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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs NIO EL6 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 490 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 45,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or NIO EL6?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs NIO EL6: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • considerably cheaper
  • markedly more efficient
  • considerably lighter
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NIO EL6

4.1 (1 Reviews)
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  • substantially more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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 considerably cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the NIO EL6 costs 45,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,355 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is markedly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 20.4 kWh/100km for the NIO EL6. That’s a difference of about 4.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO EL6 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 529 km, about 129 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

EL6

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 NIO EL6 offers substantially more power – delivering 490 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 334 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the NIO EL6 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO EL6 delivers substantially more torque with 700 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 440 Nm more.

DS 3

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is considerably lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,215 kg. The difference is around 966 kg.

Looking at boot space, the NIO EL6 offers considerably more boot space – 597 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 247 L.

When it comes to payload, the NIO EL6 carries very slightly more – 475 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 9 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO EL6 holds a decisive overall lead 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 £45,900
EL6

NIO EL6

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 490 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 20.4 - 21.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 406 - 529 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
NIO EL6

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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NIO EL6

The NIO EL6 blends coupe-like styling with a spacious, tech-packed cabin that makes it feel more premium than its price tag suggests. It steers with quiet confidence and clever conveniences — including NIO's battery-swap option — so long trips start to feel like pure driving pleasure rather than logistical planning.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
NIO EL6

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
45,900 - 63,900 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
20.4 - 21.2 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
406 - 529 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
597 L
Length
-
Length
4,854 mm
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,987 mm
Height
-
Height
1,703 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,430 L
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
455 - 475 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
490 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
200 km/h
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
360 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
NIO
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.