Comparison tests Audi A3 e-tron vs. BMW i3
klier
Premium
To sum it all up:
The Audi is meant to drive on gasoline with electric back up, the BMW is meant to drive electric with gasoline back up (this car has the REX). Completely different concepts, the BMW being vastly more advanced. But the Audi being the logical choice for the Dutch lease driver (because of a messed up tax system)
The Audi is meant to drive on gasoline with electric back up, the BMW is meant to drive electric with gasoline back up (this car has the REX). Completely different concepts, the BMW being vastly more advanced. But the Audi being the logical choice for the Dutch lease driver (because of a messed up tax system)
KiwiRob
Autotechnik Ace
Granted the body is more advanced being carbon, but is the power train and electronics more advanced? I'm not sure about the, banging in a motorcycle engine which is loud and vibrates through the cabin is not the brightest idea. The pure electric i3 is a much better vehicle IMO than the range extender version. The A3 E-tron has better range, 5 doors, a nicer interior and space for 5. An even better bet is the mechanically identical GTE Golf which is cheaper then the A3 E-tron.
I saw an i3 yesterday and its styling for sure is very controversial and bold, I must honestly say it is not my cup of tea. If given the choice for me it would be the A3 E-tron or Golf GTE, they both bigger and more spacious and just like Kiwirob said have a better range also for me at least they are better looking than the i3.
klier
Premium
Verdict
1st place: BMW i3
None of our contenders here is perfect, but the brilliant i3 puts eco-friendly credentials into the most usable, everyday package. Designed from the ground up as an EV, it has the longest battery range, boldest looks and best-packaged cabin. While the generator isn’t ideally suited to long motorway stints, it relieves range anxiety. This is the best alternative-fuel model.
2nd place: Audi A3 e-tron
It’s very easy to be seduced by the e-tron’s upmarket badge, classy cabin and penny-pinching on-paper costs, as well as its punchy performance. However, the hybrid set-up feels less well resolved than rival range-extenders, while the batteries’ extra weight blunts the drive. Finally, if you use the car for long journeys, fuel economy suffers, too.
3rd place: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
If you want space, rugged SUV styling and low company car tax bills, then the Outlander PHEV makes a certain amount of sense. Yet the petrol engine is thirsty, the interior feels low-rent and the driving experience lags behind that of the best 4x4s. Finally, in GX3h trim it lacks the standard kit you’d expect on a car costing nearly £30,000.
1st place: BMW i3
None of our contenders here is perfect, but the brilliant i3 puts eco-friendly credentials into the most usable, everyday package. Designed from the ground up as an EV, it has the longest battery range, boldest looks and best-packaged cabin. While the generator isn’t ideally suited to long motorway stints, it relieves range anxiety. This is the best alternative-fuel model.
2nd place: Audi A3 e-tron
It’s very easy to be seduced by the e-tron’s upmarket badge, classy cabin and penny-pinching on-paper costs, as well as its punchy performance. However, the hybrid set-up feels less well resolved than rival range-extenders, while the batteries’ extra weight blunts the drive. Finally, if you use the car for long journeys, fuel economy suffers, too.
3rd place: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
If you want space, rugged SUV styling and low company car tax bills, then the Outlander PHEV makes a certain amount of sense. Yet the petrol engine is thirsty, the interior feels low-rent and the driving experience lags behind that of the best 4x4s. Finally, in GX3h trim it lacks the standard kit you’d expect on a car costing nearly £30,000.
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