We highway check the pure electrical model of the next-generation Peugeot 3008…
The Peugeot 3008 is a good instance of how the automotive trade has advanced since 2007.
Again then it was a dumpy trying MPV, however all that modified in 2016. In a single fell swoop, Peugeot’s designers re-invented the 3008 in order that it turned one of the trendy and distinctive mid-sized SUVs in the marketplace.
Topped 2017 European Automobile of the 12 months, at launch it was obtainable with a selection of petrol and diesel engines, although gentle hybrids and a plug-in hybrid adopted.
So, that’s SUVs in, diesels out.
The 2024 third technology Peugeot 3008 is greener nonetheless, and is first mannequin to make use of dad or mum group Stellantis’ new STLA Medium electrical powertrain. In the end, there will probably be gentle hybrid, plug-in hybrid and absolutely electrical variations.
It’s on-trend too as a result of it’s marketed as an “electrical fastback SUV”, which implies it has a sporty, sloping roof.
The primary mannequin within the 3008 line-up is the 100% electrical E-3008. It’ll include two sizes of battery (73kWh or 98kWh batteries), however initially solely the previous with a claimed 326-mile vary will probably be obtainable.
We’ll have to attend till 2025 for the 98kWh Lengthy Vary with a powerful 422 miles on a single cost, and the Twin Motor all-wheel drive (73kWh, 326 miles).
We highway examined the entry-level Peugeot E-3008 73kWh Single Motor, which begins at £45,850.
And the excellent news is that the brand new 3008 is much more putting than the outgoing automotive. There’s a daring entrance finish that includes slim LED headlamps built-in into the frameless grille, however the obvious change is that it now sports activities an aerodynamic SUV-coupe profile (suppose Audi This fall Sportback e-tron).
Naturally, Peugeot’s trademark mild signatures function too – ‘lion’s claw’ LED daytime operating lights up entrance and ‘three-claw’ on the rear.
Inside, there’s the wow issue of Peugeot’s new “Panoramic i-Cockpit”, full with a floating, curved 21-inch HD display that mixes the head-up show with the central touchscreen.
I’ve had my points with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design earlier than, as a result of the dinky, low-set steering wheel and better dashboard leads to a barely awkward driving place for taller drivers (ie the steering wheel is sort of in your lap, in any other case it blocks the dashboard).
Fortunately, this case is much-improved within the E-3008, although it’s nonetheless a quirk.
The primary takeaway is that the infotainment display and instrument cluster are a huge-step up from the earlier mannequin. The graphics are nonetheless not-class-leading, but it surely’s an enormous enchancment and works nicely.
There aren’t any bodily buttons, however the contact keys are nice and the power to create shortcuts actually boosts usability. There’s additionally a helpful “OK Peugeot” voice assistant.
The cabin is nicely designed and the standard is spectacular so long as you don’t look too far down the place extra fundamental scratchy black plastics lurk.
It’s spacious too – not simply up entrance, however on the again (the rakish profile doesn’t seem to have impacted headroom an excessive amount of) and within the boot, the place there’s a 588-litre baggage capability, increasing to 1,663 litres with the seat folded down.
On the highway the entrance mounted electrical motor develops 213bhp and drive is through the entrance wheels. It’s swift, however not blisteringly quick off the road.
With 253lb ft of torque, it may possibly full the 0-62mph dash in a good 8.8 seconds and tops out at 105mph.
For the document, the E-3008 is able to charging speeds as much as 160kW, enabling it to be boosted from 20-80% in simply 20 minutes (or half-hour through a 100kW connection).
It’s simple to drive in city areas because of mild steering, a decent turning circle and good visibility for probably the most half, apart from the rear pillars and slim tailgate window.
And regardless of agency suspension settings and the large 20-inch wheels on our automotive, it handled the lumps and bumps of on a regular basis driving nicely, solely turning into somewhat unsettled over bigger potholes and actually poor surfaces.
Grip is nice, however the brakes are disappointing (a standard challenge with EVs) as a result of they lack a progressive really feel and tend to grab.
You’re additionally conscious of its bulk (2,108kg) on extra twisty roads, so there may be some physique lean. In brief, it’s at its finest and most refined cruising at increased speeds.
The drive modes (Eco, Regular and Sport) tweak the dynamics barely, however you may’t alter the truth that it is a household five-seater and never one of many extra partaking electrical SUVs in the marketplace to drive.
On the plus facet, there are three ranges of regenerative braking which are adjusted through the steering wheel paddles.
We achieved an effectivity of round 3.5 miles per kWh, which might translate to a real-world vary of about 270 miles, so the upcoming 98kWh Lengthy Vary needs to be fairly the factor when it arrives on the scene.
The Peugeot E-3008 is on the market with a selection of simply two trim ranges (Attract and GT) and its many rivals embrace the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Volkswagen ID.5, Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Mannequin Y, Kia Niro EV, Volvo EC40 and Skoda Enyaq.
Verdict: Should you’re on the lookout for a cultured and refined family-sized SUV loaded with equipment and ample kerb enchantment, then the all-new, all-electric Peugeot E-3008 could possibly be the automotive for you.
Peugeot UK
