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DS 3 E-Tense

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Expert Rating

DS 3 E-Tense

(2020 – present)

    Summary


    Formerly known as the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, the DS 3 E-Tense is an electric version of the regular DS 3 crossover. It arrived in the UK in early 2020, joining the petrol and diesel versions that had been on sale for about a year already.

    The E-Tense shares both its overall platform and electric powertrain with the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Corsa Electric and other small vehicles in the Stellantis family.

    In late 2021, an update was announced that improved the DS Crossback’s driving range. A further mid-life update landed in early 2023, which dropped the ‘Crossback’ tag, introduced a few cosmetic tweaks and another battery upgrade.

    The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has been praised for its distinctive styling, both inside and out. It’s smoother and quieter than the petrol or diesel models, with a comfortable ride. However, it’s not as practical as other vehicles that use the same platform, like the Peugeot e-2008, and is a similar price as larger vehicles with better battery range from other brands, like the Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona Electric.

    Based on the 25 reviews we currently have in our database (as of September 2023), the DS 3 E-Tense tends to score more highly than the petrol and diesel versions from most reviewers. Its overall Expert Rating of 53% is currently about seven points higher.

    DS 3 E-Tense highlights

    • Lavish and refined interior
    • Leisurely driving experience
    • Stylish exterior
    • Intuitive infotainment
    • Rather agile for an SUV

    DS 3 E-Tense lowlights

    • Rivals have more battery range
    • Poor rear visibility
    • Expensive compared to alternatives
    • Less cabin and storage space than others
    • Susceptible to thieves due to poor tech

    Key specifications


    Body style: Small SUV/crossover
    Motor: electric, battery-powered
    Price: From £37,200 on-road

    Launched: Winter 2019/20
    Last updated: Spring 2023
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Fleetworld

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    Green Car Guide

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    Honest John

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    Move Electric

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    Parkers

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    The Sunday Times

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which EV?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: July 2019
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 96%
    Child protection: 86%
    Vulnerable road users: 64%
    Safety assist: 76%

    Note on safety rating

    All DS 3 models sold in the UK qualify for a five-star Euro NCAP rating, although additional safety equipment is available at extra cost. In some other European markets, the DS 3 Crossback only has a four-star rating as standard due to lower levels of safety equipment.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of September 2023, the DS 3 E-Tense has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of September 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the DS 3 to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the DS 3, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models247 milesB246 – 249 milesB – B
    Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models4.5 m/KWhA4.1 – 5.3 m/KWhA – C
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models33C21 – 50A – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£123A
    Year 2£327A
    Year 3£508A
    Year 4£694A
    Year 5£949A
    Overall£2,601A

    The DS 3 E-Tense is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

    Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is excellent, meaning that even th erelatively small battery offers a decent amount of driving range.

    Servicing and maintenance costs are also exemplary, with the five-year predictions showing a straight-A result. Insurance is the worst-performing cost here, and even that is merely average rather than being poor.

    Security rating

    Thatcham Research 600x300

    Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

    Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
    Relay Attack: Fail

    Date: 2019

    The DS 3 Crossback automatically received a Poor rating from Thatcham Research because it failed a relay attack test, which measures the security of a car’s keyless entry and/or keyless start system. All DS 3 Crossback models (petrol, diesel and E-Tense electric versions) are susceptible to thieves intercepting the car’s keyless signal and using it to steal the car.

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the DS 3 E-Tense, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    BMW i3 | Citroën ë-C4 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia e-Niro | Kia Soul EV | Lexus UX 300e | Mazda MX-30 | MG ZS EV | Mini Electric | Peugeot e-2008 | Vauxhall Mokka-e | Volvo XC40 Recharge


    More news, reviews and information about the [Make and Model] at The Car Expert

    Note: Set ‘sorting and filtering’ to the relevant model

    Facelifted DS 3 discards Crossback branding

    Facelifted DS 3 discards Crossback branding

    DS 3 (2010 to 2019)

    DS 3 (2010 to 2019)

    DS 3 Crossback stretches electric range

    DS 3 Crossback stretches electric range

    Plaudits for Mazda in green motoring tests

    Plaudits for Mazda in green motoring tests

    DS 3 Crossback Performance Line test drive

    DS 3 Crossback Performance Line test drive

    Thieves can “steal keyless cars in ten seconds”

    Thieves can “steal keyless cars in ten seconds”

    DS 3

    DS 3

    DS 3 Crossback test drive

    DS 3 Crossback test drive

    Prices and specifications announced for new DS 3 Crossback

    Prices and specifications announced for new DS 3 Crossback

    New cars to look forward to in 2019

    New cars to look forward to in 2019

    DS 3 Crossback doubles upmarket brand

    DS 3 Crossback doubles upmarket brand

    DS 3 Crossback to take on Audi Q2

    DS 3 Crossback to take on Audi Q2

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    The DS 3 E-Tense electric SUV has been praised for its distinctive styling, but it's expensive and the battery range is sub-par.DS 3 E-Tense