The all-new all-electric DS3 goes on sale with more power and bigger battery

09 January 2023

The new DS 3 was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The latest model from DS Automobiles sets itself apart from the competition with its redesigned front, updated range, and new technologies, including new electric motor and improved battery for the fully electric version.

One of the most noticeable changes to the new DS 3 is its bold and balanced exterior design, which combines volume and lines. The front of the vehicle has been updated to give it a more dynamic and graceful appearance, with a larger grille and gloss black or chromed diamond tips that match the rest of the DS Automobiles line.

The new LED headlights, which are standard throughout the range, give the vehicle a sharper look with their three satin chrome feature modules and more dynamic design. An optional upgrade is the DS MATRIX LED VISION, which features intelligent control and automated main beam for optimal comfort and safety. The new daytime running lights also add to the vehicle's signature look, with two vertically aligned LED lines on either side of the front.

In addition to these aesthetic updates, the new DS 3 has also undergone technical improvements. The spoiler and grille have been redesigned to enhance aerodynamics, and the lower air intake grille now has aerofoils to show off this improvement. The grille and bonnet insignia also feature a Clous de Paris embossed insert and come in different colors depending on the model.

Other design features of the new DS 3 include shark's fin, flush-fitting door handles, and hidden external window seals, which all blend ambitious design with technological skill. The tailgate and lights are highlighted by a glossy black strip, and the trim features polished stainless steel "DS AUTOMOBILES" lettering that has been divided and set using a new technique.

The new DS 3 E-Tense is available in seven opaque, metallic, and pearlescent body colors, including two new pearlescent shades: Diva Red and Lacquered Grey. Customers can also choose from Crystal Pearl, Platinum Grey, Artense Grey, Perla Nera Black, Polar White, and the new Carat Grey roof to create bi-tone combinations. The new wheels are designed for efficiency and come in 17- and 18-inch sizes, with the E-TENSE models featuring 18-inch TOULOUSE wheels with "Tall & Narrow Class A+" tires.

Inside the new DS 3, customers can expect luxury and attention to detail, with a range of materials chosen for their quality, innovation, and sustainability. The cockpit is distinguished by leathers, including Nappa Leather upholstery with aged Art Leather quality and Alcantara, as well as details like "pearl" stitching and Clous de Paris embossed inlays.

The seats have been redesigned for comfort and looks, with figure-hugging shapes made with revolutionary high-density foam and electric, heated, and lumbar massage options. The top-of-the-line OPÉRA model features a Basalt Black Nappa Leather interior with a watchstrap-type patterned seats for a modern and characterful luxury feel.

The RIVOLI model has new Basalt Black grained leather seats with scale-effect trim, while the BASTILLE level has been totally redesigned with Silicium Grey Peruzzi Cloth seats and scale-effect grain stripes on the dashboard and door panels, or new Basalt Black grained leather seats as an option. The PERFORMANCE Line and PERFORMANCE Line Plus feature Alcantara seats, dashboard strips, and door panels, with the PERFORMANCE Line Plus adding a center armrest, floor mats, sun visor, and footwell illumination.

The new hybrid synchronous motor (HSM) technology comes from the latest Formula E cars. It produces 115 kW (156 horsepower) and 260 Nm at 400 volts. The new 54 kWh battery (51 kWh usable) has been designed with liquid cooling and a heat pump to allow for faster charging, a greater range, and a longer lifespan.

The basic onboard charger can charge the vehicle at 100 kW when using DC (reaching a charge of 80% in 30 minutes) or 11 kW when using AC (reaching full charge in 5 hours 45 minutes).

The new DS 3 E-TENSE is the only vehicle in its segment that can achieve a range of 404 kilometers on the WLTP combined cycle and over 500 kilometers in urban conditions. This impressive performance is due to the efficiency of the electric motor, the vehicle's ability to recover energy, and the use of heat pump and thermal preconditioning.

The new DS 3's infotainment system is controlled through a 10.3-inch HD center screen with a gloss black surround that is home to the DS IRIS SYSTEM. This system offers advanced speech recognition and connected navigation, and both the center screen and the 7-inch instrument panel, which includes a head-up display, can be customized.

The primary screen has 12 sections that can display different-sized widgets, while the instrument cluster has two customizable components. The system can be controlled using an improved speech recognition system or the central pad touch controls. The DS IRIS SYSTEM's set-up has also been improved for ergonomics, and screen mirroring is now wireless.

Prices start at €41,700 for the brand new DS 3 E-TENSE which makes it the most expensive in the entire model lineup by quite a margin.

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