a deeply redesigned electric SUV is more successful
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Previously adorned with the Crossback suffix, the DS 3 E-Tense has been quite dated in terms of styling since its launch in 2019. The electric version of the DS 3 does, however, offer a mid-life restyling that allows it to expand its look. career. a few more years. DS Automobiles invited us to test drive this new version of their electric compact SUV around Valencia, Spain in early January 2023. And that’s important because 27% of DS 3 Crossbacks sold were in this zero-emissions version.
Based on the latest version of the Stellantis group’s CMP platform, the redesigned DS 3 E-Tense is now offered with standard LED headlights. Our test model had a rather elegant configuration, with a Crystal Pearl body color paired with an Onyx Black roof and a Rivoli-trimmed interior where Luxembourg cloth rubbed shoulders with Gravel Gray Nappa leather. It sat on Nice 18-inch alloy wheels.
Get old, chrome is going by the wayside
DS 3 E-Tense | Photos from our test of the redesigned electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
Stylistically restyled, this electric version of the DS 3 stands out above all with its new chrome-free front fascia. Designer Thierry Métroz told us that “it’s no longer a premium marker,” adding that “light signatures are replacing it.” And in the DS 3 E-Tense model, it thrives with the adoption of vertical stripes, as in the DS 4. The grille has also been redesigned with a sharper outline. The headlights are slightly redesigned, but divided into three blocks.
At the rear, the styling of our DS 3 E-Tense also ditches the chrome for a black lacquered headband that bears the French manufacturer’s name. These letters are made of polished stainless steel. For the rest, we in this car, we’ve experienced it – sometimes we find door handles that tend to want to eat a fingertip when you hold them…
More fishing under the right foot
DS 3 E-Tense | Photos from our test of the redesigned electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
Where this DS 3 E-Tense really improves is in terms of its engine. The city SUV inherits a new electric motor with 156 hp and 260 Nm of torque against the previous 136 hp. When you get behind the wheel of the DS 3 E-Tense, you really feel it. By activating the Sport driving mode, which releases all the power, the SUV is particularly dynamic. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in nine seconds and shines on acceleration, allowing very safe overtaking in the blink of an eye.
Excellent comfort in front of the SUV
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DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
Mounted behind the wheel of the DS 3 E-Tense, we appreciate the elevated position, which gives the impression of being in a larger car. It should be noted that the SUV is 4.12 meters long, 1.79 meters wide and 1.53 meters high. The handling is quite comfortable, obstacles on the road are removed and speed bumps can be taken at extreme speeds without any problems.
Playful but attentive demeanor
DS 3 E-Tense | Photos from our test of the redesigned electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
More nimble, the DS 3 E-Tense is fun to drive. But the weight of the SUV with the driver exceeds 1500 kilograms, because the battery is 340 kilograms. As a result, taking tight turns requires sharp acceleration, and sharp acceleration out of a curve causes the car to skid a bit. Fortunately, the electronics are there to correct the trajectory. We also had trouble with the brakes behind the wheel of the redesigned SUV, which was not to our liking.
It contained increased autonomy and consumption
DS 3 E-Tense | Photos from our test of the redesigned electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
Equipped with a battery with a capacity of 54 kWh (50.8 useful kWh) thanks to the new chemistry, the DS 3 E-Tense has an electric range of 404 kilometers according to the WLTP certification cycle, which is 25% more than before. It should be noted that Toulouse rims should be preferred in order to benefit from the maximum autonomy. DS Automobiles says it has managed to reduce the coefficient of friction by 7% thanks to design changes. The redesigned DS 3 E-Tense is therefore more aerodynamic than before.
During a long test of about 130 kilometers, in which we alternated department roads, urban areas and highways, we observed consumption varying between 14 and 15.5 kW/100 km in Normal mode with several activations of Sport mode. . We reached our destination with 60% of the remaining distance or 230 kilometers. DS Automobiles has confirmed to us that the engine has optimized its energy efficiency and it shows.
Remanufactured battery assembled in France
DS 3 E-Tense | Photos from our test of the redesigned electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
If the DS 3 E-Tense is still equipped with regenerative braking mode, of course you need to charge its battery. DS Automobiles announces that a 100 kW on-board charger can charge from 0 to 80% in 25 minutes via a direct current (DC) fast terminal.
According to DS Automobiles, charging from 0 to 100% with the 11 kW Wallbox on alternating current (AC) takes 5 hours and 45 minutes. The manufacturer said that it has improved the charging curve. The DS 3 E-Tense battery is now made of 80% nickel, 10% manganese and 10% cobalt. Located under the body of the car, it consists of 17 modules for 102 cameras and is assembled in France.
A more modern touch screen
DS 3 E-Tense | Photos from our test of the redesigned electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
Restyling of DS 3 E-Tense allows you to use a more successful dashboard. The presentation evolves with the introduction of a 10.3-inch touchscreen connected to the DS Iris System infotainment system. Much more fluid and responsive than the old system, this system can be customized with widgets. It can also work with the MyDS application and its connected services, such as the trip planner or the thermal pre-conditioning, which consumes a few percent of the autonomy.
There is still progress to be made for autonomous driving
DS 3 E-Tense | Our photos from the test of the updated electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
The interior of the DS 3 E-Tense is also equipped with a new multifunction steering wheel that makes it easy to operate various controls. The DS Drive Assist semi-autonomous driving system still needs to be improved. On the freeway, he often wants to take the exit. Therefore, if you dare to take your hands off the steering wheel for a few seconds, be careful as the system requires. The SUV also benefits from new high-definition cameras. They provide reassurance during certain maneuvers that you don’t want to do with the rear window alone, which is particularly narrow.
Very quiet cabin
DS 3 E-Tense | Our photos from the test of the updated electric SUV+19
DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Credit Photo – Autonews
Finally, if the DS 3 E-Tense’s rear seats are narrow due to the model’s famous shark fin feature, all SUV occupants should appreciate the filtering of outside noise. We really benefit from the royal silence inside this model. Even when driving in the city, you can’t hear the surrounding traffic. At higher speeds, this silence is broken by continuous sounds from the furniture, as well as the characteristic whistle of the engine.
Balance sheet
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DS 3 E-Tense (2023)Photo credit – Autonews
It is clear that the restyling of the DS 3 E-Tense is successful. While the first model had a few flaws, this second version of the electric SUV is a pleasure to drive thanks to its more powerful engine. Largely revised upwards, battery life isn’t really a concern for a model designed primarily for urban and extra-urban use. Launched on January 14, 2023, the redesigned DS 3 E-Tense has a base price of €41,700, excluding environmental bonuses. Our test model, fitted with mid-range Rivoli trim, cost €44,800 excluding options and government aid.
Short
DS Automobiles let us get behind the wheel of the redesigned DS 3 E-Tense in January 2023 in Valencia, Spain. Here are our photos from this test, where we were able to drive the electric compact SUV on roads, highways and even in urban areas. Autonomy, power, acceleration, grip, interior equipment… We put the redesigned DS 3 E-Tense under control.
