Compare performance (490 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (45,900 £ vs 29,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – NIO EL6 or DS Automobiles DS 3?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
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 significantly cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the NIO EL6 costs 45,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,355 £.
In terms of energy consumption, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is markedly more efficient: consuming 15.5 kWh/100km compared to 20.4 kWh/100km for the NIO EL6. That’s a difference of about 4.9 kWh/100km.
As for electric range, the NIO EL6 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 529 km, about 129 km more than the DS Automobiles DS 3.
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 EL6 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 EL6 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 3 takes 9.1 s. That’s about 4.6 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the NIO EL6 delivers substantially 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 substantially lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,215 kg. The difference is around 966 kg.
Looking at boot space, the NIO EL6 offers significantly more boot space – 597 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 247 L.
When it comes to payload, the NIO EL6 carries barely more – 475 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 9 kg.
The NIO EL6 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.
The NIO EL6 blends coupe-like styling with a spacious, tech-packed cabin that makes it feel more premium than its price tag suggests. It steers with quiet confidence and clever conveniences — including NIO's battery-swap option — so long trips start to feel like pure driving pleasure rather than logistical planning.
detailsThe 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.
detailsCosts and Consumption |
|
|---|---|
|
Price
45,900 - 63,900 £
|
Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
|
|
Consumption L/100km
-
|
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
|
|
Consumption kWh/100km
20.4 - 21.2 kWh/100km
|
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
|
|
Electric Range
406 - 529 km
|
Electric Range
400 km
|
|
Battery Capacity
73.5 - 90 kWh
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
|
co2
0 g/km
|
co2
0 - 112 g/km
|
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Dimensions and Body |
|
|---|---|
|
Body Type
SUV
|
Body Type
SUV
|
|
Seats
5
|
Seats
5
|
|
Doors
5
|
Doors
-
|
|
Curb weight
2,215 - 2,235 kg
|
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
|
|
Trunk capacity
597 L
|
Trunk capacity
350 L
|
|
Length
4,854 mm
|
Length
-
|
|
Width
1,987 mm
|
Width
1,791 mm
|
|
Height
1,703 mm
|
Height
-
|
|
Max trunk capacity
1,430 L
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
|
Payload
455 - 475 kg
|
Payload
362 - 466 kg
|
Engine and Performance |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Type
Electric
|
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
|
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
|
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
|
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
|
|
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
|
|
Power HP
490 HP
|
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
|
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 s
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
|
|
Max Speed
200 km/h
|
Max Speed
-
|
|
Torque
700 Nm
|
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
|
|
Number of Cylinders
-
|
Number of Cylinders
3
|
|
Power kW
360 kW
|
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
|
|
Engine capacity
-
|
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
|
General |
|
|---|---|
|
Model Year
2023
|
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
|
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
|
|
Brand
NIO
|
Brand
DS Automobiles
|