Our Rating
4.5/5
Pros
Cons
Introduction
The Peugeot E-3008 enters the electric vehicle market as a full-electric version of the brand’s popular compact SUV model. This new addition to Peugeot’s electric lineup aims to offer consumers a more spacious and long-range option compared to the brand’s smaller models like the e-208 and e-2008.
The Peugeot E-3008 represents a significant evolution in the brand’s design language, blending modern aesthetics with functional features that enhance the electric SUV’s appeal. The vehicle showcases a balanced blend of sophistication and sportiness, making it stand out in the crowded electric vehicle market.
Front Facade
The front end of the E-3008 is marked by Peugeot’s distinctive design cues, including the sharp, angular headlights that integrate seamlessly with the grille. The electric model features a unique grille pattern compared to its combustion-engine counterparts, emphasizing its eco-friendly credentials without being overtly futuristic. This is complemented by the signature ‘lion’s claw’ LED daytime running lights, adding a touch of elegance and improving visibility.
Side Profile
From the side, the E-3008 displays a dynamic silhouette characterized by a rising beltline and a sloping roofline that culminates in a subtle rear spoiler. This not only contributes to the vehicle’s sporty stance but also enhances aerodynamic efficiency, which is crucial for maximizing range in an electric vehicle. The bodywork includes sculpted lines and creases that add depth and character, avoiding the slab-sided look common in some SUVs.
Rear Design
The rear of the E-3008 continues the modern and refined theme, with a horizontally stretched light bar that integrates the brand’s three-claw light signature. This not only enhances the visual width of the vehicle but also ensures it’s instantly recognizable as a Peugeot, even from a distance. The tailgate is cleanly designed, with minimal lines and creases, leading to a clutter-free and premium look.
Battery and Spec Options
The Peugeot E-3008 is equipped with a 73kWh battery, which powers a single electric motor producing 210 horsepower. This configuration is the sole option at launch, providing an official range of up to 327 miles according to WLTP standards. This figure places the E-3008 in a competitive position within the EV market, though actual range can vary based on driving conditions, habits, and external factors.
Charging the E-3008 offers flexibility but requires consideration of the available infrastructure and planning for longer trips. At home, using a standard wall box (7kW), a full charge from empty can take around 10 hours, which is practical for overnight charging. For those on the move, the E-3008 supports fast charging up to 100kW, enabling the battery to reach 20-80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes. This makes it viable for quick top-ups during longer journeys, though access to fast chargers is a determining factor.
Future updates to the model range will introduce more options. Peugeot has announced plans for a long-range version, expected to increase the maximum range up to 435 miles due to a larger battery pack. Additionally, a high-performance variant is slated for release, which will feature all-wheel drive and 320hp, albeit with a reduced range compared to the standard model.
Interior
The Peugeot E-3008’s interior presents a distinctive and modern environment, marked by its unique design elements. Central to the dashboard is a notable 21.0-inch wraparound screen, a feature that brings digital engagement to the forefront. This display is divided into areas for driving data and infotainment, offering clear and accessible information. However, the absence of physical controls for some functions, such as climate settings, might not appeal to all users, requiring drivers to navigate through the touchscreen system, which can be less intuitive than traditional buttons or knobs.
The cabin features a mix of materials, with higher touchpoints feeling premium, while some lower areas, including door bins, are finished with less luxurious plastics. This contrast may affect perceptions of overall quality but does not significantly detract from the cabin’s contemporary appeal. The steering wheel’s small, hexagonal shape continues Peugeot’s design trend, offering a distinctive look but may require an adjustment period for new drivers due to its unconventional size and positioning.
Practicality
In terms of practicality, the Peugeot E-3008 is designed with everyday usability in mind. The rear seating area offers ample space, accommodating adults comfortably, even with the car’s sweeping roofline. This design ensures headroom is maintained, making the vehicle suitable for families or transporting taller passengers.
Boot capacity stands at 520 litres, which, while generous, falls slightly short of some competitors in the segment. The absence of a front trunk (frunk) — a common feature in many electric vehicles — limits additional storage options, a consideration for those requiring maximum cargo space. Despite this, the space available is practical for daily needs and sufficient for most typical uses, such as grocery shopping or transporting luggage.
Visibility in the E-3008 is generally good, with large windows offering a clear view out front and to the sides. However, the design does incorporate large rear pillars, which can obstruct views to the back and may necessitate reliance on the rear-facing camera and sensors for parking and reversing — standard features that enhance the vehicle’s practicality in tight urban spaces.
Ride and Handling
The driving experience of the Peugeot E-3008 is shaped by its aim to provide comfort and efficiency, particularly noticeable in urban settings and on motorways.
City Driving
In urban environments, the E-3008 demonstrates commendable ease of use. Its electric powertrain allows for smooth acceleration, making stop-start city traffic less taxing. The light steering contributes to this ease, facilitating maneuvers in tight spaces and making parking less of a chore. Despite its relatively large size for an electric SUV, the vehicle’s turning circle is notably tight, comparable to much smaller cars, which is a significant advantage in congested urban areas.
However, the E-3008’s suspension setup, which tends towards the firmer side, can introduce some discomfort on poorly maintained roads. Sharp bumps, such as potholes or expansion joints, can transmit noticeable jolts through the cabin. While the car generally handles larger undulations well, the firmer ride may not be to everyone’s liking, particularly over more challenging city surfaces.
Highway Driving
The E-3008 shines on the motorway, where its refined characteristics come to the forefront. The suspension that feels firm in the city translates to stable and comfortable cruising at higher speeds. Road imperfections are more smoothly absorbed, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. Wind and road noise are minimal, maintaining a serene interior atmosphere conducive to long drives.
The electric motor, while not overly powerful, provides adequate performance for motorway driving. The E-3008 can maintain cruising speeds with ease, and there’s sufficient reserve power for overtaking when needed. However, the standard cruise control system may feel basic compared to more advanced adaptive systems found in higher-spec models or competitors, which can detract from the overall ease of long-distance travel.
Verdict
The Peugeot E-3008 positions itself as a noteworthy contender in the electric SUV market, blending distinctive design with a comfortable, technology-rich interior. While it may not revolutionize the electric vehicle sector, it offers a solid package that appeals to those seeking a blend of style, practicality, and electric efficiency.
