The 5300mm long and over 2000mm wide sedan, on display in the French pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai since May, is planned to crown the French car maker’s premium priced DS range when it goes on sale in 2013 wearing the name DS9.
At this stage, the new range topping Citroen model is only confirmed for sale in China. However, Citroen is expected to export the DS9 to Europe and other key world markets as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-class, BMW 7-series and Audi A8.
Speaking about the decision to place what is arguably its boldest concept ever into production, Citroen’s head of Asian operations, Gregoire Olivier said: The Metropolis will happen, it will become a real car. The styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen to be developed in China. We want to build up the premier line in the country, and this concept is central to this approach.”
Further details and images after the jump
The Metropolis sits on a stretched version of the Citroen C6’s platform that has been modified to accept four-wheel drive. Power comes from a compact 2.0-litre V6 in combination with a brushless electric motor. Together they produce a total of 460bhp.
It is unknown whether this advanced driveline will make its way onto the DS9. More likely is Citroen’s existing 215bhp 3.0-litre V6 or, alternatively, a BMW sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. Citroen and BMW already co-operate on smaller four-cylinder engines and hybrid drive systems.
Further details remain scarce, but indications are the DS9 will not only be developed but also built in China as part of Citroen’s joint venture with either the Changan Automobile Group or Dongfeng Motor Group – the latter of which recently announced it was establishing a third plant to handle the production of Citroen models.
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