The DS 7 Crossback is certainly distinctive, featuring a large chrome grille and sharp creases. The front looks smart and eye-catching, although there’s definitely a hint of Audi in the shape of the headlights and grille. At the rear, there are sleek LED brake lights that are connected by a chrome Crossback badge, and there’s also a sporty looking diffuser and chrome exhaust tips. The car comes with plastic cladding around the wheel arches and bumpers to emphasise the SUV feel, while the slightly sloping roof won’t impede headroom too much.

While the outside might look similar to some German offerings, you can’t say the same about the DS 7’s interior. Dominating the cabin is a huge touchscreen infotainment system with sharp graphics and as few buttons as possible beneath it. There’s also a digital instrument cluster that promises a number of different screen configurations and information displays. Some of the switchgear seems similar to the DS 5 estate, but that means it feels different to the German alternatives. It’s a different take on a premium SUV, and the seats help that impression. There’s little pretend sportiness – big French cars often major on comfort. That said, the dark colour scheme in this photo makes the interior look quite moody. A lighter colour might lift it up more.

The DS7’s major party piece is some of the coolest headlamps yet to grace any production car. All but the entry-level models will sport active lights which pulse purple on unlock and actively swivel in a captivating show of illuminatory splendour at start-up. They’ve nabbed a trick or two from the premium sector, using 22 metres of adhesive in the construction to make a 25% stiffer and quieter structure (better for handling, refinement and crash safety).