DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE
Review
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Overview
• Quiet, refined, smooth all-electric driving experience
• Excellent ride quality
• Individual design
• 320 kilometers range ideal for urban use
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is an all-electric compact SUV with characterful design and a cosseting ride that is ideal for our poor quality urban road surfaces
Background
The DS brand may not have been around in its own right for very long, but it has already committed to ending the sale of pure petrol or diesel cars by 2025, after which time all powertrains will be electrified. The start of that journey has begun with the launch of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, a pure electric compact SUV, and the first all-electric vehicle developed fully by the PSA Group (there have been electric Peugeots of course, such as the iOn, but this was developed by Mitsubishi).
Design & Engineering
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense shares the same all-electric platform as the Peugeot e-208 and the Opel Corsa-e. The powertrain consists of a 50kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the floor, and a 100kW (136hp) electric motor with 260Nm of torque. Whereas the Peugeot and the Opel are superminis, the DS 3 Crossback is a SUV – in other words, it’s a body style that’s in demand by buyers (but this is just a front-wheel drive rather than a four-wheel drive SUV). And to further set it apart, the DS has its own distinctive design, on the outside, and on the inside – where its ‘diamond’ theme is evident throughout. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is essentially the same car as the DS 3 petrol and diesel models – with the same boot volume – but with zero-tailpipe emissions.
Driving Experience
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has the benefits common to most EVs, ie. smooth, linear acceleration thanks to instantly available maximum torque, and this is achieved in near-silence, and with high levels of refinement. The DS 3 also has one key additional feature, which is very cossetting ride quality. This helps to create a feeling of even greater levels of refinement. Despite the ride being excellent, the handling is also impressive for a relatively high-riding car, and a key reason for this is that the battery is located low down under the floor. Although the battery adds 350kg of weight, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense saves 50kg compared to the petrol version due to the lack of an engine and gearbox, resulting in a total weight of 1,525 kg. The DS 3 is easy to drive, comfortable and enjoyable on all roads, from motorways to country lanes. Enthusiastic acceleration on wet cobbled streets occasionally results in the front wheels scrabbling for grip, but this is quickly addressed by the traction control system. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – which give the expected variety of acceleration outcomes, ranging from dialled-back to responsive. There’s also the option of selecting the ‘B’ transmission setting, rather than Drive, to result in greater levels of brake regeneration. DS says that the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense incorporates technology transfer gained from Formula E, specifically with maximising the amount of extra energy that can be captured from regenerative braking. The interior design, which aims to set aside the DS 3 as ‘premium’ within its segment, is inspired by the theme of diamonds, and this influence can be seen in the buttons for the infomedia system and in many other controls. Although such a design approach forms part of the premium feel that DS is aiming for, some aspects could be described as form over function.
Economy and Emissions
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has an official WLTP combined electric range of 320 kilometers. It wasn’t possible to check this figure on the launch event, but using regenerative braking certainly appeared to minimise the reduction in driving range. The car can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger (adding nearly 9 kms of range every minute). A home charge point will charge the battery to 100% in 8 hours. A heat pump reduces electrical consumption and you can heat or cool the cabin when the car is plugged in before driving using an app. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has an eight year or 160,000 kms warranty.
Conclusion
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense offers a pure electric powertrain in a B-segment SUV – a segment that is increasingly popular with car buyers. The DS 3, like other EVs, is quieter, more refined and delivers smoother acceleration than petrol-engined cars. What sets it apart is the comfortable ride – which is ideal for our poorly-maintained urban roads – and the unique styling and design touches. The driving range of 320 kms may be less than some other EVs, but the DS 3 is designed primarily as a car for use for shorter journeys rather than long motorway trips. And what about the ‘premium’ label and the associated price tag? The DS 3 is certainly very refined and very comfortable, and in a world where EVs have broadly similar driving experiences, the characterful DS design approach certainly provides differentiation.
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