Peugeot e-3008 Review | Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

Peugeot launched the first 3008 back in 2009, and it’s been a popular family crossover competing with the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Kuga ever since.

I owned one of the original ones myself – a 1.6HDi turbo diesel, which whilst rightfully condemned since as not being as eco-friendly as perhaps we were led to believe, was a useful family taxi (we particularly liked the split-opening tailgate, as the lower level made an impromptu changing table when our first-born needed alfresco nappy-swaps on trips out).

This new model is alike in name, and roughly a similar shape, but overall is much bigger, plusher, and (the elephant in the room) much more expensive than the one I had back in 2009.

Styling

Peugeot has been making good-looking cars for a while now, and this new e-3008 is no exception. The front end has a purposeful, futuristic, dare-I-say aggressive(?) look to it, with this vortex-style “title sequence from Star Wars” grille, and claw-mark DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) which make you take notice straight away.

The GT specification that we’re driving today is top-of-the-line (well, except for a panoramic sunroof, but that’s an option if you want to add it on), and it looks very striking. The gloss black trim around the wheel arches, matched with the mirror covers and roof, gives it a sporty stance. The Peugeot “Shield” on the front wing is a further indication that this is the GT model (whilst evoking a sense of Alfa Romeo’s Cloverleaf, and Ferrari’s prancing horse decals in a similar location).

Peugeot e-3008 Interior and Practicality

The interior is as bold and dynamic as the exterior, with a 22” trapezoidal screen jutting from the fabric-wrapped dashboard. Ambient lighting (with a dizzying array of colour choices) sits behind this, and creates a futuristic glow. The i-Cockpit, which is Peugeot’s way of positioning the dash  display above the line of the go-kart-sized steering wheel, takes some getting used to, but does actually improve ergonomics and usability (compared to other cars where you miss half of the screen because it’s cut off by the curve of the wheel).

The textures used inside remind me of a Bang & Olufsen showroom, which is very tactile and high-end in appearance. The piano black trim which leads up the centre console towards the climate controls, and then darts off left towards the passenger with a series of physical buttons for oft-required features (heated rear screen etc) sits jauntily above the twin cup holders and a further lidded storage area with 2 USB-C’s and a 12V socket inside.

There are some virtual “i-Toggle” buttons on a mid-mounted screen, which can be configured to whatever shortcut you like – “driver’s seat heating to setting 2”, “Passenger climate control to 18c” – whatever you think you might want to select that would warrant it’s own button rather than have to navigate through menus to find it each time. Quite a clever touch, to be honest.

The seats in the front are well bolstered and comfortable for long periods. The GT model has the Peugeot Shield embossed on the head restraints, and the seats themselves have an Alcantara/leather-look finish which adds to the premium feel. In the back, the same seat fabrics are used, and there is plenty of headroom for 6-footers. The rear seat backs can be folded in a 40-20-40 configuration, allowing any/all of the seats to be sacrificed in exchange for load space.

The boot itself is fairly capacious – 588 litres, which if you fold down all the seats can be expanded to 1,480 litres. It has a split-level boot floor, one option giving a flat load area all the way through from hatch to seats, the other giving slightly more depth (or a segregated lower storage area for charging cables etc, if that’s more useful day-to-day). Sadly, the downward hinging tailgate from the Mk1 3008 has not been a feature for many years.

Performance and Driving

It feels… “solid” is probably the best way to put it -heavy, for sure. It’s got a low centre of gravity (as do all EVs), and the 20” alloy wheels with low-profile tyres give it a firmer ride than some competitors. Visibility is great, with 360-degree cameras and a clear view out of front and rear windows.

The 211bhp electric motor driving the front wheels gives adequate performance. Not startling, by any means, but if you’re coming from a combustion engine it’ll feel very capable.

It can tow up to 1250kg, which is enough for a modest caravan, and actually 250kg more than the Hybrid version of the 3008.

e-3008 Range and Charging

From launch, there is a 73kWh battery giving an official WLTP range of 326 miles, although in typical usage you’re more likely to see around 280 miles between charging stations. There is a long-range 98kWh battery version coming by the end of 2024, which will give up to 422 miles on the WLTP driving cycle – 350+ miles in the real world – which is close to what you’d get out of a tank of petrol in the Hybrid version. Does that make sense for the majority of owners? Probably only if you can’t charge at home, or if you travel mega-miles for work regularly. The rest of the time, you’d be lugging around a bigger battery for no benefit.

Price and Equipment

The e-3008 starts at £45,795 with the Allure specification, and it’s got most of the kit you’d want anyway, so it’s worth a look if you want to keep the purchase costs down. But the GT specification adds some very nice features – 20” alloy wheels, plus you get pixel headlights,a  hands-free tailgate, adaptive trim and heated seats finished in Alcantara. It does cost £49,595 though.

Final Verdict

Peugeot’s new platform which debuts here in the e-3008 will feature across other Stellantis brands in the coming years. However, Peugeot’s styling and eye for design has been onto a winner for many years now, and of all the Stellantis brands it is probably the most exciting to look at. This feels like a considerable step up in quality over previous models, and shows what they can do when their designers are allowed to push the boundaries versus the accountants in charge of some of their other marques.

Does it make you want to race everyone off the traffic lights? Not really… That’s not it’s strong suit. It prefers to keep you comfortably chilled and stress-free.

Does it have enough technology to take command of a NASA expedition to Mars? Probably.

Does it feel more special than a Tesla Model Y to sit in? Arguably, yes.

Should you put it on your shopping list if you’re in the market for this size of Crossover/SUV? Definitely.