DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE: THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION

With a complete commitment to energy transition, DS Automobiles has displayed its desire to move to new forms of energy ever since its 2015 launch by taking part in Formula E from the very beginning. Electrification is at the heart of DS Automobiles’ strategy.

“Electrification is an efficient answer to the current challenges. It stands out through energy recovery under braking which allows energy efficiency that isn’t possible for combustion engines. It gives unparalleled driver enjoyment with the availability of torque at the slightest acceleration plus silence inside. Lastly, it’s an answer to access limitations to town centres being imposed on traditional vehicles… So that our customers can keep their freedom of movement and all the pleasure of driving a DS, we’ve created a range of electric cars that is led from today by DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE.”

Yves Bonnefont, DS Automobiles CEO

To address the development of new legislation, our idea became reality in 2019 with DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE (100% electric) and DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4x4 (300 horsepower, plug-in hybrid with 58km zero emissions range) going on sale, supported by DS TECHEETAH and Jean-Éric Vergne winning the Formula E championship.

From 2020, every car manufacturing group must post an average 95g/km of CO2 (NEDC data proportional to the volume of vehicles sold) across 95% of its registrations in Europe. Credits will be allocated for each 100% battery electric vehicle or PHEV sold and for eco innovations designed to reduce CO2 emissions in everyday use. If the targets aren’t hit, a fine of 95 Euros per gramme/km/vehicle will have to be paid. Equivalent laws are being enforced in China, Latin America and other Asian countries.

DS Automobiles is a leader both at the heart of Group PSA and in the global market. DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE is the first 100% electric premium B segment SUV to be sold from 2019. Through its design, it has revolutionised the very idea of the electric vehicle. In contrast to what’s already available, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE sits on a platform that’s designed to be as efficient for internal combustion engine cars as for a battery/electric motor arrangement. This configuration marks a new chapter for the industry by superseding vehicles built on poorly adapted platforms where the batteries take up space in the cockpit or boot, and by standing apart from solely electric vehicles with basic trim and spartan equipment.

DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE benefits from the brand’s savoir-faire that enables it to bond advanced technology with luxury. Innovative on the technical front, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE has a hushed cockpit environment with well-padded seats, quality materials and unequalled comfort. The precision of the detail is emphasised by the incredible Art Leather Nappa leather watchstrap design seats offered by the DS Inspiration OPÉRA, and the spectacular Pearl stitching and Clous de Paris guillochage finish. The DS Inspiration RIVOLI features Pebble Grey grain leather, while Alcantara® is the signature of the DS Inspiration PERFORMANCE LINE, offering personalisation that customers who pay attention to the smallest details are looking for.

Noise insulation is even more noticeable in an electric vehicle. Without the vibration and sound of an internal combustion engine, any noise from outside becomes more obvious. DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE adopts several technical solutions such as increased door panel thickness, using thicker glass and an acoustic windscreen. With this insulation, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE has unparalleled sound deadening for its segment. This enables occupants to benefit fully from the effect of DS LOUNGE.

The touch controls and the central air vents are diamond-shaped beneath a wide 10” screen, the largest in the segment. It displays the main controls and in particular, brings the driver aids together in one place. The heat pump, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, the ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, the ESP, Lane Keeping Assist, Hill Start Assist, Rear Park Assist, everything such as automatic air conditioning, the leather steering wheel, eight airbags and flush fitting door handles are standard, no matter what the specification level.

In the higher PERFORMANCE LINE + specification, you’ll find latest generation innovations such as DS CONNECT NAV, DS CONNECT BOX connectivity and intelligent DS MATRIX LED VISION lighting and also PROXIMITY KEYLESS ENTRY & START which enables the flush fitting doorhandles to glide out of the bodywork when the keyholder gets to within 1.5m of the car. You’ll also have this equipment in the Grand Chic version which enjoys Head Up Display and leather upholstery. In its 100% electric guise, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE stands out with Satin Chrome DS Wings, an Anthracite Grey grille and integrated E-TENSE badges. The rear bumper is also unique. The 18” KYOTO alloy wheels and the new Pearl Crystal colour are also offered.

Because of its dimensions, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE has five proper seats within a 4.12m length and a boot that stays at 350 litres, among the best in class.

There are three driving modes: “ECO” to maximise the range; “NORMAL” and “SPORT” with an immediate increase in torque. These are complemented with two energy recovery systems, taken from Formula E and controllable by the driver: “NORMAL” to simulate the behaviour of an internal combustion engine and “BRAKE” which applies a maximum deceleration of almost 1.3m/s2.

The 320-kilometre WLTP range (430km on the NEDC cycle) is maximised by experience from Formula E in energy recovery and the use of a heat pump, an efficient way of warming the battery to maintain it at an optimal operating temperature, even in cold weather.

With this new 100% electric offering, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE is aimed at all premium B segment SUV customers. In western Europe, the average daily mileage of the B segment driver is judged to be 40km. If that’s the case, most people only need to plug in once a week (full charge in 5 hours on a domestic supply with an 11kW charging point). And for essential trips the on-board charger can boost the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes from a 100kW supply, which should be more than 250km WLTP (nearly 350km NEDC).

In Europe, charging points are multiplying to support more journeys. At the start of the second half of 2019, we counted more than 170,000 charging points on the continent with the fastest chargers located in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway and the Netherlands.

In most European countries, there are tax breaks and grants supporting the increase of electric vehicles. That’s the case, notably in Romania (up to 11,500 Euros), Slovenia (7,500 Euros), France (6,000 Euros) and in Italy (6,000 Euros) at purchase. Twenty-four of the twenty-eight European Union countries offer grants. The four other countries (Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland) have a tiny market for electric cars.

A suite of services devoted to E-TENSE

To support drivers of E-TENSE electric models, DS Automobiles has a suite of associated services.

With the E-TENSE remote control in the MyDS app, you can access all your DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE’s important information: battery charge level, range and how much time is left to charge. It’s easy to start temperature pre-set so you get into a cockpit that’s already air conditioned or to programme deferred charging at home in order to benefit from lower rate electricity tariffs. You can do the same things on the screen inside DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE.

Charge My Car by Free2Move Services will find nearby compatible charging stations, then guide you to your chosen place before beginning and paying for recharging. Preparing for long journeys is also made easy from the app or via the screen of DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE. With the Trip Planner service, the best route is suggested, sent to DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and as it’s connected it can be adapted at any time depending on road conditions. Trip Planner also arranges stops at charging points to make the journey easier.

The Free2Move Services app enables you to enjoy numerous benefits such as access to priority lanes at tollgates, reserving parking, a valet at stations or airports and paying at parking meters.

This suite of E-TENSE services complements the ‘Only you, the DS experience’ programme such as DS Assistance and DS Valet offered to all DS drivers.

Remember

DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE is the first premium B segment SUV on the market. Designed on a multi-energy platform it offers the same luxury and advanced technology as DS 3 CROSSBACK while adding the benefits of electrification and E-TENSE services.

With its 100kW/260Nm motor and 50kW battery, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE will be 100% charged in 5 hours on a dedicated domestic supply and will charge to 80% in 30 minutes on a 100kW rapid charger. Range is 320km WLTP or 430km NEDC. It varies depending on conditions and driving style.

With the DS Inspiration OPÉRA, DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE has a leather interior in Nappa Art Leather on well padded seats. The first-class acoustic treatment gives exceptional comfort and insulation. The special equipment it features is another quality with DS DRIVE ASSIST Level 2 autonomous driving, new generation DS MATRIX LED VISION lighting, and flush fitting door handles that appear when the driver approaches due to PROXIMITY KEYLESS ENTRY & START.