DS Nº8 AWD Real Range in Portugal: Tested at 60, 90 and 130 km/h
Published: 01/06/2026
DS Nº8 AWD: real range tested at 60, 90 and 130 km/h
1,056 km on a single charge. That's what the DS Nº8 AWD Long Range managed in a real-world range test at a steady 60 km/h, in ideal 20°C conditions. More than the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, and even more than the Lucid Air Grand Touring in the same exercise. The figure is impressive — but it only tells half the story. And it's the other half that matters most if you're weighing up this EV here in Portugal.
The Nº8 is DS Automobiles' flagship: an E-segment liftback, somewhere between a saloon and an SUV-coupé, with a 97.2 kWh usable battery and all-wheel drive. The AWD version is rated at 688 km on the WLTP cycle. The question is always the same — what does it actually do in the real world, especially on the motorway?
Real consumption climbs fast with speed
ArenaEV measured the DS Nº8 AWD at three constant speeds, with an ambient temperature of 20°C. The results show clearly how an EV's efficiency collapses the harder you push it.
| Speed | Range | Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| 60 km/h | 1,056 km | 9.2 kWh/100km |
| 90 km/h | 631 km | 15.4 kWh/100km |
| 130 km/h | 442 km | 22 kWh/100km |
At 60 km/h the DS leads, helped by a drag coefficient of just 0.24 Cx and 740 mm wheels that, according to DS, are worth 60 km of WLTP range on their own. But at 90 km/h the picture flips: the BMW iX3 managed 750 km and the Lucid Air 752 km, against the DS's 631 km. And at 130 km/h — the speed that really counts on the A1 or A2 — the Nº8 stopped at 442 km, behind the Mercedes EQS 450+ (521 km) and the Lucid Air (536 km).
The honest read: the DS Nº8 AWD is remarkably efficient at low speed, but aerodynamics aren't enough to keep it ahead once the pace rises. If you mostly drive in town and on national roads, it's an excellent companion. If you live on the motorway, some rivals stretch a charge further.
DS Nº8 AWD real range on the motorway and in winter
The 442 km at 130 km/h is a summer scenario, at 20°C. Winter changes the conversation. EV Database estimates a real combined range of around 604 km in mild weather for the Nº8 AWD, but only 443 km in the cold. And on the motorway in cold weather the figure drops to roughly 378 km.
In Portuguese terms: Lisbon to Porto is about 300 km. On a mild day you'll do the round trip without giving it a second thought. On a cold January day, motorway speeds and all, you'll likely need a quick stop on the way back. Nothing dramatic — but it's the difference between planning and not planning.
Charging: 27 minutes to recover 450 km
The Nº8 charges on DC at a peak of 160 kW. It's not among the highest figures on the market — many rivals now pass 200 kW — but the curve is steady. DS quotes 20-80% in 27 minutes, which equals recovering around 450 km of WLTP range. Ten minutes adds roughly 200 km.
In practice, with the MOBI.E network (Portugal's public charging system) and the fast chargers on Portuguese motorways, that means a coffee stop on a long trip, not much more. At home, the 11 kW on-board charger (22 kW optional) and the standard heat pump help manage day-to-day consumption. The Nº8 supports battery preconditioning via the navigation, so it reaches the charger at the right temperature to charge quickly.
DS Nº8 AWD Long Range specifications
The AWD version uses two permanent-magnet synchronous motors on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Dual-motor, all-wheel drive |
| Power | 350 hp (257 kW) |
| Torque | 509 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.4 s |
| Top speed | 190 km/h (limited) |
| Usable battery | 97.2 kWh (101 kWh gross, NMC) |
| WLTP range | 688 km |
| WLTP consumption | 14.1-14.6 kWh/100km |
| DC charging | 160 kW (20-80% in 27 min) |
| AC charging | 11 kW standard / 22 kW optional |
| Length | 4,834 mm |
| Boot | 620 L |
| Weight | 2,364 kg |
| Towing (braked) | 1,400 kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2025) |
DS Nº8 AWD vs FWD: is all-wheel drive worth it?
Here's the most interesting dilemma. The FWD Long Range uses the same 97.2 kWh battery but is rated at 750 km WLTP — 62 km more than the AWD's 688 km — with a claimed 15.9 kWh/100km. It has 245 hp and does 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, against the AWD's 5.4 seconds and 350 hp.
In other words: all-wheel drive costs range and costs money, but gives you nearly two seconds less to 100 km/h and traction on all four wheels for winter and rain. If your priority is covering distance with the fewest stops, the FWD Long Range is the more rational choice. If you want performance and extra grip on wet roads, the AWD earns its place.
DS Nº8 AWD price in Portugal
In France, the entry AWD Long Range in ÉTOILE trim starts at €74,600. In Portugal, factoring in logistics and local taxation, it's realistic to expect a list price in the region of €75,000 to €76,000 for this version — and EVs benefit from ISV exemption (the vehicle registration tax) and reduced IUC (the annual road tax), which helps offset the bill against a comparable petrol or diesel.
One detail worth noting: the car ArenaEV tested was the top Jules Verne trim, which comfortably exceeds €80,000. There are also the more accessible PALLAS and ÉTOILE trims. Anyone hunting for the best long-range electric SUV in 2026 should line the Nº8 up against the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron quattro, the Polestar 4 Long Range Dual Motor and, a step up, the Lucid Air.
Frequently Asked Questions
In ArenaEV's real-world test, at 130 km/h and 20°C, the DS Nº8 AWD Long Range managed 442 km, consuming 22 kWh/100km. At 90 km/h it rises to 631 km and at 60 km/h it reaches 1,056 km. On the motorway in cold weather, EV Database estimates around 378 km, so on a Lisbon-Porto trip (about 300 km) you can expect a quick winter charging stop on the way back.
There is no official Portuguese price yet, but in France the AWD Long Range in ÉTOILE trim starts at €74,600. Factoring in logistics and local taxation, a list price between €75,000 and €76,000 is realistic in Portugal. As a fully electric car it benefits from ISV exemption (vehicle registration tax) and reduced IUC (annual road tax), which helps offset the bill versus a comparable petrol or diesel.
It depends on use. The FWD Long Range uses the same 97.2 kWh battery but is rated at 750 km WLTP (62 km more than the AWD's 688 km) and is cheaper. The AWD offers 350 hp, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 s (vs 7.8 s for the FWD) and all-wheel drive for rain and winter. For maximum range and fewer stops, the FWD is more rational; for performance and grip on wet roads, the AWD earns its place.
On DC the Nº8 peaks at 160 kW and does 20-80% in about 27 minutes, recovering around 450 km of WLTP range; ten minutes adds roughly 200 km. At home, the on-board charger is 11 kW as standard (22 kW optional). The standard heat pump and battery preconditioning via the navigation help it reach the charger at the ideal temperature for fast charging.
At 60 km/h the DS leads (1,056 km, against 1,025 km for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive and 1,000 km for the Lucid Air GT), thanks to its 0.24 Cx and 740 mm wheels. But at higher speeds the table flips: at 90 km/h the iX3 manages 750 km and the Lucid 752 km, against the DS's 631 km. At 130 km/h the Nº8 stops at 442 km, behind the Mercedes EQS 450+ (521 km) and the Lucid Air (536 km).
The DS Nº8 AWD is a touring car with French character and remarkable efficiency at cruising speed. It isn't the motorway range champion of its group, but it's among the most comfortable and the most distinctive. Before signing, confirm the final price in Portugal — and if maximum range is the goal, put the FWD Long Range firmly on the table.