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DS 3 Crossback E-Tense test drive: luxury à la Française

DS3 crossback e-Tense

DS 3 Crossback test drive: our Citroën DS 3 Crossback test drive begins. E-Tense.

DS, Citroën's Premium brand, unveils the DS 3 Crossback in a 100% electric version. Named E-Tense, this DS 3 is an original SUV that's not afraid to assert its style. The design is exotic, even controversial, but the performance makes everyone agree. This is the first electric DS. Will it live up to the brand's legendary comfort?

HIGH-TECH STYLE ICON

Sculptural styling and unprecedented proportions, exclusive innovations and unique refinement, the 100% electric E-TENSE version, DS 3 CROSSBACK pushes back the boundaries. Its all-new technological platform opens up new horizons, both technically and stylistically. Both a city car and a traveler, DS 3 CROSSBACK defies convention, opting 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 version, DS 3 CROSSBACK pushes back the boundaries. Its all-new technological platform opens up new horizons, both technically and stylistically. Both a city car and a traveler, DS 3 CROSSBACK defies convention, opting 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 100% electric. DS breaks new ground in its E-Tense range with the arrival of the electric DS 3 Crossback. Still in SUV form, DS plays 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 a 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. 

DS is no newcomer to the world of Formula E; on the contrary, it has a wealth of experience in Formula E championships. 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 grille, a charging hatch and, of course, no tailpipe. 

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Design and elegance

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense test drive
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense test drive

Inside the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, design and elegance take center stage. The diamond shape is repeated on several occasions in the cabin, such as on the buttons below the main display, on the ventilation outlets and on the button for starting the car. 

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense test drive

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

As for what pleasantly surprised us during our test drive of the DS 3 Crossback, the seats are ample and the hushed ambience provided by the quiet driving contributes to the car's overall comfort. The rear seats, however, 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 test drive
DS 3 Crossback E-Tense interior

DS 3 Crossback test drive: French luxury from DS

Unlike its cousins, the Peugeot e-208 and 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 moved it from the " all-rounder " to the " compact " class.

The cabin's muted ambience encourages a smooth ride, and comfort is present. Using the PSA Group's 50 kWh battery, the DS 3 Crossback's range is penalized by its larger size and SUV design. As a result, fuel consumption is higher than in the Peugeot e-208. While the latter is certified for a 340 km range, the DS 3 Crossback is only certified for a 300 km range.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense urban SUV test drive

Nevertheless, the 100 kW fast charge enables us to set off on long journeys. The DS 3 Crossback proves to be a very good tourer indeed. You can go on vacation with 4 people without being too cramped, but we prefer the KIA e-Niro for this particular task, with more space and better range. Where the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense shines is in its everyday comfort for city and suburban driving. Its design and the silence in which it progresses will turn heads. In fact, it's billed as the brand's " urban SUV ".

DS 3 Crossback test drive: trim levels and prices

In a nutshell

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Ilona Soulage

Let's enter the world of electric vehicles and charging stations together. Passionate about innovation, I'm here to help you make the transition to a greener world.

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