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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
detailsNIO 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.
detailsCosts and Consumption |
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|---|---|
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Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
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Price
40,700 - 58,700 £
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Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
18.6 - 18.9 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
400 km
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Electric Range
456 - 590 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
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co2
0 - 112 g/km
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co2
0 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
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Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
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Trunk capacity
350 L
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Trunk capacity
386 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,790 mm
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Width
1,791 mm
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Width
1,960 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,499 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
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Payload
362 - 466 kg
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Payload
455 - 475 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
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Engine Type
Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
145 - 156 HP
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Power HP
490 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
200 km/h
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Torque
230 - 260 Nm
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Torque
700 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Power kW
107 - 115 kW
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Power kW
360 kW
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Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
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Engine capacity
-
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2023
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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Brand
DS Automobiles
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Brand
NIO
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