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Peugeot E-3008 2024 review


Peugeot says by 2025 it "will offer the widest range of electric cars of any generalist brand in Europe". Which is a bold call when you think about Volkswagen Group powering up its EV efforts across multiple brands, Stellantis stablemates like Fiat and Opel/Vauxhall pushing hard on zero emissions and traditional Gallic rival Renault Group dialling up the voltage of its line-up.

But the storied French maker is putting its electrified money where its mouth is. Locally, the E-2008 small SUV and E-Partner light commercial van arrived in the second half of last year.

Peugeot Automobiles Australia has confirmed they'll be joined by the E-308 hatch, next-size-up E-Expert van and this car, the mid-size E-3008 SUV, in the second half of 2024. And beyond that, the city-sized E-208 is scheduled for on-sale here in 2025.

So, it's all happening in terms of new products, but are they any good? CarsGuide was invited to a pre-release drive of the new third-generation 3008 in pure-electric E-3008 form at the car's global launch to find out.

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10

Given the car's Australian launch is still some way off it's no surprise local pricing and specification is yet to be confirmed. But we can make some assumptions based on available trim levels and projected production scheduling.

The E-3008 is offered globally in entry-level Allure and top-spec GT grades with a choice of three powertrains - single-motor standard range, single-motor long range and dual-motor all-wheel drive.

That said, the single-motor standard range set-up will be the only configuration available until production of long-range and dual-motor versions begins in 2025.

It features heated front seats and steering wheel. It features heated front seats and steering wheel.

So, initially we can expect the E-3008 Allure to include the latest version of Peugeot's 'i-Cockpit' dash layout and multimedia system featuring a single-piece, curved and swipe-able 21-inch panoramic screen combining media, instrumentation and vehicle control displays (as well as 'OK Peugeot' voice recognition). It's optional on the Allure in France but a safe bet as standard here.

Then you can add auto LED headlights, cloth and synthetic leather trim, keyless entry and start, an HD reversing camera (with rear parking sensors), six-speaker audio (with digital radio), dual-zone climate control, 19-inch alloys and the 'i -Connect' system, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Step up to the GT and you're rolling on 20-inch rims, while you also pick up two-tone paint, pixel LED headlights, front parking sensors, an auto tailgate, Alcantara trim (genuine leather is an option in France), customisable ambient interior lighting, Focal 10-speaker premium audio (with 12-channel 690W amp), heated front seats and steering wheel, a head-up display and an induction smartphone charger. Also likely is the 'VisioPark 360' system (incorporating four cameras and 12 sensors).

It features 19-inch alloys. It features 19-inch alloys.

As mentioned, Australian range and pricing are yet to be finalised but in the notoriously pricy UK market cost-of-entry for the E-3008 Allure is around £46,000 ($89,000 on a straight currency swap) with a roughly €45,000 ($75,000) starting price in France.

To be competitive locally we'd argue the E-3008 Allure will need to be under $70,000, putting it in the same ballpark as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2WD 125kW - $65,000) and Ioniq 6 (2WD 111kW - $65,500), Kia Niro EV (S Electric FWD - $66,590), Renault Megane E-Tech ($64,990), Tesla Model Y (RWD Single Motor - $65,400) and Volvo EX30 (Single Motor Extended Ultra - $64,990).

Worth noting that Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions of the new 3008 will follow this pure EV, with timing and local availability yet to be confirmed.

You can add auto LED headlights. You can add auto LED headlights.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

The E-3008 is a high-waisted, fastback-style SUV with the turret sloping dramatically behind the top of the C-pillar. It boasts an impressively slippery 0.28 drag coefficient.

There are sharp character lines on the bonnet, around the grille and down the car's flanks, while the tail tapers in from the sides towards a narrow hard deck at the base of the rear screen.

The E-3008 is a high-waisted, fastback-style SUV with the turret sloping dramatically behind the top of the C-pillar. The E-3008 is a high-waisted, fastback-style SUV with the turret sloping dramatically behind the top of the C-pillar.

What Peugeot describes as a 'floating' spoiler sits at the rear of the roof and the 'Sofia' 20-inch wheel design on the GT grade we drove at the launch looks amazing. The Allure's 19-inch 'Lulea' rim is similarly graphic.

Interesting detail is the flush closures around the side windows with thin panels dropping in to fill the gap between the glass and sheet metal. Neat and aero-efficient.

It boasts an impressively slippery 0.28 drag coefficient. It boasts an impressively slippery 0.28 drag coefficient.

And the interior is just as arresting with the big 21-inch screen covering almost half the dashtop and the small (but not tiny) flat top and bottom steering wheel affording a clear view to it.

The two-tier dash is divided by a cross-hatched illuminated section that carries into the front doors. My advice is to tone the brightness down at night because the disco-style reflections can be disconcerting.

