What's the difference?
It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.
While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.
Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.
The 2024 Peugeot e-2008 is the French brand's first electric car in Australia. It sits somewhat awkwardly in the semi-premium end of the scale for a small SUV and has some strong competition from the EV side, too, with the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV being its direct competitors.
With more affordable options out there, does this little SUV have the goods to back up its sweet looks? I've been driving it for the last week with my family of three to find out for you!
Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.
The Peugeot e-2008 GT looks stylish but it’s definitely a compact SUV and that means it will only suit a small family. Or even a grandparent who has to occasionally ferry the grandkids around.
I like how easy it is to park and its stylish packaging but the cabin feels small. The practicality just wasn’t there for my family this week and the price point isn’t quite right for the features you get.
My son liked its looks but didn’t get excited about it.