You may or may not be familiar with DS, a French luxury car manufacturer founded in 1955. The first DS model debuted at the Paris Motor Show, celebrated for its “innovation, grace, and glamour”. This introduction showcased the luxury and avant-garde spirit that continues to define DS today. Originally a part of Citroën, DS later evolved into its brand and is now owned by Stellantis, a major player in the automotive industry. The name DS is pronounced déesse in French and means Goddess. This brand is designed to aim towards the Chinese market to benefit from the demand for European luxury products there.

DS features four models on its website: the DS 3, DS 4, DS 7, and DS 9. For this blog, we'll focus on the DS 3, which stands out as the only electric vehicle in their lineup. Additionally, the DS 3 is available in hybrid and petrol variants as well. DS also showcases three electric concept cars, highlighting their commitment to electric powertrains. These concepts - the DS E-Tense Performance, DS Aero Sport Lounge, and DS X E-Tense - all feature a sleek and sporty design.

The most cost-effective way of getting into a DS 3, if you live in the UK, will be by salary sacrificing it and at The Electric Car Scheme, we have the DS 3 available to lease. Through a government car scheme like The Electric Car Scheme, you can save 30-60% by paying from your gross salary!

Let's dive into the performance of the DS 3 and see if it's the right EV for you...

Specifications and details of the Electric DS 3 E-Tense

The DS 3 E-Tense is available in two specifications: the entry-level Performance Line or the top-spec Opera. A Performance Line model will set you back £29,000 whereas the Opera will also set you back £33,000

Here’s how performance compares with the two models:

Performance Metrics	Performance Line	Opera
Battery Capacity	115kW	115kW
Battery Size	54kWh	54kWh
Range	248 miles	245 miles
0-62mph (seconds)	9.0 seconds	9.0 seconds
Salary Sacrifice Price	£550/month	£585/month

What’s the difference between the two specifications?

The Opera trim comes with a higher price tag, adding an extra £4,000 to the cost, but it offers upgraded tech and premium interior details. While it features the same battery and 0-62mph acceleration time as the Performance Line, the Opera has a slightly lower range of 245 miles compared to the Performance Line’s 248 miles.

The Performance Line

17” DUBLIN alloy wheels,
10.3” HDTactile screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay,
DS SENSORIAL DRIVE,
DAB,
Heated exterior door mirrors,
Electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors,
Cruise control with speed limiter,
Rear parking sensors,
Keyless start,
Automatic headlamp lighting,
Sun visor with retractable LED-lit vanity mirrors,
Frameless electrochrome interior mirror,
Advanced traction control,
SOS and assistance.

Opera

Dark tinted rear windows,
18” NICE diamond-cut alloy wheels,
Wireless smartphone charger,
Head-up display and DS IRIS system,
Heated and folding exterior mirrors,
Electric and massaging driver seat,
Heated front seats,
Automatic air conditioning,
Cruise control with speed limiter,
Vision pack,
Keyless entry and start,
High beam assist,
Blind spot detection.

What’s the EV DS 3 like to drive?

On the motorway, the DS 3 offers a smooth and composed ride, with its electric motor delivering instant torque for effortless acceleration and overtaking. The cabin remains quiet at higher speeds, enhancing comfort, while the vehicle’s reliable range and fast-charging capabilities reduce the need for frequent recharging.

In urban environments, the DS 3’s compact size and responsive handling make it easy to manoeuvre through tight spaces and heavy traffic. The electric powertrain ensures a quiet and efficient drive, ideal for stop-and-go conditions, and regenerative braking helps to extend the vehicle's range.

On country lanes, the DS 3 exhibits agility and stability with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension, handling winding roads with confidence. The various driving modes available allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to different conditions, while the minimal noise and vibration contribute to an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

Space inside the DS 3 E-Tense

The electric DS 3 features height-adjustable front seats and a steering wheel that adjusts for both height and reach, ensuring a good view of the digital display.

The rear windows do not fully lower, and the visibility through the rear window is restricted. For families, the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has hidden Isofix anchor points but benefits from an elevated ride height for easier child seat installation. While stylish, the interior lacks practical features like folding rear armrests and cupholders. The front seats offer more convenience with ample storage and an optional wireless charging pad.

The 350-litre boot capacity matches the standard DS 3 Crossback but is smaller compared to some competitors. The boot’s tall lip and lack of adjustable floor height can make loading heavy items difficult, although the wide opening helps with bulkier items. The rear seats fold to increase space to 1,050 litres, though a significant step behind the seats can be cumbersome.

Interior details and infotainment

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense features a distinctive cabin design compared to mainstream electric cars. It incorporates a raised driving position and a wide dashboard, similar to models like the Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric, but stands out with its unique design elements. The interior includes a pattern of interlocking diamond switches and angular air vents, diverging from traditional button layouts.

The placement of some controls is unconventional; for example, door handles are positioned near the door pockets, and window switches are located on the centre console rather than on the doors. This arrangement may require adjustment.

The cabin offers various trim options, including nine colour schemes from black to white, and an optional bronze-effect leatherette. Customization is available for seat fabric, dashboard trim, and headlining colour. The 'Opera' option provides 'watchstrap' seats for the top-spec La Premiere models.

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Performance Line models include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned high on the dashboard for easy visibility. The screen is sharp and bright, suitable for reading in sunlight. The dashboard features touch-sensitive tiles for key functions, though they lack tactile feedback, which can make them less convenient to use while driving. Climate control is managed through the touchscreen, which may be less intuitive than traditional buttons in other vehicles like the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Salary sacrifice the electric DS 3 E-Tense from The Electric Car Scheme

Switching to an electric car is a major step towards achieving Net Zero goals, and at The Electric Car Scheme, we aim to make this transition both cost-effective and straightforward. By using salary sacrifice, employees can save 30-60% on any electric vehicle, as the cost is covered through a reduction in their salary. This approach makes electric cars more accessible and affordable.

The scheme is simple to implement and incurs no setup or ongoing costs for employers. As a result, you can provide a cost-neutral benefit that enables employees to switch to an electric car in the most economical way possible. It's a win-win for both employers and employees.

DS 3 E-Tense is available to lease through The Electric Car Scheme for £593 per month — By using a green car scheme, you can save £379 in income tax savings and £19 national insurance. You will have to pay a small amount in benefit-in-kind tax every month, which is essentially a “company car” tax. This means the original price to lease a DS 3 drops from £948 to £593 per month. Visit our quote tool to see how much it would cost for you to lease a DS 3 based on your lease terms and salary.

As a company, you can launch The Electric Car Scheme knowing you’re getting the best prices, Complete Risk Protection and a trusted 5* service for your team. Employees can save between 30-60% on any electric car of their choice by agreeing to sacrifice a portion of their pre-tax salary! Learn more by visiting our website.