At first glance, one cannot even suspect that it has the same electrical drive technology as the Opel Corsa-e and the Peugeot e-208. The extroverted styled DS 3 Crossback E-Tense not only goes its own way visually, it also sets special accents in terms of driving.

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense - very unique in design

There is hardly a car on the German market that is so consistently trimmed for originality as the entry-level model from the French luxury brand. It starts with the functionally pointless shark fin on the B-pillar and doesn't stop with the diamond-shaped controls in the interior. The DS 3 is an alternative to the Teutonic sobriety that the high-tech cars of the German premium competition like to exude. Here the function follows the form - not the other way around. As you will soon see, this has disadvantages in everyday life - such as a poor overview and fiddly operation. The original crossover quickly soothes any anger with its special charm.

The convenience of the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

The keyword is gentle. Especially when it comes to the "E-Tense" variant with an electric drive. Because above all, it fully exploits the convenience advantages of the technology. Despite the jagged body, the DS 3 is a very quiet car as a Stromer. Even the turbine-like pedestrian warning can only be heard inside if you listen carefully and the windows are wide open. The chassis and drive are also alien to noise and intrusiveness. The small SUV rolls and springs so confidently even on bad roads, as if it were one or two vehicle classes larger.

Relaxed character - the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

The 100 kW / 136 hp engine adapts to the relaxed character of the other components. Where the group siblings Corsa and 208 loosely outrun most of the conventional cars when the traffic lights start, the DS 3 gets going rather comfortably. And the usual electric boom is also missing during the intermediate sprint. Contemporaries in a hurry might find the French a bit sluggish. It's good that he can do something else at the push of a button: if you switch to "Sport" using the driving mode switch, you wake the drive out of its lethargy and feel the typical electric temperament.

Up to 320 km e-range

The question of why the Crossback is not in dynamic mode as standard reveals a look at the consumption meter. Even in normal mode, the motor, which is not overly powerful, sucks 17,4 kWh per 100 kilometers from the 50 kWh battery; at an electricity price of 30 cents, this corresponds to 100 kilometer costs of 5,22 euros. The central instrument of the SUV shows the promised standard range of 320 kilometers - already determined according to the stricter WLTP procedure - after no charging process. The digital display never dared to travel more than 270 kilometers during the test period.

Three-phase charging in the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

Even if there are still uncertainties when it comes to the really drivable distance, which can only be cleared from the world through longer everyday experiences: The range is quite practical. The same applies to the loading speed. Thanks to the standard three-phase on-board charger, the DS charges theoretically up to 11 kW at the wallbox and the AC charging station, and up to 100 kW at a fast charging station. The battery is ideally full to the usual 80 percent in less than half an hour. Nevertheless, the Frenchman is only of limited use for the holiday trip - which is primarily due to its rather small trunk. While the passenger compartment is on a par with the competition, the luggage has comparatively little space. Especially when the bag with the charging cables still needs to be stowed away.

Cheap is different.

Probably the more serious problem with the DS 3 Crossback is the price. The PSA subsidiary is calling for at least 38.400 euros for its classy crossover. Even if the equipment is almost complete (even 2 charging cables are already included): For a crossover in small car format, even after deducting the environmental bonus, that's a lot of money. Not only because the entry-level petrol engine with comparable equipment is available for around 26.000 euros. But also because an Opel Corsa-e can be had for 30.000 euros with the same electric drive. Whether the extravagant design of the French is worth the more than 8.000 euros surcharge is literally in the eye of the beholder.

DS3 Crossback E-Tense - Technical data:

Five-door, five-seat mini crossover; Length: 4,12 meters, width: 1,80 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 1,99 meters), height: 1,53 meters, wheelbase: 2,56 meters, trunk volume: 350 - 1.050 liters

Electric motor, 100 kW / 136 PS, maximum torque: 260 Nm at 300 - 3.670 rpm, front-wheel drive, single gearbox, battery capacity: 50 kWh (gross), charging connection: Type 2 and CCS, AC charging power: 11 kW (3-phase) , DC charging power: 100 kW, charging time: AC 3-phase: 5 hours, DC (up to 80 percent): 30 minutes, 0-100 km / h: 9 s, Vmax: 150 km / h, standard consumption: up to 18,3 kWh, standard range (WLTP): up to 320 km, test consumption: 17,4 kWh, CO2 emissions: 0 g, efficiency class: A +, price: from 38.390 euros (environmental bonus possible)

Brief characteristics - DS 3 Crossback E-Tense:

• Why: Design with attention to detail, high drive and driving comfort
• Why not: moderate clarity, high power consumption
• What else: Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro Elektro, Kia E-Soul