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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes CLE Coupe comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 313 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 59,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Mercedes CLE Coupe?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes CLE Coupe: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • considerably lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space
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Mercedes CLE Coupe

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
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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 key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Mercedes CLE Coupe costs 59,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 30,270 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes CLE Coupe uses 2.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 3 with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 400 km, about 287 km more than the Mercedes CLE Coupe.

CLE Coupe

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes CLE Coupe offers substantially more power – delivering 313 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 157 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes CLE Coupe is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.3 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes CLE Coupe delivers considerably more torque with 550 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 290 Nm more.

DS 3

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: DS Automobiles DS 3 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is considerably lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,175 kg. The difference is around 926 kg.

Looking at boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers somewhat more boot space – 350 L compared to 290 L. That’s a difference of about 60 L.

When it comes to payload, the DS Automobiles DS 3 carries slightly more – 466 kg compared to 405 kg. That’s a difference of about 61 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 holds a slight edge 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 £29,500
DS 3

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 145 - 156 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes CLE Coupe

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 CLE Coupe

The Mercedes CLE Coupe slides between sporty and sophisticated with a swooping silhouette that turns heads without shouting, and a cabin that feels both luxurious and intelligently laid out. It’s ideal for buyers who want grand-tourer comfort with a playful driving character—chic enough for the weekend, sensible enough for the daily run, and guaranteed to spark a few “what is that?” conversations.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes CLE Coupe

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
59,800 - 65,100 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
113 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
49 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
2,175 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
290 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,861 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
405 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
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
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
313 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
550 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
230 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,999 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
B
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.