Test Drive DS 3 Crossback E-Tense: Luxury à la Française

DS3 crossback e-Tense

Test Drive DS 3 Crossback: Let's go for our test drive of the Citroën DS 3 Crossback. E-Tense.

DS, the brand Premium Citroën has unveiled an electric 100 % version of the DS 3 Crossback. Named E-Tense, this DS 3 is an original SUV that is not afraid to assert its style. The design is exotic, even controversial, but the performance will have everyone in agreement. This is the first electric DS. Will it live up to the reputation of the iconic brand and its legendary comfort?

HIGH-TECH STYLE ICON

Sculptural styling and unprecedented proportions, exclusive innovations and unique refinement, the 100 % electric E-TENSE, DS 3 CROSSBACK pushes back the boundaries. Its brand new technological platform opens up new horizons, both technically and stylistically. Both a city car and a traveller, DS 3 CROSSBACK defies convention and opts for spectacular technologies.

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HIGH-TECH STYLE ICON

Sculptural styling and unprecedented proportions, exclusive innovations and unique refinement, the 100 % electric E-TENSE, DS 3 CROSSBACK pushes back the boundaries. Its brand new technological platform opens up new horizons, both technically and stylistically. Both a city car and a traveller, DS 3 CROSSBACK defies convention and opts for spectacular technologies.

Test Drive DS 3 Crossback: The "Urban SUV" from DS

After the DS 7 hybrid, it's now the turn of the electric 100 %. DS is breaking new ground in its E-Tense range with the arrival of the electric DS 3 Crossback. Still in the form of an SUV, DS is playing the style card in an increasingly connected environment.

Thanks to the PSA Group's multi-energy platform, the DS 3 Crossback is born. It boasts an unprecedented 100 % electric version. Equipped with a 50 kWh battery that gives it a range of 300 km, the DS is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor that accelerates from 0 to 100 kmp/h in 8.7 seconds.

This is not the first time DS has competed in the Formula E championships; on the contrary, it has a wealth of experience. The big winner of the 2018/2019 season, DS has already announced that all its models will be electrified from 2025.

DS3 Crossback

In keeping with PSA tradition, there are very few visible differences between the combustion and electric versions. There is, however, an E-Tense badge, a full radiator grille, a charging hatch and, of course, no tailpipe.

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Design and elegance

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense essai
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense essai

Inside the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, the emphasis is on design and elegance. The diamond shape is repeated on several occasions in the cabin, including on the buttons below the main screen, on the ventilation outlets and on the button for starting the car.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense essai

The materials are of high quality, but sometimes you get the feeling that the balance has been tipped more in favour of the designers than the engineers. The placement of the buttons, while pleasing to the eye, is not very intuitive to use. What's more, it's hard to understand why the buttons under the main screen are soft-touch, and therefore lack any sense of pressure.

What pleasantly surprised us during our test drive of the DS 3 Crossback was the spaciousness of the seats and the hushed ambience provided by the silence of the driving environment, which contributes to the overall comfort of the car. However, the rear seats seem rather cramped, with the shark's wing blocking part of the view and reducing the size of the rear windows. The large headrests on the front seats and the dark interior don't help the feeling of confinement in the rear seats. We therefore recommend the light interior roofline to overcome this problem.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense essai
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense intérieur

Test Drive DS 3 Crossback: French luxury from DS

Unlike its cousins the Peugeot e-208 and the Opel corsa-e, which are based on the same platform, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is smoother to drive. The chassis is raised, and the vehicle's overall length is greater, which has taken it from the classy"multipurpose"à"compact".

The cabin's subdued ambience encourages a gentle drive, and comfort is there for all to enjoy.Using the PSA Group's 50 kWh battery, the DS 3 Crossback's range is, however, penalised by its larger size and SUV design. Fuel consumption is therefore higher than in the Peugeot e-208. While the Peugeot e-208 is certified for a range of 340 km, the DS 3 Crossback is only certified for a range of 300 km.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense essai du SUV Urbain

However, the 100 kW fast charge enables us to set off on long journeys. The DS 3 Crossback proves to be a very good tourer. You can take 4 people on holiday without being too cramped, but we prefer the KIA e-Niro for this particular task, with more space and greater range. Where the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense shines is in its day-to-day comfort for city and suburban driving. Its design and the silence in which it moves will turn heads. In fact, it is presented as the "Urban SUV"of the brand.

Test Drive DS 3 Crossback: Features and price

In a nutshell

Picture of Ilona Soulage
Ilona Soulage

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