Citroen DS 5LS: Big luxury Citroen saloon for China

The Citroen DS 5LS has been revealed as the biggest, most luxurious Citroen DS yet and aimed only at the Chinese market.

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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-aniline 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.