In case you were unaware, France swore in a new president over the weekend, with 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron officially becoming the youngest president in modern French history. The event was marked with the usual speeches and pageantry, but gearheads will care more about the debut of a new presidential ride – an upgraded DS 7 Crossback SUV.

DS Automobiles’ Twitter feed detailed the vehicle, while also posting pics of it carrying Macron as he rolled down to Champs-Elysees after his inauguration. Macron’s DS 7 gets a slew of nice touches, including dark blue exterior paint, 20-inch alloy wheels, gold flake trim inside and out, plus plenty of Tricolour flag emblems. The interior also gets leather upholstery with a “Black Art” theme, a nod to a Parisian district, while the roof gets an open top to provide Macron the opportunity to wave to his supporters.

DS first introduced its new 7 Crossback a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show, but this is the first time it’s been pictured out in public and driving on the road. As the brand’s first Euro-focused SUV, a presidential motorcade isn’t a bad way to introduce the model to the public. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in January. Meanwhile, the model pictured above will be on display in Paris at DS World.

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Why It Matters

The DS 7 Crossback is actually the latest in a long line of presidential DS cars, dating back to the ‘60s with General Charles de Gaulle. And while here in the States the official presidential car brand of choice is typically a Cadillac, it makes sense for France to go with DS. What’s more, the French automaker is quick to point out the DS 7 Crossback’s onboard autonomous technology, which combined with Macron’s future-leaning policies, could set the stage for some real innovation in the realm of driverless cars.

Read our full review on the 2018 DS 7 Crossback here.