We drive the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense: a different electric crossover

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense reached the market in 2019, as a complement in the range of the compact premium SUV alongside the versions with petrol and diesel engines. Let us remember that it is built on the modular platform, which allows it to share the assembly line with the combustion versions.

And if there is one car for which full electrification fits like a glove, it is this “stylish” SUV, which seeks to stand out for its style, but also for the refinement demanded of a car that wants to be premium.

In this respect, the E-Tense retains all the exterior and interior design features, equipment, materials, habitability and boot space (350 litres) of the combustion-engined versions, while reinforcing everything related to acoustic insulation and ride comfort. For example, thicker laminated glass is used for the doors and windows, as well as an acoustic windscreen. Externally it is distinguished by the front grille in an exclusive anthracite grey colour with the “E-Tense” logo, as well as by the specific bumpers and the 18-inch alloy wheels with a design exclusive to the electric model.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense: range and prices

Customers who opt for a DS 3 Crossback mostly choose the most luxurious trim levels, and this is repeated with the E-Tense, which reduces the offer to three trim levels. These are the combinations and prices for the Spanish market:

• DS 3 Crossback E-Tense So Chic 38,300 €
• DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Performance Line 39,100 €
• DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Grand Chic 43,200 €

As we will see at the end, when comparing it with its alternatives, these are not exactly affordable prices, unless a discount is obtained at purchase. In return, the equipment is top-level, as well as some of the options, including matrix LED headlights, for example.

The DS 3 Crossback, including its electric version, is one of the cars in its category that offers the greatest personalisation possibilities, among body colours and interior ambiences.

Behind the wheel of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

Although we have not been able to cover many kilometres behind the wheel of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, between the driving and the kilometres as a passenger we can form some first impressions. And there are not many surprises.

Like its “siblings” with which it shares platform and engine, the Opel Corsa-e and the Peugeot e-208, and like practically all the latest-generation electric cars, the first thing that stands out is the smoothness with which the electric DS 3 Crossback “glides” over the tarmac, whether in town or on the open road.

Acoustic insulation is very good even when you gain speed (the maximum is limited to 150 km/h), something that is achieved effortlessly when accelerating, especially in Sport mode, in which the motor delivers maximum power. There is an Eco mode aimed at maximum efficiency, and another intermediate mode in which the throttle response and maximum power are lower than in Sport mode. From the short lever on the centre tunnel, or via the paddles on the steering wheel, you can select “B” mode, in which the greatest level of regeneration occurs and, therefore, also of electric motor engine braking, to the point that it is often unnecessary to resort to the brakes to lose speed.

It should be borne in mind that the power, 136 CV, is not excessive, especially for a small car that nevertheless exceeds 1,500 kg kerb weight. But its 270 Nm of almost instantaneous torque goes a long way, very far indeed. You can drive and overtake safely on two-way roads, as we were able to verify. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is covered in 9 seconds.

The chassis, with a rear axle adapted for this electric version compared with the DS 3 with combustion engine, and aided by Michelin Primacy 4 tyres that guarantee grip without compromising rolling resistance, works alongside the propulsion system to deliver smoothness and comfort.

The average consumption during our route, with little city driving compared with the kilometres on country roads and motorways, came to around 20.5 kWh/100 km. Given the battery capacity, it will not be difficult to reach and exceed 300 km as long as the route is favourable or urban driving takes on more prominence. The homologated range according to the WLTP cycle is 320 km.

Battery and charging times

In any case, in addition to good range, the electric DS 3 Crossback also has charging well sorted.

The battery, liquid-cooled, has a total capacity of 50 kWh. As standard the car comes with a 7.4 kW on-board charger, which allows the battery to be fully charged in about 8 hours using a wallbox of that power. If with a plug-in hybrid you can consider overnight charging from a domestic socket, owners of an electric car have a harder time: in the case of the DS 3 Crossback, you would need more than 15 hours.

As is usual with electric cars, the DS also has the dedicated MyDS app, to remotely control various car parameters (remaining range, pre-conditioning of the cabin thanks to the heat pump, charging process) via a smartphone, or even plan a route and send it to the vehicle.

Alternatives to the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

We could widen the scope here and look for cars with a distinctive style regardless of whether they are electric or not, such as the successful Toyota CHR, a full hybrid available from around 22,000 euros with 122 CV, and from 27,600 euros in the 184 CV version.

But if we focus on cars with fully electric propulsion, among the main rivals of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a recent arrival, the Mazda MX-30. It is available from around 33,000 euros with a 145 CV motor, and for 37,000 euros in the best-equipped variant, which makes it a less costly option than the DS 3 Crossback, which it surpasses in finish quality and driving refinement. You can read our first test of the MX-30 here.

We can also consider as rivals to the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense the Hyundai Kona EV, or the BMW i3. The former can be chosen with 136 CV and a 39 kW battery from 27,000 euros, or with 204 CV and a 64 kWh battery from 32,000 euros, with a range exceeding 480 km. The i3 is, of the alternatives selected, the only one more expensive than the DS 3 E-Tense: it starts from 40,600 euros in the 170 CV version.

Other alternatives would be the two cars with which it shares platform and propulsion system, the Opel Corsa-e and the Peugeot e-208, clearly less costly (available from around 8,000 euros less than the DS 3), and with a more “utilitarian” approach.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense image gallery