The first teaser images of the upcoming Citroen DS9, the flagship version of the French brand’s premium DS range, have been revealed online. The new Citroen DS9 will be based off the Citroen Metropolis concept car that was unveiled at the 2010 Shanghai Motor Show, and would join the ranks of the DS3 city car, the DS4 small car and the DS5 mid-sizer. The Citroen DS9  is believed to be squarely aimed at the Chinese markets, and it could be seen as a direct competitor for the Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans.

“The same styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen car to be developed in China. We want to build up the premier line in China – the Metropolis is emblematic of our approach,” Gregoire Olivier, CEO of Asian Operations, said about the DS9 back in 2010.

While the Metropolis concept car was clearly a sedan, the teaser images of the DS9 suggests a possible shooting-brake-style rear end. Moreover, while the Metropolis concept car was revealed with a 2.0-litre petrol V6 linked to an electric motor, Citroen is yet to reveal what the powerplant on the DS9 will be. The Citroen DS9 is expected to make its debut at the 2012 Beijing motor show in April.

via Caradvice