Citroen DS 5LS: Big luxury Citroen saloon for China

Citroen DS 5LS: Big luxury Citroen saloon for China

Citroen has never really had much success, at least not in recent years, with big, luxury saloon cars. But it’s having another go with the Citroen DS 5LS, a large luxury saloon based on the Citroen DS5 hatch.

But the DS 5LS isn’t a car aimed at world markets, but one Citroen has conceived and is building for the car market in China where big luxury saloons – with plenty of room in the back – are much in demand.

With looks that take their cues from recent Citroen concepts like the Numero 9, the DS 5LS gets Citroen’s DS Wings front end – which is said to be inspired by the original DS – and a wheelbase Citroen say is the longest in class at 2.71 metres, the DS 5LS is a decent looking effort.

Inside, the DS 5LS comes in three trim levels – inventively names 1, 2 and 3 – with cloth on trim 1 and leather on 2 and 3, with trim 3 coming with semi-analine leather, the equal of premium brands, and watch-strap stitching.

Options include high-end stuff like massaging seats, Denon sound system, Keyless, reclining back seats, air ioniser, reversing camera and a touchscreen with DVD.

Engine options include a normally aspirated VTi with 136bhp and a pair of turbo units with 160 and 200bhp, all attached to a six-speed auto ‘box.

Built in China, the Citroen DS 5LS comes in a choice of nine colours – including Nocciola Brown with shimmering highlights  - and will be joined in 2014 by an SUV based on Citroen’s Wild Rubis Concept.

By Cars UK