What Peugeot describes as a ‘floating’ spoiler sits at the rear of the roof. What Peugeot describes as a ‘floating’ spoiler sits at the rear of the roof.

It feels open in the front with plenty of breathing space thanks to the dash's broad lower level, trimmed in a fabric-based but suitably tough material. Peugeot says the aim is "living room ambience" and if the words angular and cozy can live together they describe the overall look with genuine aluminium trim pieces enhancing the contemporary, high-tech feel.

Always a subjective call but I reckon the E-3008 looks sleek inside and out.

The interior is just as arresting with the big 21-inch screen covering almost half the dashtop. The interior is just as arresting with the big 21-inch screen covering almost half the dashtop.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10

Measuring a fraction over 4.5m end-to-end, a little more than 1.9m wide and just over 1.6m tall the E-3008 sits squarely in the medium SUV category.

There's plenty of room up front thanks mainly to the low and broad dash design and there are plenty of storage options including large (trimmed) door bins with enough space for large bottles plus dual cupholders in the centre console.

The gearshift sits on the dash which frees up space for two huge storage boxes in the console; the first's lid opening laterally for ultra-easy access and the second (cooled) compartment between the seats topped with a longitudinally divided lid/armrest.

Peugeot says the aim is “living room ambience” and if the words angular and cozy can live together they describe the overall look. Peugeot says the aim is “living room ambience” and if the words angular and cozy can live together they describe the overall look.

Add a generous wireless charging pad and an oddments tray on the driver's side near the door and it's hard to complain about places to put stuff.

Moving to the back, despite the E-3008's swoopy roofline, at 183cm tall I enjoyed ample head and legroom sitting behind the front seat set to my position, and getting in and out is easy thanks to wide-opening doors sitting in large apertures.

Again, storage is generous. There are decent door bins (not trimmed this time) with room for bottles, plus netted map pockets and a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders and a slim tray built-in. Adjustable air vents are welcome, as is the oddments tray underneath them.

There are plenty of storage options including large (trimmed) door bins with enough space for large bottles plus dual cupholders in the centre console. There are plenty of storage options including large (trimmed) door bins with enough space for large bottles plus dual cupholders in the centre console.

Connectivity and power runs to two USB-C sockets and a 12V outlet in the front, the same options in the back and a third 12-volt jack in the boot.

Speaking of which, the E-3008 delivers the same 520 litres (VDA) of boot space (to the parcel shelf with all seats up) as its predecessor, extending to 1480 litres with the 40/20/40 split rear seat folded.

There are four tie-down anchors, multiple bag hooks and the boot floor can be lowered to accommodate taller loads, which is nice. But that functionality comes partly because there's no spare wheel, which isn't nice.

Single-motor variants are rated to tow a 1250kg braked trailer (1350kg for the dual motor).

There’s plenty of room up front thanks mainly to the low and broad dash design. There’s plenty of room up front thanks mainly to the low and broad dash design.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its motor? 8/10

Single-motor standard-range versions of the E-3008 are powered by a 157kW/345Nm permanent magnet synchronous unit, while the AWD dual motor keeps the front set up and adds a 83kW/166Nm motor at the rear.

The motors are produced by the Stellantis-Nidec joint venture in Tremery, France and the single-speed transmission is also manufactured in France by Stellantis in Valenciennes.

A 400V high-voltage lithium-ion battery, with a NMC (Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt) chemical composition is located under the floor.

Single-motor standard-range versions of the E-3008 are powered by a 157kW/345Nm permanent magnet synchronous unit. Single-motor standard-range versions of the E-3008 are powered by a 157kW/345Nm permanent magnet synchronous unit.

Efficiency – What is its driving range? What is its charging time? 8/10

The 157kW single-motor standard-range version packs a 73kWh lithium ion battery for a claimed (WLTP) range of 525km.

The 171kW single-motor long-range car swaps in a 98kWh battery for a whopping 700km range. And the 239kW dual-motor AWD model reverts to the 73kWh battery/525km range spec.

AC charging capacity is a choice of 11kW and 22kW (with the former likely for our market) and up to 160kW for DC, delivering a 20-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. The charging plug is Type 2 for AC and CCS Combo2 for DC.

Worth noting that Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions of the new 3008 will follow this pure EV. Worth noting that Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions of the new 3008 will follow this pure EV.

V2L (vehicle to load) capability is a significant E-3008 feature, the car's 400-volt architecture allowing its battery to power large electrical devices.

Claimed (WLTP) energy consumption for the single-motor standard-range car is 16.7kWh/100km for the Allure grade and 17.4kWh/100km for the GT.

