The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense and DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4 go on sale in Spain

Just like the rest of the brand’s range, the French DS is also in the midst of transitioning its models towards electrification, a change that is already a reality with the opening of orders for its first two electric models: the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense and its flagship DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4. With this electric launch, DS can boast of having gotten ahead of the big “heavyweights” of the premium SUV segment, which will arrive shortly to continue the fight in this segment.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, the 100% electric B-SUV

Despite being a premium brand, DS’s philosophy is to offer extensive personalisation on its vehicles, and a good example of this is the DS 3 Crossback, which will continue to be offered in its electric E-Tense version. To this end, just like the rest of the range, we will have five base trim levels for which 10 types of wheels and 10 body colours are offered, including the new Crystal Black colour, plus three roof colours.

Nevertheless, as standard, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense will be characterised on the exterior by satin chrome finishes that combine with the chosen body colour, or 18-inch Kyoto model wheels. Aesthetically, the significant change compared with the combustion-engined versions is found at the rear, since, without an exhaust line, the rear bumper has been redesigned, now incorporating two small chrome design lines where the exhaust outlets would otherwise be.

Mechanically, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense will use an electric motor that delivers 136 CV of power and 260 Nm of torque, paired with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery. This motor offers a range of 320 km on the WLTP cycle and an acceleration to 50 km/h in 3.3 seconds, in addition to three driving modes: ECO, Normal and Sport, the latter for maximum performance and a sharper dynamic feel at the expense of range.

In addition, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense will feature technology brought directly from Formula E thanks to the involvement and experience of DS Performance, specifically the energy recovery system during deceleration and braking, which can be controlled by the driver. The system will have a Normal mode to emulate the behaviour of an internal combustion engine, while in Brake mode it is capable of applying a deceleration of 1.3 m/s².

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense can now be ordered, with a starting price set at €38,300.

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 plug-in hybrid

With the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4, being the brand’s flagship SUV, there are design elements that only this model can feature, although, like the rest of the models, we can also give it our personal touch thanks to the list of available options. Nevertheless, exclusive to this model, we can fit 19-inch London model wheels or use the Cristal Black body colour; while inside, the letter E engraved on the gear lever will indicate which model we are in, the 12-inch touchscreen will display specific information, and we can equip it with the new DS Rivoli finish in Pearl Grey.

On the technology front, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 will feature systems focused on safety and comfort. Thus, we will find aids designed to enhance driving, such as the DS Connected Pilot system to introduce us to the world of autonomous driving, or the DS Active Scan Suspension active system, which anticipatively and continuously manages the response of the dampers based on road imperfections.

In terms of mechanics, the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 will feature a petrol engine delivering 200 CV, combined with two electric motors of 100 CV each, resulting in a total power output of 300 CV and 450 Nm of torque, giving it an average consumption of 1.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 31 g/km on the WLTP cycle. It uses a 13.2 kWh battery that allows it to travel up to 58 km in fully electric mode on the WLTP cycle, in addition to allowing us to select between the Electric, Hybrid, Sport, 4WD and Comfort driving modes according to our needs.

It will also feature the energy recovery system, although, having a combustion engine already, it will only have the Brake mode to maximise range as much as possible. That said, we will have another function called E-Save, which locks the battery charge in reserve so the electric energy can be used when the driver deems it necessary.

The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 is also now available to order, with a starting price set at €49,400.