DS 3 Crossback E-Tense electric crossover. Test, reviews, photos, prices and accessories

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is the twin of Groupe PSA models such as the Opel Mokka and Peugeot 2008, and is also closely related to the Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208. In this German-French group, the letter “DS” is synonymous with prestige and natural structure. It has been this way since 2009, when the Citroen premium line was marked in this way, and since 2014 it has been a separate brand.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is an electric translation of the crossover that comes from the first model in the “DS” line. It was shown for the first time in the summer of 2018 at the Paris Motor Show. The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is a five-door B-segment. Its body is 4,188 mm long, 1,790 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,558 mm and the basic trunk capacity is 350 l.

Prices for the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense model in Poland start at PLN 159,900 total. The tested unit in DS Performance Line equipment version with additional equipment was valued at PLN 194,099.99 at catalog prices.

Embossing on the doors, “aileron” behind the pillar B to break the line of the side windows.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

Sports and luxury – this is the first impression made by the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. The aggressive features are complemented by crystal-like headlights, an open grille and “teardrop” daytime running lights.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

The rear of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is more subdued, without unnecessary additions.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

The amount of space in the back seat is not surprising, especially when you want to take a very good position behind the wheel by moving the seat back.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

350 liters of trunk space is enough for a city car. A plus for the charging cable and easy closure.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

Technology

Under the hood of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense electric motor with a power of 136 HP (100 kW), providing 260 Nm of maximum torque. It works with a 1-speed CVT gearbox. The top speed is 150 km / h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes 8.7 seconds.

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Under the floor is a battery with a total capacity of 50 kWh. This is to ensure a maximum range of 340 km. According to the manufacturer, driving economically on a very long route will allow you to cover up to 100 km more, and the minimum average should not be less than 280 km.

Charging takes place via a Type 2 connector or a CCS 2 fast charger, a A full charge via the wall box will take more than 5 hours.

260 Nm of torque is immediately available. Although 8.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h is not impressive, accelerating to 50 km / h in urban conditions can be fun.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

Mode “B” means stronger, more visible energy recovery, i.e. energy recovery during braking.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

On the left rear side is the CCS 2/Type 2 connector.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

A lifestyle

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense’s bold body, thoughtful accents and avant-garde interior leave no doubt that we are dealing with a project from France.. Visually, the electric version of the E-Tense does not differ from the one with combustion engines. Large design grill with DS logo, LED lights retractable door handles like jewels. This is the car that people stare at on the road. Green license plates (which allow you to drive in the bus lane and park for free in the zone) definitely help attract attention.

When we look inside, we will see basically … rhombuses. This is the main graphic motif that can be found, among others, on the dashboard, headliners, buttons on the center console. The side vents were moved to the door pillars.

The velvet-covered dashboard looks solid, futuristic and sporty. However, you have to get used to it, and more specifically touch buttons and switches. The touchscreen multimedia screen is clearly visible from the dashboard. The flat-bottom steering wheel also attracts attention. Instead of the clocks raised above the steering wheel – like the Peugeot – in the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense we have a color screen hidden behind it.

The seats are very simple, they are covered with fabric upholstery with a different texture as well as velvet. Adjustment of backrest and seat position – guide. Among them, good and big drink holders, a large storage area on the leather part of the hands, two USB ports, and lots of space for smartphones.

The rear seat is theoretically three seats, but in practice it is aimed at two adults. Otherwise, middle seat passengers will have to do something with their legs because of the middle tunnel. That being said, there are no folded arms at the center back.

Simple seats, but stylistically strong cockpit – this is the first impression of the interior of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

In this version of the equipment, the cockpit gives a sporty feeling – the leather is replaced by velvet.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

Rhombus-shaped panels contain air vents, temperature controls, multimedia controls and basic menu functions. The Start/Stop button is below them.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

The doors look bigger thanks to the side air vents placed on them.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

The door handles extend as the driver approaches the vehicle.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

Mirror-like LED lights are characteristic of the DS.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

The DS Performance line is a variant of sports equipment that cannot be denied elegance.

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Marcin Walków / Business Inside Polska

Driving experience

When driving, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense delivers what you would expect from an electric vehicle. It is quiet, smooth, and when necessary – powerful. It is a crossover with the same dimensions as a city compact, and high torque is immediately available, so even 136 HP allows you to squeeze sparks from it.

The driving position is also sporty – you sit down, holding a thin wreath in your hands. The buttons on the center control are responsible for the electric windows.

A few more words about the ergonomics mentioned earlier. The driver for whom the DS 3 7 Crossback will be the only car, after some time, will be able to drive with his eyes closed. However, from the point of view of a person who does not have the opportunity to “get used to” the rooster to the same extent during the test of several days. The cockpit of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is not intuitive. The touch buttons on the diamond-shaped panels are arranged in such a way that you have to look for them without taking your eyes off the road. In the case of DS, Citroen and Peugeot, you have to accept that the temperature is controlled on the touch screen.

At the beginning of the test, the computer predicted a range of 280 km. However, it should be noted that this is a prediction based, among others, on the driving style. In practice, more than 300 kilometers were achieved during the test.

The average electricity consumption during the test was 14.2 kWh, mainly in the urban cycle. The predicted charging time from the pole when the battery charge decreased to 50% was up to 7 hours. The wall socket is not enough. When you think about the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense with a 50 kWh battery, you need to invest in a wall box or a subscription to a network of fast chargers, because there are very few free ones.