DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. Glamorous electric vehicle
DS was Citroen’s vehicle sub-brand before becoming a standalone brand in 2015. Formally, all DS luxury vehicles are considered the successors to the Citroen DS model of the 1950s, better known as the “Goddess”. The vehicles carrying the DS nameplate are technically reliable, distinguished by high-quality built, original format and exterior aesthetics, which is their main advantage. All this fully applies to the only electric model of the brand, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, which is a real glamorous electric vehicle.
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is an all-electric subcompact luxury SUV, introduced in 2018. It is currently available on the Israeli market. The Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV and MG ZS EV can be considered as competitors to the E-Tense electric vehicle (all of these vehicles are sold in Israel in 2021).
Exterior
The new DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is more like a small hatchback that combines the traits of an SUV and an estate. The electric model looks identical to the gasoline and diesel versions, boasting the same glamorous vibe. It differs only in the rear bumper outline, as well as some exterior and interior design elements. Of special note are the original pattern of 18-inch wheels and the ability to combine body color with a contrasting black roof.
The E-Tense draws your attention with the spectacular DS Matrix LED front optics, which have an interesting and unusual pattern that allows the light to adapt to road conditions and current traffic. Adaptive optics technology uses a camera specially mounted on the windshield. The exterior is also distinguished by the retractable door handles, which probably serve as a tribute to modern automotive industry trends and an element of prestige. The door handles, as well as the mirrors, open as soon as the driver with the key comes closer than 1.5 m to the electric vehicle.
Interior
The 2018/2019 DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is built on PSA Group’s CMP platform, which is designed for the installation of gasoline, diesel, hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Therefore, the interior is spacious and ergonomic. The trunk with a volume of 0.3 cubic meters is the same as that of the traditional versions. The electric SUV is equipped with a new Head-Up instrument panel display, with digital projection of key information on transparent glass. The infotainment system is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen with a complementary diamond-shaped touchscreen instrument panel directly below it. The whole interior features numerous rhombuses and sharp corners. Diamond patterns are present in the decorative trim of the dashboard and door cards. The air ducts of the climate system are made in the shape of a rhombus, and decorative elements of the central tunnel have a similar shape.
The standard safety package includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, speed limit recognition and more. The new DS 3 E-Tense has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Powertrain
The 2020/2021 DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is equipped with an electric motor offering an output of 100 kW, 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque, which is powered by a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 9 seconds, while the maximum speed is 150 km/h.
The driving range reaches up to 320 km. This is not an outstanding result, but DS competent fans have calculated that this is 8 times more than the average length of the daily route a person in Western Europe has, which, in general, an electric car is designed for. It takes about 5 hours to fully charge the battery, and there is also a quick charger that can charge the battery up to 80% in 30 minutes.
