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NIO EL6 vs DS Automobiles DS 3 comparison

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?

NIO EL6 vs DS Automobiles DS 3: Key differences

NIO EL6

4.1 (1 Reviews)
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  • considerably more power
  • markedly more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • significantly more trunk space
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DS Automobiles DS 3

  • significantly cheaper
  • markedly more efficient
  • substantially lighter
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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

EL6

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 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.

DS 3

Engine and Performance:

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.

EL6

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 2,215 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.

Who wins the race in the data check?

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.

from £45,900
EL6

NIO EL6

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 490 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 20.4 - 21.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 406 - 529 km
NIO EL6
DS Automobiles DS 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

NIO EL6

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.

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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 EL6
DS Automobiles DS 3

Costs 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
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.