DS 3 E-Tense

Overview

The 2025 DS 3 E-Tense, in its specific 'E-Tense' trim, continues to carve out its niche as a compact, premium electric SUV with a distinctly French flair. It’s all about that chic design, a comfy ride, and a decent electric punch for city slickers and beyond. Key highlights for this trim include its refined powertrain and a focus on sophisticated materials inside. With a new price tag of around €40,540 and used examples fetching approximately €26,990 in the EU, it offers a stylish entry into the electric world, blending avant-garde design with practical zero-emission motoring.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the DS 3 E-Tense largely carries forward the significant enhancements introduced in its recent major update. This means buyers get the improved electric motor and larger battery pack that boosted both performance and, crucially, its real-world range. While groundbreaking 2025-specific features for this trim haven't been widely trumpeted, the package remains fresh with its latest infotainment system, sharpened styling, and that efficient powertrain. Think of it as DS refining an already rather polished gem, ensuring it stays competitive in the bustling European EV market without a major overhaul this year.

Design & Exterior

The DS 3 E-Tense is a proper head-turner, especially in this E-Tense trim, flaunting that distinctive DS Automobiles design language. It's compact yet imposing, measuring 4118 mm in length, 1802 mm wide (mirrors tucked), and 1534 mm tall. You’ll spot its signature DS WINGS front grille, often flanked by striking LED headlights and vertical DRLs that slice through the air. Features like flush-fitting door handles add to its sleek, almost concept-car vibe, while specific 'E-Tense' badging subtly hints at its electric heart. It’s French couture on wheels, designed to stand out.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the DS 3 E-Tense, and it’s a world of diamond patterns and premium-feeling materials, even in this specific trim. The cabin aims for a luxurious, almost bespoke atmosphere. Passenger space is decent for a compact SUV, though rear legroom is more suited for shorter trips or kids. Tech-wise, you’ll likely find DS’s IRIS infotainment system on a central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto usually standard. For your luggage, there’s a practical 350-litre boot, expanding to a useful 1050 litres with the rear seats folded flat. No frunk here, though.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the bonnet (well, not quite!) of this E-Tense trim, a lively Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers a solid 115 kW (that's about 156 horsepower) and a punchy 260 Nm of torque, all sent to the front wheels. This setup means it zips from 0 to 100 km/h in a respectable 9 seconds – plenty quick for urban sprints and motorway merging. The driving experience leans towards comfort and refinement, soaking up bumps well, making it a smooth operator. Expect a decent ‘B’ mode for enhanced regenerative braking to claw back some energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

The DS 3 E-Tense packs a 50.8 kWh usable battery, giving it a real-world range estimated by Green Cars Compare at around 349 km – pretty handy for daily duties and some longer jaunts. It sips energy at about 6.87 km/kWh. For top-ups, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will juice it up fully in roughly 5 hours. When you’re out and about, it can gulp down DC fast charging at up to 100 kW via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning a 10-80% boost can be done in around 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the provided data doesn't list a Euro NCAP rating for this specific iteration, the pre-facelift DS 3 Crossback scored a commendable four stars (or five with an optional safety pack) back in 2019, indicating a strong safety foundation. For the 2025 E-Tense, expect a suite of driver aids. Standard kit typically includes Active Safety Brake (emergency braking), lane keeping assist, and speed limit recognition. Higher-spec options or packs might add adaptive cruise control with stop & go, blind-spot monitoring, and enhanced parking assistance, making your journey safer and more relaxed.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

DS Automobiles typically backs the 3 E-Tense in Europe with a basic vehicle warranty of 2 years/unlimited kilometres, often supplemented by a third year or a mileage cap depending on the specific market. Crucially, the high-voltage battery gets a more extensive warranty, usually 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components often share this cover. While complimentary maintenance isn't always standard across all EU regions, DS aims for a premium ownership experience. Reliability is generally in line with other Stellantis group vehicles.