VS

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs NIO EL8 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 653 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 71,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or NIO EL8?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs NIO EL8: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • significantly lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

NIO EL8

  • clearly more power
  • noticeably more electric range
  • substantially 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:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the NIO EL8 costs 71,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 41,555 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 21.2 kWh/100km for the NIO EL8. That’s a difference of about 5.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO EL8 offers noticeably more range – reaching up to 510 km, about 110 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

EL8

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 NIO EL8 offers clearly more power – delivering 653 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 497 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the NIO EL8 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.1 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO EL8 delivers considerably more torque with 850 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 590 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: NIO EL8 offers more seats – 6 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is significantly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,613 kg. The difference is around 1,364 kg.

Looking at boot space, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers noticeably more boot space – 350 L compared to 265 L. That’s a difference of about 85 L.

When it comes to payload, the NIO EL8 carries moderately more – 577 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 111 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The NIO EL8 is decisively ahead 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 £71,100
EL8

NIO EL8

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 653 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 21.2 - 22 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 390 - 510 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
NIO EL8

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

NIO EL8

The NIO EL8 feels like a tech-savvy living room on wheels, blending upscale comfort with playful design for buyers who want electric refinement without the clinical vibe. It’s roomy, packed with clever features and a relaxed driving character that turns everyday trips into something a little more fun.

details
DS Automobiles DS 3
NIO EL8

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
71,100 - 90,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
21.2 - 22 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
390 - 510 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
6
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
2,613 - 2,633 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
265 L
Length
-
Length
5,099 mm
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,989 mm
Height
-
Height
1,750 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
810 L
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
557 - 577 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
653 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
200 km/h
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
480 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2024
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.