Deliveries of the new DS7 Crossback will begin early in 2018, with prices starting at £28,000.
DS is Citroen’s luxury brand and the DS7 Crossback is its biggest and most expensive model yet.
The new car has already enjoyed considerable exposure providing transport for French president Emmanuel Macron at his inauguration.
The model range opens with the £28,050 Elegance and extends to the lavishly equipped Ultra Prestige, which will set you back £43,535 with the BlueHDi 180 diesel engine.
Underlining the “designer” appeal that DS 7 offers, though, is a range of interior personalisation treatments with names that refer to famous French cultural icons, such as La Bastille and Opera.
All models come with rear parking sensors, lane departure warning and leather interior trim.
Higher spec versions get 19in wheels, a reversing camera and all-round parking sensors, as well as wireless smartphone charging, electric seats and ambient lighting.
The range-topping Ultra Prestige trim comes with a full leather interior, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist, keyless entry and start, a 360 degree camera and parking assistant, 20in alloys and a panoramic sunroof.
There’s also a special launch edition model called La Premiere. Its extended list of features includes 20in alloy wheels, a 12in infotainment touchscreen and dark red nappa leather upholstery.
It comes in just three colours: Cumulus Grey metallic, Pearl White or Perla Nera Black.
The DS7 Crossback will be offered an entry-level 128bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, as well as a 1.6-litre petrol (also turbocharged), with 178 or 222bhp.
Diesel customers will have 128bhp 1.6-litre and 178bhp 2.0-litre engines to choose from. An eight-speed automatic gearbox will be standard across the range, save for the least powerful petrol and diesel engines, which will be paired with a six-speed manual.
The flagship DS 7 Crossback model will be the 296bhp plug-in E-Tense hybrid. This won’t arrive until 2019, but comprises a 197bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. One of these powers the front wheels alongside the engine, with the other turning the rear wheels, giving the DS 7 E-Tense four-wheel drive.
Electric-only range is quoted as 37 miles and the batteries will take 2.5 or 4.5 hours to replenish, depending on the type of charger used.
The interior is upmarket and DS has made it almost endlessly customisable, so each owner can make their car unique.
DS is keen to showcase its technology, so even entry versions have LED headlights with three powered movements.
These turn to give a welcoming animation as the car is unlocked and allow different lighting modes.