Peugeot is working hard to become the premium brand of the PSA group, with the 508 Hybrid as a business topper. Nevertheless, a comparable premium model of German manufacture, such as the BMW 320e, is still 9,000 euros more expensive. Why is the BMW worth that?
1. You have more space
First of all, the interior of the BMW offers more space, both in the front and rear seats. The 320e’s cabin feels roomy thanks to the increased glass area and low center tunnel. Passengers in the rear seat of the BMW praise the legroom and are satisfied that their crown does not touch the ceiling.
With the Peugeot, people of 1.75 meters and taller have to be careful not to hit their heads on the low eaves when boarding. The 508 Hybrid 225 is praised for its luggage space: the large tailgate is convenient to use and provides access to a larger trunk.
2. Everyone is comfortable in the BMW
Once you have taken a seat in the spacious interior of the BMW 3 Series, you can quickly assume a comfortable seating position, regardless of your posture. In the Peugeot you look over the small steering wheel to the high placed instruments and that should be just right from an ergonomic point of view. If we look purely at the seating comfort, we have to admit that the optional Peugeot massage seats are very comfortable …
3. You can whisper in the silent 3 series
The comfort in the Peugeot is also (slightly) less because more noise enters the cabin than in the BMW. Partly due to the frameless side windows, you hear wind and rolling noises more clearly in the 508. The cabin of the 3-series is excellently insulated against noise from the outside.
4. The BMW 3 Series drives more sporty and you want that
BMW is known for its superb handling and the 320e is no different. The wide rear wheels (255/35 R 19) give the 3 Series masses grip and it follows the ideal line up to high speeds. With the Peugeot, the hallway is never good. The ESP is extremely diligent and brakes more than sometimes necessary. The 508 Hybrid 225 cannot keep up with the BMW on the slalom test.
5. BMW’s plug-in hybrid is more economical
Both sedans have a battery capacity of 11 kWh. Still, the BMW can make slightly more electric kilometers: 37 in cold and wet autumn weather. In the city, even 51 kilometers is possible. The electric motor in the 508 Hybrid 225 hands over to the combustion engine after 31 kilometers (46 in the city).
Combined with the petrol engine, the BMW is again the most economical. On average, the 320e consumes 6.3 liters of petrol and 11.2 kWh per 100 kilometers. In addition to a full battery charge, the 508 Hybrid 225 also runs 6.7 liters of gasoline through it.
Conclusion
Compared to the Peugeot 508 Hybrid, the BMW 320e costs almost a quarter more. However, for that you get more than just a premium badge. It has a more spacious, quieter and more ergonomic cabin than the Peugeot. In addition, the BMW drives better and is more economical than the Peugeot.
Keep in mind, the differences between the BMW and the Peugeot are not very big. So read the full test in Auto Review 12. Now available in the store and can be ordered online.