2025 DS 7 Vauban Armoured Plug-in Hybrid SUV Reveal – Driving, Interior, Exterior, Production

▪ Driven by the enthusiasm generated from DS 7 ÉLYSÉE and based on DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300, DS 7 VAUBAN is an armoured plug-in hybrid model available in small numbers, a unique offering to the market
▪ DS 7 VAUBAN is built in France: converted in Hérimoncourt, less than a hundred kilometres from the Mulhouse site where all DS 7s are built
▪ Protected, DS 7 VAUBAN is a new emblem of the French Art of Travel, with First Class comfort
▪ With armour that’s barely noticeable from the outside and weight that’s been kept down, DS 7 VAUBAN is a discreet development demonstrating the same dynamic qualities as DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300. This special version can be driven with a regular licence

DS 7 VAUBAN has been designed as a specially protected car based on the production DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300 with a length of 4.59 metres. Aramids, a class of lightweight materials that are especially resistant to impacts and heat, HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) fibres, armoured steel and safety glass strengthen the vehicle for a VPAM 4 protection level (protection against handguns). Designed for maximum efficiency, both in terms of safety and First-Class comfort, this conversion makes very little difference in terms of handling with only 164 kg of additional weight.

DS 7 VAUBAN’s braking distances are equivalent to those of DS 7 E-TENSE 4x4 300 and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is only 0.2 seconds more, going from 5.9 to 6.1 seconds. Handling retains the same qualities with the camera-controlled DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION damping, while the 10.45 m turning circle, a benchmark in the premium SUV segment, is also maintained.

The technical decisions taken for DS 7 VAUBAN make it a unique offering dedicated to the French Art of Travel. In addition to handling comparable to a standard DS 7, the driver only needs a regular licence, unlike most competing models which require a heavy goods vehicle licence and special training. Prices are also very competitive, starting at 165,000 euros, and maintenance classified as “intensive use” as with a standard DS 7 is simply carried out within a selected certified network among DS STORES.

The transformation of the interior is overseen by upholsterers, to ensure an exemplary level of refinement. Vauban interior embossing and the addition of special controls are the only details that differentiate DS 7 VAUBAN. In addition to the extra equipment available in the brochure, packs of options are available on request, both for protection (automatic fire extinguishers, closed-circuit ventilation, siren or intercom etc...), for passenger comfort (additional USB sockets, reading lights etc...) and vehicle personalisation (body colours, interior trim, embroidery, flag holders etc...).

The result of a new collaboration between the WELP Group and DS Automobiles, DS 7 VAUBAN is built entirely in France, assembled at the Mulhouse site then converted by WELP France in Hérimoncourt, after the takeover of part of a former Stellantis site.

DS 7 VAUBAN takes its name from the fortifications built at the end of the 17th century. The Fortifications of Vauban – numbering twelve across ten different departments (counties) – are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In total, the Marquis Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban oversaw more than a hundred fortifications – forts that are part of cities, standalone or in compounds – in France and Europe. In Asia and Africa, several citadels and fortresses adopted the system established by Vauban.

The first DS 7 VAUBAN has been made. Homologation is scheduled for June and sales will follow.

Olivier François, DS Automobiles CEO: “DS 7 VAUBAN is a protected special vehicle resulting from our collaboration with WELP, one of the world's largest specialists in conversing specially protected vehicles. DS 7 VAUBAN is designed for demanding clientele looking for refinement and comfort from DS Automobiles, while benefiting from proven solutions against attacks. We are proud to offer a product like this in our range.”