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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Volvo EX40 comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Volvo EX40?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Volvo EX40: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • clearly cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • substantially lighter
details

Volvo EX40

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • visibly more electric range
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space
details

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 key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,746 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 16.6 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX40. That’s a difference of about 1.1 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX40 offers visibly more range – reaching up to 576 km, about 176 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.

EX40

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 Volvo EX40 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 EX40 is substantially 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 EX40 delivers considerably more torque with 670 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 410 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 substantially lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,040 kg. The difference is around 791 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EX40 offers slightly more boot space – 410 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 60 L.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo EX40 carries marginally more – 480 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 14 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £45,200
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 477 - 576 km
details

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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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Reviews DS Automobiles DS 3

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV that blends Scandinavian minimalism with a comfortable, high-quality interior suited to daily driving and longer trips. It prioritizes safety and intuitive technology, delivering a calm, refined experience that feels mature and easy to live with.

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Reviews Volvo EX40

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
Bent
16 May 2026, 19:14:01

Stable car and generally good build quality — but I hate the Google and infotainment systems, which both seem designed to irritate the user as much as possible.
I'm looking at a Toyota B4ZX AWD when the lease on my EX40 expires. I need to be able to tow 1,500 kg, but without going broke.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Costs and Consumption
Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
45,200 - 56,000 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
477 - 576 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
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
430 - 480 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
What drive types are available for the DS Automobiles DS 3?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

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.