DS Automobile unveils new DS 3 Crossback with all-electric version

DS Automobile, a French premium automaker part of the PSA Group, unveiled a new DS 3 Crossback with an all-electric version.

The vehicle is available with gas powertrain, but they are also announcing a ‘E-TENSE’ all-electric powertrain based on the E-Tense all-electric supercar, which they say can built on the same production line.

It consists of the following components:

•  an electric motor of 100 kW/136 hp
• a 50kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor
• a regenerative braking and deceleration system
• a charging system which allows all the charging solutions available on the market (home, Wallbox and a 100 kW ultra-fast)
• a new-generation heat pump for climate control in the cabin.

According to the automaker, the electric powertrain enables a range of “more than 300 km” (186 miles) based on the WLTP cycle.

Funny enough, DS still included an estimate based on the NEDC cycle: 450 km (280 miles).

They expect an acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h (0 to 30 mph) in 3.3 seconds and 0 to 100km/h (0 to 62mph in 8.7 seconds).

The DS 3 Crossback is also equipped with a 11 kW onboard charge and it can take DC fast-charging at up to 100 kW.

Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles, commented on the unveiling of the vehicle:

“DS 3 CROSSBACK fits perfectly into the second generation DS: technology leadership and unequalled sophistication. With the DS 3 CROSSBACK, DS Automobiles writes a new chapter in its history: electrification. With E-TENSE version, DS 3 CROSSBACK is 100% electric, with no compromises over style and benefits”

They plan to officially debut the vehicle at the Paris Motor show next. We expect to learn about the firm’s plans for the new electric vehicle.

Here are a few images released by DS today:

The PSA Group has previously announced a plan for the electrification of its brands starting with two new electric vehicle platforms on which the company will build 4 new all-electric vehicles and 7 new plug-in hybrids by 2021.