The steering wheel of the new DS N°8 is a surprise. Its ‘X’ shape is unprecedented, and this steering wheel breaks with codes like the one designed by Marcello Gandini for the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo below. However, although Marcelo Gandini’s design was original to say the least, its grip was altered. Not so with the ‘X’ steering wheel of the DS N°8, quite the contrary.
This new steering wheel is perfectly ergonomic and, in addition to its rather small diameter and its comfortable position at ‘10.10’, lugs make the position at ‘9.15’ equally comfortable. In short, an all-weather steering wheel!
DS can’t wait for you to see this central innovation in the interior design of the brand’s new flagship model. The DS Design Studio website(https://www.dsdesignstudio.paris/fr/) reveals the genesis of DS N°8 and states, with regard to this steering wheel, that ‘ this innovative new X shape was already present on several concepts and is now becoming a reality for DS customers. This novel shape offers pre-emptive zones that deliver enhanced ergonomics. Our testers have driven thousands of kilometres to ensure optimum driving pleasure.
And there won’t be just one steering wheel, but three, with finishes to match the choice of materials on board. ‘ Its rim is covered in different materials depending on the trim level. This new steering wheel also contributes to the notion of close thermal comfort through its heated function. And the icing on the cake… the steering wheel’s four spokes are finished with the ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloché pattern below, which can also be found on the air vents.
Having held this famous ‘X’ steering wheel in my hands, I have no doubt that the ergonomics are spot on. But what about acceptance by the general public? The tests seem rather reassuring on this point. So this steering wheel is heading in the right direction…
And then there are the die-hard fans of the Citroën DS model, from which the young DS Automobiles brand takes its name, who swear by the single-spoke model. So be it. But you have to keep up with the times, respect normal safety and design standards, and realise that a steering wheel is no longer the hoop that used to turn the wheels. An airbag has taken possession of its hub, controls have multiplied on the steering console and now the steering wheel is home to a plethora of other all-purpose controls. So, was it really possible to have just one arm, rather than four in the shape of an ‘X’?
In order not to answer this question, but to make our own contribution, we invite you to discover the project of Ruben Teverow, an American designer (open to work: looking for a job) who lives in California. From January to April 2024, he worked as a trainee for… Stellantis!
And what’s more, he proposed his vision of future interiors for the DS brand after having produced a project for Chrysler. From his 2035 DS X project (see here: https: //www.behance.net/rubenteverow?locale=fr_FR) we have selected the design of his steering wheel. It’s a single-spoke design. Ruben’s entire project also touches on the choice of colours and materials on board, and proposes a refined design.
Obviously, you have to compare like with like. Ruben’s project is not hampered by the constraints of industrialisation. On the other hand, the experience of the DS Automobiles interior design team, led by Thomas Bouveret, is undoubtedly one of the most advanced, with powerful expertise in the choice of on-board concepts. The official DS Design Studio website also quotes ‘ under the direction of Thomas Bouveret: Sylvain Gaudichon, Clément Porée, Arthur Portal, Luc Quirin, Guillaume Godart and Tzu Han Chu ’.
We will of course be adding Mathilde Fourreau, who is responsible for colours, materials and finishes on the DS N°8 project. As you can guess from this internship, and as for all the car manufacturers on the planet, the search for creativity is relentless, even if it means experimenting with young designers. The increasingly competitive environment demands it. Thierry Metroz’s team has not waited for this to happen, even if it has had to let go of other talent with the internal design movements within the Stellantis group. As for the single-spoke steering wheel in a DS, perhaps that’s for another time…
