It was co-developed by the PSA Group (Peugeot and Citroën) and Renault to replace the outdated V6 PRV engine.

Its sole iteration, the ES9 (PSA) or L7X (Renault), has a displacement of 2,946 cc (2.9 L), slightly less than the 3.0 L variant of the PRV.

A 3.3 L version was initially planned as well, but did not see production due to decreasing demand in V6 petrol engines in Europe and Renault's switch to Nissan-sourced V6 after its alliance with the Japanese carmaker.

Initially, the ESL produced 140 kW (190 PS; 188 bhp) in accordance with German and French insurance category limits in force at the time for engines under 3 litres.

(The BMW 2.8 and Audi 2.8 produced the same figure circa 194 PS (143 kW; 191 bhp)) In 2000, Porsche retuned the Peugeot/Citroën version of the engine introducing variable valve timing on the intake camshafts varying between 0 and 40 degrees, improving fuel consumption, low engine speed flexibility for the introduction of the Peugeot 607 and Citroën C5.