BMW i3 dog friendly

[neil-c]

Looking for a smallish replacement for wife’s car. Needs to be relatively compact, comfortable, able to take kids in the back and importantly Labrador friendly. So ideally boot big enough, with lowish sill and flat floor. Photos I’ve seen look ok but would be interesting in any personal experiences. Thanks

[Discombobulate]

Yep. We have a golden retriever. Just need to remove rear parcel tray, fit Hatchbag and RGM Rearguard on top of bumper and job’s a good’un.
Not huge space but fine.

[SAAB95Aero]

I have read several reviews of the BMW i3, and some mention that the "suicide doors” (back doors) are a bit awkward when placing small children in their child car seat (especially if it is rear facing). Maybe something to look into if you have small children?

[Discombobulate]

The doors actually make rear seat access much easier. However can be a pain in car parks if not much space. At the side of the road and home access is fantastic as whole side of car effectively disappears .

[TooLateForAName]

Discombobulate said:

The doors actually make rear seat access much easier. However can be a pain in car parks if not much space. At the side of the road and home access is fantastic as whole side of car effectively disappears .

But you have to open the front door before the rear - that would be a total pita for many people dropping kids off.

[GT6k]

From a dog friendly point of view the rear deck is quite high so OK for a fit dog. The space is OK but not huge so a big like a lab will be OK behind a barrier but you wouldn't get a decent sized cage in there unless you fold down at least one rear seat.

The suicide doors are very good if you have a reasonable space and better than a conventional door for loading a baby seat but you get trapped in the middle in a tight parking spot.

[LordGrover]

neil-c said:

Looking for a smallish replacement for wife’s car. Needs to be relatively compact, comfortable, able to take kids in the back and importantly Labrador friendly. So ideally boot big enough, with lowish sill and flat floor. Photos I’ve seen look ok but would be interesting in any personal experiences. Thanks

Boot is quite high, and space is limited so not much 'deceleration/landing zone' for leaping dog.

[rewild]

TooLateForAName said:

But you have to open the front door before the rear - that would be a total pita for many people dropping kids off.

Consider it a very clever 3-door, not a stupid 5 door, and it makes sense.

[Discombobulate]

I should add that I bought our 120Ah i3 as a toe dip into EVs. I wasn’t expecting to like it. We have since bought a new iPace but couldn’t part with the i3. Such a fun / capable little car.

For perspective my last ICE car was a B9 RS4 and I still have a 997 tucked away for nice days.

[rewild]

Discombobulate said:

I should add that I bought our 120Ah i3 as a toe dip into EVs.

Same here. Absolutely in love with the i3s. I take it even when it hasn't got the range, and a diesel would make more sense. Any excuse to drive it.

I can't think of a bigger EV with more range which would have the same personality and fun.

[Mits]

We use the i3s with a Doberman in the boot. I’ve put a dog guard in the back and the PPF on top of the rear bumper. No problem jumping in and out. Not much space back there, but he is able to stand up and turnaround.
Used only around town and a x5 for longer trips.

[london_v]

i3s owner here and our GSD fits fine in the boot. You can tilt both rear seats a tad frontwards (I reckon 20%), which gives a little more space in the boot. Had no idea the car could do this and stumbled across the feature a week into ownership. The dog appreciates it.

Enjoy the car. It is fabulous.

[neil-c]

Many thanks for all the info, much appreciated as always. Already an EV owner so I’m happy with logistics and range. Will only be the runabout so larger car (and boot) for longer trips. Based on the comments, sounds like a relatively petite lab will be fine in there for shorter journeys. The doors won’t be too much of an issue I don’t think. Kids are 10 so no need for me to crouch into the back. What seems to be a regular comment, here and on other forums, is how enjoyable they are to drive. Need to find a local one for a closer look now. Thanks again chaps

[bernie_eccle]

Check out https://tesla-info.com/bmw/bmw-inventory.pup to search for car for sakes. A brilliant site for tracking availability, prices and trends.

Not sure why that isn't working but google tesla inventory bmw