The last 3008 was a game changer for Peugeot, with more than 1,320,000 finding customers in 130 countries over seven years. Peugeot describes the design of the new version as the ‘Allure of a fastback SUV with a reinvented and efficient design’. As we have said before, in our opinion, the E-3008 looks more evolution than revolution. At the front, there are ultra-compact LED headlamps with black strips front and rear with ‘E-3008’ in a new font at the rear. Below this, there are the cat’s claw vertical driving lights, fitted flush next to a large grille.
Fastback styling usually equals compromised rear headroom – and despite Peugeot moving the roof curve to aid interior practicality, with the glass roof fitted, the tallest passengers’ heads will be brushing the headlining. The overall look is neater, more modern, and just as attractive and unusual as the last in our opinion.
Interior tech
The E-3008’s interior is as stylish as the exterior and features the latest version of its controversial i-Cockpit, which includes the floating, curved 21in panoramic screen – combining the head-up display with the central touchscreen. In our view, the height of the screen is almost right for the tallest drivers here, but the bottom of the screen is still obscured by the latest small multifunction steering wheel.
The look and feel follows the style of the last 3008, with its curvy and driver-focused design. The dashboard and tall centre console are fabric-trimmed like the last, with metal detailing. It is also ambiently lit with colours according to the driving mode.
In our opinion, the central area of the E-3008’s dashboard is the cleverest, and it’s where you’ll find the customisable i-Toggles. These are touch-sensitive buttons, that can be programmed to give shortcuts to 10 of the driver’s favourite car functions. They work well, and the infotainment is easy to use and is an updated version of what is fitted in models across the Stellantis family – although the E-3008 has the slickest graphics.
The tallest will only be comfortable in the front of this Peugeot – thanks to plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment. The 526-litre boot is a similar size to the outgoing model and can be extended by folding the rear seats. It is a shame it feels on the shallow size.
Powertrain options
The Peugeot E-3008 gets Stellantis’s new STLA (Stella) medium electric platform, which is scalable and can support mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV drivetrains. With the 400V lithium-ion battery living under the floor, in E-3008 versions. The single-battery BEV and mild hybrid versions of the new E-3008 hit the UK in July, with the 320hp Dual Motor EV, 230hp Long Range EV, and the plug-in hybrid versions following at the end of the year.
We drove the same, single-motor E-3008 in GT spec, which is expected to be the fleet best-seller. It boasts 210hp, with a 73kWh battery, equalling a quoted 326-mile range. Despite this performance and range, acceleration to 62mph takes a rather leisurely 8.8 seconds. The fact that Peugeot’s new architecture, at 2.1 tonnes, is quite hefty, is probably at fault here. We didn’t get a chance to test its efficiency, but a heat pump is a £700 option which we still think is an oversight. DC charging is rated at 160kW, equalling a 20-80% charge in 30 minutes – so Peugeot says.
After the international launch drive, the E-3008 impressed more on UK roads. We wondered if Peugeot had changed the performance and handling settings,
following launch feedback – although we were told not. This time around the E-3008’s performance and drive seemed more willing and able than before. The steering continues to have little feedback, but it’s more comfortable. Like the performance, this Peugeot was more compliant and comfortable than we remembered.
The new 3008 looks great inside and out but is expensive. However, we feel our previous concerns about its ride and weight are no longer an issue.
Positive: Attractive styling inside and out, high quality feel, easy and refined to drive.
Negative: Expensive, heavy, heat pump not standard.
Standard equipment on Ultra: 19in alloy wheels, eco LED headlights, 3-claw signature front DRL driving lights, textile décor for the dashboard, door panels and control arch, e-Toggle compact gear selector, LED interior lighting, Dynamic height-adjustable fabric and leather trimmed front seats.
| Model | Peugeot E-3008 157kW GT 73kWh |
| P11D | £48,695 |
| Residual value | 45% |
| Depreciation | £26,570 |
| Fuel | £3,675 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,109 |
| Cost per mile | 53.92p |
| Range | 326 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £16/£33 |
| Luggage capacity | 526 litres |
| Battery size/power | 73kWh/210hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
