In the past, the Peugeot 3008 has proven itself to be a reliable and predictable machine. Neither the first nor second generation variants would have drawn gasps of amazement. The original was fine to drive despite its unattributed exterior, while the second one, an answer to the Qashqai, was good-looking and more pleasurable to drive. Nevertheless, it was pretty much what one would expect from a Peugeot, consistently ticking off predictable boxes.
Now, for the third instalment, Peugeot has indeed made a bold move with the 3008 that’s truly out of the ordinary, call it audacious, even. I’m not referring to the mere conversion to an all-electric model. Peugeot has been eyeing electricity as a power source for quite some time. Although it’s also acknowledged by Gowan Auto, the Irish importer and distributor for Peugeot, that the petrol hybrid 1.2-litre 136hp version of the 3008 will understandably outsell the all-electric version in the immediate future, it’s not totally perplexing to encounter an all-electric variant.
One item that doesn’t surprise us is the electrical foundations of the E-3008. The Stellantis Group, an extensive auto production conglomerate where Peugeot holds one fourteenth (or fifteenth, depending how you calculate it) share, have already been showcasing their SLTA electric car platforms. This fundamentally electric premise is conceived to carry the extensive range of brands in their portfolio well into the 2030s using battery energy.
The E-3008, manufactured with the STLA-Medium platform, is currently powered by a 73kWh battery and a 210hp motor that drives the front wheels. Offering a mileage of 512-527km per charge, it competes head-on with other electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID. 4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Nissan Ariya among others.
The car has a unique design–one that might only be appreciated fully by seeing it in person. The front is mostly made up of the grille, dotted with tiny spots for LED headlights and a three-bar LED running light called the “lion’s claw”. The overall appearance is dramatic, almost as if the front of the car has been hit with a shovel. Its rear end, on the other hand, is almost reminiscent of Transformers figurines, bringing an aspect of childhood nostalgia to the mix.
Viewed from the side, the car looks like an SUV-coupe, although unlike most manufactures, Peugeot doesn’t charge extra for this enhanced design. In terms of style, the slanting back roof and the shape of the hatch puts it in line with other cars in the same class, such as VW ID. 5, Skoda Enyaq Coupe and the upcoming Ford Capri.
A standout quality of the E-3008 is its affordability. Priced at €43,965, it costs less than the 3008 hybrid model by €30 and is €2,000 cheaper than the most basic variant of ID. 5. The GT version of the E-3008 I’m evaluating is priced at €49,795 which is somewhat more expensive than the ID. 5 Pro Plus model, however, considering the accessories and features that come with it, it remains competitive in terms of pricing.
The interior of the E-3008 seems as if it has been inspired by a concept car showcased at an exhibition. It boasts a wide, but not overly deep, 21-inch screen across the dashboard. The screen features dual functions, for instruments and for infotainment, which gives a pleasing look. However, the screens could benefit from more physical controls, though they remain easy enough to use. While Peugeot purports that its voice control system now utilises AI with ChatGPT for enhanced intelligence, it appeared as ineffective as any other to me.
The soft, tweed-like fabric adorning the dashboard, central console, and door panels was derided as “grey sofa material” by my wife, but for my part, I found it quite pleasing. It lends a warmer aura than dull grey plastic or synthetic leather. The substantial L-shaped panel allows for ample storage space aimed towards the passenger in the front seat. This gives the driver a sense of being in a more confined, cockpit-like atmosphere. The petite hexagonal steering wheel may evoke mixed opinions, but it arguably aligns better with the height of the instruments here than in other models.
Surprisingly, the rear passenger space is quite limited, especially with regards to legroom and headroom. Should you frequently carry passengers, I’d suggest opting for the upcoming more spacious 5008. That said, the boot is quite spacious, accommodating 548 litres, likely due to the blocky rear design.
The multitude of surprises doesn’t end there: the range of this vehicle is the most pleasant surprise. Although Peugeot claims the maximum range is 527km, I anticipated an average closer to 400km. To my surprise, when the battery was fully charged, the dashboard revealed an availability of 525km in “normal” mode and 550km in “eco” mode. Even after factoring in some margin for error and a typical 120km/h drive between Dublin and Belfast, the E-3008 easily surpassed the 450km mark. I am confident it could efficiently cover 500km if there was less time spent at high speeds.
Even with the constant inability to charge at my home, due to my residing in a terraced house and the absence of any support from local authorities, I did not feel the need to locate a charging station until I was four days deep into my test drive. The Peugeot E-3008’s rate of electrical consumption was around 16.5kWh per 100km, making it notable for its exceptional efficiency among all the electric vehicles I’ve driven to date in realistic conditions. It was the first electric vehicle where the average topped the stated WLTP claims during my driving experience. Furthermore, a larger battery version claiming an exciting 700km range will soon be launching.
However, the riding experience was quite a shock, but not a welcoming one. The tiny steering wheel, typical of modern Peugeots, gives the E-3008 a lively overall feel. The issue, though, isn’t prevention of understeering, but more of a sense that the suspension, the steering, and the acceleration aren’t harmonised adequately. The E-3008 sometimes provides a clumsy ride, contrasting severely with the dainty journey presented by Volkswagen group counterparts. The brake pedal can occasionally feel worryingly soft with long travel, coupled with the steering not tightening up as expected. The overall performance is relaxed, unless you decide to aggressively tap deep into the accelerator pedal to unleash maximum power.
This letdown could potentially be solved by future updates to the STLA-Medium platform, as I am keen to spend more time with this vehicle. Though it has its share of flaws, it is one of the most fascinating vehicles I’ve driven this year and offers a much-needed break from the seemingly endless stream of monotonous crossover SUVs. While it may be a crossover or even an SUV, it is far from dull. It is genuinely a surprising drive.
Short Overview: Peugeot E-3008 GT
Power: 157kW e-motor that generates 210hp and 345Nm of torque, power is distributed to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic gearbox.
CO2 emissions (Annual road tax): 0g/km (€120).
Electricity consumption: falls between 16.7-17.4 kWh per 100km (according to WLTP measurements).
The E-3008 electric vehicle, although flawed in terms of driving experience, compensates with its exceptional real-world electric capabilities, arresting aesthetics, and luxurious interior. Our test model is priced at €49,795, however, pricing for the 3008 series commences from €43,965. Under the WLTP standard, it boasts a promising electric range of 527km. Additionally, it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a notable 8.8 seconds, making it more captivating than initially anticipated.