It will be comparable to the BMW 5 Series, but not a sedan.

Since its inception as a separate brand within the PSA Group a few decades ago, DS has tried to distinguish itself from Peugeot Citroen and Citroen through transforming into a premium brand with a bespoke brand design and more premium touches. The company’s automotive presence is bolstered by the DS7 Crossback and forthcoming DS3 Crossback models. But what DS really needs is a flagship model.

It will be available in 2020 and carry the “DS 8” moniker. This moniker will allow it to compete with the BMW 5 Series (Audi A6), Mercedes E-Class (BMW E-Class), and the BMW 5 Series . The new DS 8 will not be a sedan, as the German trio did. The talented French designers have chosen a sleeker fastback instead. This will hopefully be a little more like the 2012 Citroen Numero 9 concept shown here.

The plan to create a new range topper at DS goes beyond gossip. Eric Apode (brand vice-president for product) did confirm that the model has received approval from execs. He spoke with Auto Express and mentioned that the design had been approved. He also said that the car would look “amazing,” different, and “spectacular.” The brand’s vice-president of product Eric Apode did reveal that the rear end has a new design. This design should prove more practical thanks to the hatchback design.

Apode stated that DS will not attempt to replicate the high-end models of its competitors in order to maintain its status as a premium brand. He also said that DS’s models would not be “copying a Mercedes car.”

The EMP2 platform will sit underneath the sleek body of the new Peugeot 508. This model is one of the most appealing in its class. It is expected that a plug-in hybrid setup will join the diesel and gasoline powertrains.

PSA has long been interested in a return from the United States, but has not yet decided on which brand to launch. The unnamed flagship could be a viable alternative to established luxury brands if DS takes that role.