The start of a new generation of electric vehicles

There is no question that Peugeot’s new E-3008 will turn heads. This is ensured by its very confident appearance with a thick lion logo on the grill, claw-like daytime running lights and a sliding rear end, which is unusual in this class. The E-3008 also attracts attention for technical reasons. It is the first model in the Stellantis parent group to include the brand new, known as STLA Medium, a platform designed specifically for an electric drive that is already considered a benchmark in the industry: modern, efficient and versatile.

It comes at the right time because Peugeot has big goals. The aim is to offer the largest range of electric vehicles of all brands in Europe by the end of next year. Various electric models with the lion logo are already on the market, such as the small car E-208, the compact SUV E-2008, the compact model E-308 and the station wagon E-308 SW. Peugeot also has many light commercial vehicles on the road as electric variants.

Peugeot calls the body style Fastback

Compared to the previous generation, Peugeot has chosen a coupé-like silhouette for the new E-3008 and even uses an American word for the body shape: Fastback. At 4.54 meters tall, the E-3008 is at the lower end of the middle class (section C). However, the French promise plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The latter has a trunk with 520 liters – at least not smaller than its predecessor. If the backs of the split rear seat lie flat, it is even 1480 liters – a good value for a hatchback model. But rear passengers also enjoy good legroom and headroom. The wheel length of 2.74 meters and the lack of a tunnel in the middle on the electric platform ensure air space.

Cool cockpit with panoramic display

The same applies to the first row. The so-called i-Cockpit, in which the display is located above the steering wheel, makes a certain contribution to this. This may take some getting used to at first, but for Peugeot this arrangement is now an integral part of the brand identity. In general, the cockpit in the E-3008 looks very advanced and modern, but on the other hand – thanks to the fabric covers – comfortable and warm. On top of everything is a wide, slightly curved and seemingly floating screen (only in the upper part of the GT), which, at 53 cm, takes up a good half of the dashboard. Anyone who experiences the almost octagonal steering wheel of the E-3008 for the first time will hear an appreciative “Wow” from their lips. Cockpits are rarely styled this way.

To simplify operation and not have all functions operated via the touch screen, the designers have placed ten touch-sensitive buttons (i-toggles) in the center of the cockpit for quick access. They can be arranged. For example, you can assign your favorite functions such as radio stations, air conditioning temperature, phone contacts or fixed repeats to buttons during navigation.

It flows up to 700 km

Like the E-3008, Peugeot is initially equipping its SUV coupe with a 157 kW (213 hp) electric motor and front-wheel drive, as well as a 73 kWh battery. With it, 527 kilometers should be possible with one filling. The so-called long-range variant will be available at the end of 2024, with 170 kW (230 hp) and a range of up to 700 km. This is the maximum that the Central STLA platform can offer. There is a battery with a capacity of 98 kWh in the ground. There will also be an all-wheel drive sports version (two motors). It has a power of 240 kW (320 hp) and should provide a lot of driving fun.

A delightful combination of comfort and strength

As expected, the Peugeot E-3008 drives sports, only because of the low center of gravity thanks to the large battery in the floor. In conjunction with a quiet and powerful electric motor and fine tuning of the chassis, the result is a pleasant combination of comfort and dynamics.

A small turning circle of only 10.6 meters can come into its own in an urban environment. According to Peugeot, no competitor in the class can beat this. So aggressive maneuvering is not a test of patience. The standard reversing camera and four additional cameras as well as twelve sensors also help to provide a 360-degree all-round view. The drive itself is also supported in the new E-3008 by a range of advanced assistance systems, which some of them rely heavily on semi-autonomous driving. In convoy traffic, for example, all you have to do is put your hands on the steering wheel and the computer does the rest.

A good range includes a high charging capacity, which is important when traveling. No one likes to spend unnecessarily long time at payment terminals. The E-3008 can handle up to 160 kW on the supercharger, not a high value for the part, but a good average value that makes it possible to fill the battery from 20 percent of its capacity to 80 percent of its capacity in just a moment. more than half an hour.

The transport routes themselves can be easily planned using the “My Peugeot” smartphone app and sent to the on-board system. The app also allows heating in winter (or cooling in summer), finding the car’s location and locking the doors remotely.

It’s not just electric, it’s also available as a hybrid

To make configuration as easy as possible for buyers, Peugeot only offers the E-3008 in two equipment variants: Allure and GT. The latter is always painted in two colors as usual. Only the 157 kW (213 hp) version is available before, the price of which starts at 48,650 euros. GT costs from 53,450 euros.

Anyone who is not yet excited about e-mobility but is more enthusiastic about the design of the Peugeot 3008 should know: The model is also available as a mild petrol engine with an output of 100 kW (136 hp). Available from 39,250 euros.