Renault beats DS to the post under the Arc de Triomphe

For the July 14, 2025 parade, Emmanuel Macron ultimately chose to ride up the Champs-Élysées aboard a Renault Rafale.

Each year, the presidential car for July 14 is scrutinized closely: beyond being just a vehicle, it symbolizes the technological, industrial, and even political face of France. In 2025, while all eyes were on the brand new DS No. 8 Presidential, it was ultimately the Renault Rafale that had the honor of the parade on the Champs-Élysées.

Renault can savor its comeback. After years of absence from the presidential procession—the last significant presence dating back to François Mitterrand’s Renault 25—the diamond brand made a notable return in 2024, with a Rafale prepared for the Élysée: a high-end armored coupe SUV, in “night blue” color, and featuring a specially arranged interior. This marked a way to assert its territory against DS Automobiles, which had been the favorite of the current president until then.

Since 2012, DS had established itself as the presidential brand: François Hollande’s DS5 hybrid, followed by the DS 7 Crossback Élysée used by Emmanuel Macron in 2022 and 2023, had revived this Gaullist lineage between the Republic and French automotive luxury.

In May 2025, DS had made a strong impression with the presentation of the DS No. 8 Presidential, the first 100% electric model dedicated to the role. With 750 km of range, full armor, tricolor finish, leather interior, and marquetry… everything seemed ready for a republican crowning on the avenue.

But in the end, it was the Rafale that was preferred. A choice of continuity, perhaps also of caution… After all, the DS No. 8 has yet to prove itself under the protocol conditions of a military parade.

In any case, Renault wins this symbolic round. And it proves that in 2025, presidential prestige can also rhyme with Diamond.

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