VS

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (29,000 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Mercedes SL Class?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • significantly lighter
details

Mercedes SL Class

  • significantly more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

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 substantially cheaper – starting at 29,000 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 83,656 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the DS Automobiles DS 3 uses 5 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 400 km, about 388 km more than the Mercedes SL Class.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers significantly more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 660 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 6.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers significantly more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 1,160 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.

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

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is significantly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 561 kg.

When it comes to payload, the DS Automobiles DS 3 carries a bit more – 466 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 91 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 leads convincingly 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 £29,000
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
details

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
DS Automobiles DS 3
VS
Unsure whether the Citroen C3 or the DS Automobiles DS 3 is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mercedes AMG GT
Mercedes SL Class
VS
Unsure whether the Mercedes AMG GT or the Mercedes SL Class is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes SL Class

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.

details
ds_3_06-63bf0895e10ad
ds_3_08-63bf0871e8e6c
ds_3_02-63bf08d01c133
ds_3_03-63bf08badf244
ds_3_07-63bf088092704

Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

details
15C1119_012
15C1119_029
15C1119_120
15C1119_004

Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes CLE Convertible
Mercedes SL Class
VS
The Mercedes CLE Convertible and Mercedes SL Class compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Jeep Avenger
VS
Unsure whether the DS Automobiles DS 3 or the Jeep Avenger is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Kia XCeed
VS
DS Automobiles DS 3 and Kia XCeed go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Nissan Juke
VS
The DS Automobiles DS 3 and Nissan Juke compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Opel Mokka
VS
DS Automobiles DS 3 and Opel Mokka go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Peugeot 2008
VS
The DS Automobiles DS 3 and Peugeot 2008 compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Lexus LBX
VS
The DS Automobiles DS 3 and Lexus LBX compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mercedes SL Class
Porsche Boxster
VS
Unsure whether the Mercedes SL Class or the Porsche Boxster is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
DS Automobiles DS 3
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,000 - 36,100 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, 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
381 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
480 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
280 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the DS Automobiles DS 3?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

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.