DS 3 E-Tense

The DS 3 E-Tense is a five-door compact electric crossover from DS Automobiles, the French premium sub-brand under Stellantis. It’s front-wheel drive, single motor, and sits at the entry point of the DS EV lineup — the smallest thing they sell. Originally called the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense when it launched in 2019, it was significantly updated in January 2023 with a larger battery, more power, and a refreshed interior. That update is what you’re buying today.

What Is the DS 3 E-Tense? Segment, Body Type and Drivetrain

The DS 3 E-Tense is a B-segment premium compact crossover. Five doors, front-wheel drive, single permanent magnet synchronous motor making 154 hp. It competes in one of the busiest EV segments in Europe — small SUVs priced between £30,000 and £45,000 — where it goes up against the Volkswagen ID.3, Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, and its own platform cousin, the Peugeot e-2008.

What makes it different from those cars is mostly how it looks and feels inside. The styling is distinctive enough that people notice it on the road. Whether that’s worth paying a premium over the mechanically near-identical e-2008 is the real question the DS 3 forces you to answer.

DS 3 E-Tense Battery, Range and Real-World Expectations

Battery: 54 kWh total / 50.8 kWh usable Official range: 250 miles WLTP (applies to mid and upper trims) Real-world estimate: 185–210 miles on mixed roads

That 250-mile WLTP figure is the headline number, but plan around 200 miles for everyday use — less in winter, particularly on the entry Performance Line trim, which doesn’t include a heat pump. The mid and upper grades get one as standard, and in colder climates that makes a measurable difference. The updated 2023 model gained around 50 miles of WLTP range over the outgoing DS 3 Crossback, entirely from the larger battery pack.

DS 3 E-Tense Charging Speed: AC, DC and Time-to-Charge

AC onboard charger: 11 kW (0–100% in approximately 5.5 hours) DC fast charging: 100 kW peak via CCS (10–80% in approximately 30 minutes)

Those numbers are solid for this segment. The 30-minute DC window is consistent with class rivals. One thing to note: the 100 kW DC ceiling hasn’t changed since the pre-facelift car, which means the larger 2023 battery refills in roughly the same time — not faster. For most buyers doing occasional longer journeys, that’s fine. If you’re doing regular motorway runs and optimising charge stops, you might notice it.

DS 3 E-Tense Price, Trims and Running Context

UK price range: from £36,030 (Performance Line) to £42,000+ (upper trims) European price: from €41,700

The DS 3 sits above platform-siblings the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric by roughly £1,000–£2,000 at equivalent spec, and meaningfully below the Mercedes EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge. Within DS’s own lineup it’s the entry EV — the DS 7 E-Tense is the larger, more expensive step up, and there’s nothing below the DS 3.

The buyer this suits is fairly specific: urban and suburban drivers who want something with design character, aren’t covering 200-plus miles daily, and want a premium cabin experience without stretching to a C-segment budget. It’s less convincing as a family car — at 4,118 mm long, rear space is limited and boot volume is modest by modern standards.

For direct comparison buyers, the Peugeot e-2008 is the most relevant reference point. Same platform, same motor, roughly the same range, lower price. The DS 3 asks you to pay more for design and brand positioning. Whether that stacks up depends on how much those things matter to you.

DS 3 E-Tense Images

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Full Electric Vehicle Specifications