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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs NIO ET5 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 490 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 40,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or NIO ET5?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs NIO ET5: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • markedly cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • significantly lighter
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NIO ET5

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • considerably more power
  • visibly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly 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:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is markedly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the NIO ET5 costs 40,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,212 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is noticeably more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 18.6 kWh/100km for the NIO ET5. That’s a difference of about 3.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the NIO ET5 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 590 km, about 190 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

ET5

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 ET5 offers considerably 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 ET5 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 5.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO ET5 delivers significantly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 440 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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

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

Looking at boot space, the NIO ET5 offers only slightly more boot space – 386 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 36 L.

When it comes to payload, the NIO ET5 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 ET5 is far ahead overall 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 £40,700
ET5

NIO ET5

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 490 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 456 - 590 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
NIO ET5

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 ET5

NIO ET5 arrives with sleek, minimalist lines and a cabin that feels more like a calm lounge than a dashboard, delivering a composed drive that keeps motorway monotony at bay. Tech is smart rather than showy, and the brand’s novel ownership options make it an appealing choice for buyers who want electric convenience without the usual headaches — plus it brings enough personality to make charging stops less boring.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
NIO ET5

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
40,700 - 58,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
456 - 590 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
Hatchback
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
386 L
Length
-
Length
4,790 mm
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,960 mm
Height
-
Height
1,499 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,135 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 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.