Citroën DS Wild Rubis concept

The Citroën DS Wild Rubis concept is the French manufacturer's foray into the premium SUV market, to be shown at the Shanghai auto show next Saturday.

At 4,700mm long it's slightly larger than a BMW X3 or Audi Q5, with a particularly generous wheelbase of 2,900mm, presumably to offer the rear passengers a little more space - major consideration in China. It was designed in the DS studio in France, something the company is keen to promote given China's desire for chic European luxury goods.

Unlike last year's Numéro 9 limo, this DS Wild Rubis appears to be a preview of a production model although that car's influence is clear to see. Most obviously its face is a direct descendant, with its bold, chrome and glazed grille that spears out into the lamps, with the DS rather than Citroën double chevron logo taking precedence.

Its overall form language is also similar with highly complex, heavily sculpted surfacing with strong chrome highlights. Perhaps the most interesting aspect are the roof rails that break down from the roof to follow the C-pillar, creating a more three-box profile, with a tailgate markedly lower than the main roof line.

These initial images don't show the interior, but hopefully we will be able to step inside in China to see how its cabin translates DS into the realms of SUV.

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