitious early model: a five-door hatchback blending estate and shooting-brake proportions with an interior deliberately styled to evoke a jet cockpit — dual centre consoles, a roof-mounted secondary console, and a head-up display. It was the first Citroën with a hybrid drivetrain and the first production car with a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, a significant technical milestone.

The DS5 gained further prestige when a hybrid convertible was selected as the official car for the investiture parade of French President François Hollande in 2012. It was rebadged DS 5 in 2015 as DS became independent from Citroën. Despite its design distinction, sales proved disappointing and production ended in 2018; the DS 4 (second generation) was positioned as its successor.