Citroen DS5 LS : China-only premium sedan revealed

The DS5 LS sedan will join the regular Citroen DS5 wagon at the Chang'an Automobile Group's Shenzhen production plant ahead of its launch in China in March.

At 4700mm long, 1840mm wide and 1500mm tall, the Citroen DS5 LS is 170mm longer and 30mm wider than the regular DS5, and while its 2710mm wheelbase is 20mm shorter than that of the wagon, Citroen claims it will be the longer than its those of it rivals in China’s premium mid-sized sedan class.

The DS5 LS will be available with two 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines: a 120kW/240Nm naturally aspirated unit and a higher-performance 147kW/275Nm turbo.

The Citroen DS5 LS takes inspiration from the French brand’s Numero 9 and Wild Rubis concepts, and claims to give a stylistic nod to the original DS of the 1950s with its broad, sculpted grille.

Twin chrome lines flow from the bonnet to the boot and above the side skirts at the base of the doors.

The DS5 LS’s premium interior largely mirrors that of the wagon, retaining its watchstrap-pattern leather seats and aircraft-style ceiling-mounted switchgear, while introducing new wood trim highlights.

Standard features of the DS5 LS include keyless entry and push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, blind spot monitor, and a range of multimedia systems.

Citroen’s DS line is a standalone brand in China, sold out of a network of more than 50 DS stores.

Citroen says the DS5 and DS5 LS will be joined by a new DS-badged SUV before the end of 2014 – expected to be a production version of the Wild Rubis concept.

The Citron DS5 wagon is available in Australia from $48,990.