Previously believed to be named DS9, the French study is called the Numéro 9 concept, though Citroën makes it clear that it belongs to the DS lineup.
Citroën says that the Numéro 9 introduces the more chic and premium DS lineup to Chinese consumers before the company launches its first DS products onto the market later this year.
More importantly though, Citroën states that the Numéro 9 refines the brand's design language and signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models including a C-segment premium sedan (think Audi A3 Sedan), an SUV and a D-segment (mid-size) executive saloon.
As you can see, Citroën is all hyped up about its DS line, which currently consists of the DS3 supermini, DS4 sport hatch and the larger DS5, and all for good reason as it has notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide just two years after launch.
Citroën doesn't say if the Numéro 9 will result in a production model, but the French carmaker's executives have previously confirmed the brand's intentions to build a flagship model.
The Numéro 9 is a follow up to the impressive 2010 Metropolise concept, which was also shown in China. However, the new DS study sports a shooting brake body, while at 4.93m (194.1-inches) long and 1.94m (76.4-inches) wide, with a 3m (118.1-inches) wheelbase, it's also more compact in dimensions than the 5.3m long (208.7-inches) Metropolis. Nevertheless, it's still longer and wider than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The French brand claims that it provides plenty of room for rear occupants, adding that the three glass areas in the roof creates "a welcoming, friendly cabin ambience".
Citroën tells us that we should take special note of certain design elements such as the new front-end with the sculpted, 3-dimensional grille surround that flows into the full-LED headlights, as well as the floating roof underlined by chrome trim and the glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear window, as these styling cues will appear on the next DS models.
Under the hood, Citroën says that the Numéro 9's hybrid powertrain can combine a conventional petrol or diesel engine (depending on the market) with an electric motor on the rear axle that develops 70hp and torque of 200Nm, and which has the added benefit of offering four-wheel drive.
The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in three and-a-half hours from a normal domestic socket providing a range of 50km (around 31miles) in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode.
The model that will go on display at the Beijing Motor Show is fitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine (shared with the BMW Group's Mini brand) developing 225hp (165kW) and 275Nm of torque.
Together, the combustion engine and electric motor can produce up to 295hp allowing for a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 244km/h (152mph).
According to Citroën, if the driver makes use of the car's pure electric mode, the Numéro 9 returns up to 166mpg UK (1.7lt/100km or 138mpg US) over a combined cycle.
Needless to say, the Numéro 9 is fitted with a traditional hydraulic active suspension.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONSLength: 4.93m
Width: 1.94m
Height: 1.27m
Wheelbase: 3m
WEIGHTTotal laden weight: 1,500kg
PLUG-IN HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225hp (165kW) / torque of 275Nm
Electric motor on rear axle: power of 70hp / torque of 200Nm
ZEV mode: range of 50km
PERFORMANCE AND CONSUMPTION0 to 1,000m: 25.3 seconds
0 to 62mph: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 152mph (244kph)
Consumption: 166mpg (1.7l/100km) over a combined cycle MVEG
CO2 Emissions: 39g/km
AERODYNAMICSCdA: 0.61
RUNNING GEARMICHELIN tyres 245/35 ZR21
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