Over a roughly 110km launch drive taking in some urban stop-start, highway running, B-roads and twisty mountain sections we recorded 16.1kWh/100km which is a pretty solid result for a close to 2.2-tonne mid-size SUV.

Driving – What's it like to drive? 7/10

The international launch drive focused exclusively on the single-motor, standard-range E-3008, in GT spec, and the program covered high-speed tollways, bumpy back roads, snaking mountain passes and coastal curves in the south of France.

Peugeot claims 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds for the E-3008 in this configuration, which is pretty sharp on paper. But in reality performance is reasonable. Never slow, but pinning the accelerator doesn't bring the surging thrust of some of this car's potential competitors. That's partly because it tips the scales at a sturdy 2183kg.

There are three drive modes in single-motor models. 'Normal' is the default with power and torque slightly reduced when the accelerator is pressed between 0-70 per cent. Above 70 per cent and you have full power and torque. 'Eco' limits outputs while reducing heating and air con outputs and 'Sport' dials up the steering and accelerator settings.

Peugeot claims 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds for the E-3008 in this configuration. Peugeot claims 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds for the E-3008 in this configuration.

Despite the drive battery being mounted under the floor for a low centre-of-gravity you can feel that substantial mass in the corners. It's far from ponderous but weight transfer as the car turns in is noticeable. Steering feel is okay rather than great. Even in Sport it's nicely weighted and quick but road feel is modest.

Suspension is strut front, multi-link rear and the GT's standard 20-inch rubber is 235/50 Michelin ePrimacy. On imperfect secondary roads (close to Aussie-spec in their ordinariness) bumps and thumps, especially high-frequency ripples, make their presence felt but not to an extreme degree.

On better surfaces the car is quiet and refined, even in the context of an EV, and the three-stage ('Low', 'Medium', 'High') regenerative braking set-up works well. The two higher levels automatically activate the brake lights and High will slow the car to 5.0-7.0km/h, so no single-pedal driving.

The international launch drive focused exclusively on the single-motor, standard-range E-3008. The international launch drive focused exclusively on the single-motor, standard-range E-3008.

The physical brakes need to be greased in carefully, though, as they can grab a little if you press the pedal too sharply.

A 10.6m turning circle means tight, slow-speed parking manoeuvres are relatively easy to manage, with the GT's 360-degree overhead view and all-around sensors also a big help.

In terms of general observations, the highly-specified Focal audio system sounds good but not exceptional to our lo-fi ears, the dash layout not only looks amazing but works well from an ergonomic point-of-view (only snag is the media 'Home' button obscured by the steering wheel) and the front seats are supportive yet comfortable.

Last but not least the overspeed warning defaults to on every time the car is restarted. Peugeot isn't alone here (hello Hyundai and Kia) and we're told the cause is legislative requirements in multiple markets. Three clicks are required to turn off the warning chime and flashing display off.

A 10.6m turning circle means tight, slow-speed parking manoeuvres are relatively easy to manage. A 10.6m turning circle means tight, slow-speed parking manoeuvres are relatively easy to manage.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 7/10

Standard active (crash-avoidance) safety tech includes adaptive cruise control (with 'Stop & Go' function), lane keeping assist, lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring (long-range up to 75 metres), traffic sign recognition, AEB (with day or night pedestrian and cyclist detection from 7.0-140km/h), active lane departure warning (with lane departure correction), 'Driver Attention Alert', 'Hill Descent Control' and 'Advanced Traction Control' (with 'snow', 'mud' and 'sand' modes). No sign of rear cross-traffic alert or rear AEB at this stage.

If a crash is unavoidable there are six airbags onboard - driver and passenger front, front side (thorax and pelvis) and side curtain (head and thorax). No front centre or knee airbags.

Expect three top tethers for child car seats across the rear row, with ISOFIX anchors on the two outer positions.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 8/10

The E-3008 will be covered by Peugeot Automobiles Australia's five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with the lithium ion drive battery covered for eight years/160,000km.

Although not confirmed at this stage, expect the service interval to be 12 months or 24,000km (as per the E-2008), and pricing to sit in the region of $1750 over five years ($350 annually). A cheaper (three- or five-year) pre-paid option is a near certainty.

The Peugeot brings design flair, impressive practicality and outstanding efficiency to the table. The Peugeot brings design flair, impressive practicality and outstanding efficiency to the table.

The E-3008 is heading into an increasingly competitive mid-size EV SUV segment and the Peugeot brings design flair, impressive practicality and outstanding efficiency to the table. Safety and dynamic performance are good but not class-leading, while the ownership package is likely to be competitive. Price is almost always a high-ranking factor on a new-car purchase priority list and here it's critical. This car has a lot to offer but if buyers are to be tempted away from better known brands the ask will have to be on the money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Score

4/5
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.