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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes C-Class Saloon comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 680 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 41,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Mercedes C-Class Saloon?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes C-Class Saloon: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • clearly lighter
details

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • clearly more power
  • moderately more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,823 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon uses 4.5 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 400 km, about 389 km more than the Mercedes C-Class Saloon.

C-Class Saloon

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers clearly more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 524 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.4 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers significantly more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 760 Nm more.

DS 3

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 446 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers visibly more boot space – 455 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 105 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon carries somewhat more – 570 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 104 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes C-Class Saloon stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £41,300
C-Class Saloon

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 183 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.5 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range 11 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes C-Class Saloon

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

DS Automobiles DS 3

The DS 3 is a chic, compact premium hatch that stands out with couture styling and an interior that feels more boutique than bargain-bin. It serves up a poised, city-friendly drive with plenty of French flair — ideal for buyers who want personality as much as practicality and don’t mind turning heads at the lights.

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Mercedes C-Class Saloon

The Mercedes C‑Class is the compact executive that dresses like it owns the boulevard, with an interior that blends modern elegance and plush comfort to make everyday driving feel unexpectedly special. On the road it pairs poise with a hint of cheeky agility, rewarding drivers who want refinement without forfeiting a touch of fun — and yes, it still looks great in the driveway.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes C-Class Saloon

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
11 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
119 - 205 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
1,695 - 2,165 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,820 - 1,900 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
485 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.