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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Volvo EC40 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 46,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Volvo EC40?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Volvo EC40: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • clearly cheaper
  • barely more efficient
  • clearly lighter
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Volvo EC40

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space
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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 clearly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Volvo EC40 costs 46,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 17,032 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is barely more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 16.2 kWh/100km for the Volvo EC40. That’s a difference of about 0.7 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EC40 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 585 km, about 185 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

EC40

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 Volvo EC40 offers clearly more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 286 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EC40 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EC40 delivers clearly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 410 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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,065 kg. The difference is around 816 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EC40 offers slightly more boot space – 404 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 54 L.

When it comes to payload, the DS Automobiles DS 3 carries only slightly more – 466 kg compared to 435 kg. That’s a difference of about 31 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EC40 is clearly superior 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 £46,500
EC40

Volvo EC40

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.2 - 17.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 486 - 585 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
Volvo EC40

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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Volvo EC40

The Volvo EC40 feels like a polished slice of Scandinavian calm on wheels, blending minimalist design with a cocoon-like interior that makes everyday driving surprisingly serene. It’s an electric compact that puts safety and comfort front and center, while still injecting enough personality and tech-savvy charm to keep city buyers smiling.

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DS Automobiles DS 3
Volvo EC40

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
46,500 - 56,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.2 - 17.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
486 - 585 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
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
-
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
2,065 - 2,185 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
404 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,873 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
395 - 435 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
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Volvo
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.