The new DS 7 Crossback made its grand public appearance when it brought the newly elected president Emmanuel Macron of France in his inauguration, prior to hitting the showrooms. The new large SUV has been customized to comply with the requirements for a presidential car.
The new DS 7 Crossback was specially chosen to serve the new French president in his first official ride as the head of state. The presidential DS 7 Crossback has an opening roof that allowed president Emmanuel Macron to stand out and wave at the crowd.
We are proud that DS 7 CROSSBACK is the inauguration’s car of the new French President. #Investiture pic.twitter.com/L5A8MPQvW9
— DS Automobiles (@DS_Official) May 14, 2017
Aside from the opening roof, the large SUV has been refreshed to comply with the safety and comfort features required for a presidential car. The interior has been changed with a customized leather. The car also carries a distinct badge. AutoExpress notes that it took seven full months prior to the SUV's debut at Geneva Motor Show to custom-fit the car for the presidential car purpose.
Furthermore, prior to riding the DS 7 Crossback, President Emmanuel Macron first rode a Renault Espace. The youngest president later transferred to the DS 7 so as not to favor only one brand. Apparently, the choice of the vehicle to be used became a controversial national debate topic, Telegraph reported.
Meanwhile, DS has earlier announced the exclusive launch version of the new SUV that is called DS 7 Crossback La Premiere. Interested buyers may start booking their orders now until the end of the year.
The DS 7 Crossback La Premiere is being sold with a base price of $55,150 (£42,650). The new SUV comes with two engine variants, petrol engine and diesel engines, which are both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The petrol engine variant is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that can deliver 222bhp. The automaker claims the model can hit 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds.
The diesel engine variant is a 2.0-liter diesel that can produce 178 bhp. The model can hit 0 to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds.
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