Owner reviews for the DS 5
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Overall rating 4.5/5With its striking looks inside and out along with a roomy cabin, the DS 5 stands out among family hatchbacks. It truly is a car for those who want to drive something distinctive.
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No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4.5/5The DS 5 is a large family hatchback created to bring a bit of French flair to everyday motoring. People are drawn to it for its unique features, standout shape and premium interior details, inspired by the likes of the watchmaking and aerospace industries. First launched in 2011 as the Citroën DS5, it became the DS 5 in 2015, after Citroën spun off the DS brand. UK sales ran until 2018. Though it competes with classics like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, the DS 5 definitely takes a bolder approach with sculpted seats, a dramatic dashboard and eye-catching chrome. Most models come well-equipped, with luxurious massage seats on higher specs.
The DS 5 was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating when new, offering multiple airbags, stability control and an emergency call system. Later models added optional safety tech, like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and auto-dipping headlamps. It's well-equipped for its era, though you won't find some of the more modern driver aids.
The DS 5 range offers a choice of engines. There' the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels and 1.6 turbo petrol, plus a diesel-electric Hybrid4. The 2.0 diesel is a favourite for real-world punch and economy.
In earlier DS 5 models, you'll find more basic features, including lots of buttons. From 2015 onwards, a seven-inch touchscreen emerged, which comes with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Other tech involves keyless entry, parking sensors and a head-up display. Upper trims add heated seats and even a massage function.
Official figures put diesel models at up to 70mpg, with the petrol engine at around 48mpg. Expect real-world diesel efficiency to be around 40 to 45mpg and the petrol to only reach 30mpg. The Hybrid4 can claim approximately 80mpg on paper, but in reality returns 45 to 50mpg.
Look out for suspension knocks, electrical niggles and any issues with the hybrid system. Check for a well-stamped service history and inspect for wear in the plush interior, too. The AA Vehicle Inspection can give you more confidence in your chosen used car.
Diesels are generally robust and the hybrid model is surprisingly more reliable than you might expect, though can be expensive to fix if major components fail. Running costs are fair for the class.