French carmaker DS Automobiles unveils its new DS3 E-Tense, a small 100% electric SUV. Sold for 41,700 euros, it is a visual and technical restyling of the DS3 Crossback that notably increases its autonomy and fast charging.
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense was never really a recommendable electric car. Based on the platform of its cousin, the Peugeot e-208, it proved to be too energy-hungry, with too little range and too high a price. But now, the new DS 3 E-Tense (which has dropped the term Crossback) has erased some of its predecessor’s shortcomings.
The New DS3 E-Tense, MORE POWER, AND RANGE
The great novelty of the electric DS 3 in the 2023 version is the arrival of a new engine – battery couple. The old 100 kW (136 hp) engine is replaced by a 115 kW (156 hp) block with a torque of 260 Nm. This is the famous Emotors M3 block found on the new Peugeot e-308, produced in partnership with Stellantis and made in France! As for the battery, the old 50 kWh battery is replaced by a further 54 kWh battery (50.8 helpful kwh).
DS promises a range of 402 km on the mixed cycle WLTP. This is much better than its predecessor, technical cousins, or even the new MG4. The latter offers a range of 450 km but with a battery capacity of 64 kWh. DS announces a 12.6 kWh / 100 km consumption on mixed cycle WLTP.
According to DS, this has been worked on thanks to the use of LEDs, but also through “aerodynamic optimization of the front and wheels, and a 10 mm reduction in ground clearance on versions with 17 and 18 inch Tall & Narrow wheels”. But also by the use of a new gearbox. It is precisely the change of gearbox that had allowed the Peugeot e-208 to see its autonomy increase without changing the battery.
New DS3 E-Tense: FASTER CHARGING
Fast charging has also been improved. It takes only 25 minutes to go from 0 to 80%, which is an excellent value. Competitors expect 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. This is good news for long journeys. The onboard charger, with a power of 11 kW, should allow the car to be recharged in about 5 hours at an AC terminal.
As standard, the car is fitted with a heat pump to help save energy in winter and optimize the battery’s temperature for a quick charge. In addition, the cells are cooled by liquid circulation to avoid excess heat.
New DS3 E-Tense, A REVISED DESIGN, BUT SLIGHTLY
The design has, of course, been revised, but only slightly. Only an expert eye can distinguish the DS 3 Crossback from a new DS 3. The grille is slightly more comprehensive, and the latest LED headlights change the car’s look slightly. A new grille is also part of the package.
Inside, the infotainment has been updated, with a new 10.3-inch screen accompanying the 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The head-up display is still part of the package. The New DS 3 also offers new driving aids, such as a 360-degree view when maneuvering, thanks to “new high-resolution digital cameras.”
New DS3 E-Tense, LEVEL 2 AUTONOMOUS DRIVING
The DS 3 also features other more comprehensive and unprecedented aids: “active lane keeping assistance, speed sign reading, with information displayed on the handset, automatic emergency braking up to 85 km/h”. In addition, DS is announcing level 2 autonomous driving, thanks to the various cameras and radars.
The little bonus is that the handles on the four doors retract automatically to improve the car’s aerodynamics, as stated in the manufacturer’s press release.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY OF THE NEW DS 3 E-TENSE
The new DS 3 E-Tense will be available to order from September 27. The most affordable configuration of this electric car made in France, in Poissy, will cost 41,700 euros. That’s more expensive than the 39,300 euros currently claimed for the previous DS3 E-Tense and much more than the Renault Megane E-Tech. And without forgetting the Renault Zoe with its 395 km of autonomy, available for 33,700 euros. Unfortunately, DS has not yet announced delivery times.