For the first time in France, a President of the Republic used an electric car for an official parade. This unique model, still unseen in dealerships, was specially designed to meet the requirements of the presidential office. And it did not go unnoticed.
On May 8, 2025, during the official commemorations, President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated a new era for presidential mobility. Until now, French heads of state had always paraded in combustion or hybrid vehicles. This time, he appeared in a 100% electric model, marking a first in the history of the Republic.
The vehicle in question is the DS N°8 Présidentielle, a unique version of the new top-of-the-range electric model from DS Automobiles. This model is not yet available in dealerships. However, it was first seen at the end of 2024, in a still camouflaged version. Loyal to the brand since 2017 with the DS 7 Crossback, Emmanuel Macron is therefore continuing his partnership with DS, a premium subsidiary of the Stellantis group.
The Presidential DS No. 8 adopts a tailor-made style and artisanal manufacturing
This DS N°8 does not go unnoticed. It sports an exclusive Sapphire Blue color, a backlit tricolor grille, Blue-White-Red badges and integrated pennant holders. The interior is dressed in noble materials, such as hand-crafted straw marquetry or satin by Métaphores. French artisans, such as Atelier Lognon and the brand's saddlers, contributed to the development of this presidential version. The upholstery, in Nappa leather and Alcantara, reflects the codes of French luxury.
Under its bodywork lies modern technology. The DS N°8 is equipped with a 97.2 kWh battery, manufactured in France by ACC, and offers up to 750 km of range in the WLTP cycle (500 km on the highway). This figure will likely be lower on the presidential version, which is weighed down by Centigon-designed armor. The audio system, meanwhile, comes from Focal, a Saint-Etienne company. A small, controversial feature: although French in spirit, it is assembled in Italy, at the Stellantis factory in Melfi. An approach reminiscent of that of the recently deceased former Pope Francis, who also opted for an electric Popemobile designed on a Mercedes G-Class, a symbol of ecological commitment at the highest levels of the State... or the Church.
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