New Peugeot e-208 vs used BMW i3: practicality
Want to go electric without paying a fortune? Peugeot’s all-new e-208 is a great choice. But BMW’s radical i3 is even more affordable as a used buy...
Space and practicality
Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot
The i3’s high-set front seats mean occupants will find their heads closer to the roof than in the e-208, but there’s still plenty of space for six-footers. In fact, the i3 feels more spacious up front, due to the absence of a conventional console between the front seats.
In the rear, by contrast, the i3 offers a bit more head and leg room, but you sit bolt upright and the space is rather narrow, so it feels claustrophobic. The e-208 is roomy enough for a couple of average-sized adults and, unlike the i3, allows you to carry a middle passenger if necessary.
Although the i3’s rear-hinged doors offer larger apertures than you get with the more conventional e-208, the high floor hampers access, and the fact that you can’t open the rear doors without first opening the front ones is highly inconvenient.
Luggage space is a closer-run affair. The e-208’s boot is significantly deeper than the i3’s, allowing it to hold one extra carry-on suitcase (five versus four). However, the i3 has a slightly wider boot opening and virtually no load lip, while the e-208 benefits from having rear seatbacks that fold in a handy 60/40 split, as opposed to the i3’s 50/50.
Peugeot e-208
Boot 311-1106 litres Suitcases 5
BMW i3
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