A new DS concept car will be presented at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. DS 5LS R is an all-new and unique version of the DS 5LS, which combines top-level performance with luxury styling. Recently launched in China, DS 5LS is a bold, striking addition to the Chinese market. The DS 5LS R concept car emphasises the dynamic character of the production version, highlighting the model’s athletic lines.
The unveiling of DS 5LS R follows on from the DS3 Cabrio Racing and DS4 Racing concepts, as Citroën continues to push boundaries in performance, design and innovation.
A nod to Citroën’s World Rally Championship pedigree, DS 5LS R boasts a high performance powertrain, underpinned by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 300bhp and torque of 400 Nm. The chassis has been lowered by 15mm, compared to the production version and the concept has wider front tracks and a sequential gearbox, controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel.
High-precision development has been applied to the chassis, brakes and suspension, while the focus on performance is visually underscored by the extensive use of real carbon fibre components.
DS 5LS R remains faithful to the DS spirit of innovation and luxury, making a bold first impression. The sports styling is complemented by an anodised Carmine Red paint with a matt metallic finish. The concept confirms its ‘R’ status with wide side stripes in matt carbon grey on the front doors. The ‘R’ signature features extensively around the exterior of the concept – on the bonnet, at the rear and on the sides of the car.
Further carbon fibre components include the side signature trim, which extends across the top of the side windows to the boot, cutting through the rear quarter panel with a subtly drawn shark fin. The ‘DS Wings’ grille is finished in carbon grey dark chrome and the sporty 20-inch wheels are sculpturally designed and carbon-coloured to match the polished aluminium on the exterior and the touches of Carmine Red.
Inside, DS 5LS R is all about luxury, with a wide range of exceptional materials in evidence. The cabin is fully lined with leather and Alcantara, including the dashboard and steering wheel. The DS identity is reinforced throughout, with a three-fabric version of the DS ‘watchstrap’ upholstery – aniline full-grain leather, DS-embossed leather and Alcantara. The seats, dashboard, upper door panels and central armrest are finished with pearl top-stitching in Carmine Red.
The performance elements continue inside, with instruments on the central console and the steering wheel featuring Carmine Red detailing and the ‘R’ signature. There are also real carbon fibre inserts on the steering wheel, door panels and door handles, together with Carmine Red touches for the air vents.
