MOTORING REVIEW: Peugeot’s E-3008 is both stylish and economical

PEUGEOT'S third generation of its 3008 model replaces the former version which sold more than 1,320,000 customers in 130 countries in its lifetime. Since 2017, here in Ireland over 13,000 customers bought a 3008 and over 440 units were sold here last year. 

The all electric E-3008 debuted a new platform for the brands owned by the Stellantis carmaker group, designed to offer high performance, increased driving pleasure, increased efficiency, connected services and functions, and fast recharge time.

This lates evolution of the model is a coupe SUV that looks elegant from every viewpoint. New exterior styling includes a seamless grille that takes up much of the front with small LED headlights and Peugeot’s ‘lion’s claw effect’ daytime running lights front and rear. Nineteen or 20-inch wheels feature the new Peugeot emblem at their centre. Trims are Allure and GT. 

Peugeot are well-considered for beautiful fit and finish in their interiors and this E-3008 is no exception. My car had a mostly black cabin, with grey tweed-like material on the dash, central console and along the door panels which added warmth and appeared to be hard wearing. The design of the console between the front seats seemed quite odd to me at first with the higher side nearest the driver. It incorporates controls for the fan, rear window and windscreen heating controls, with drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport), a knob for the volume control, and the electric parking brake. There's a wireless charging pad and some USBs. Storage areas include a cavernous space below the front armrest, excellent front door bins and very good other storage areas in the central console, but the glovebox isn’t as big as it appears from the outside. 

My car had manual seat adjustments but no lumbar support which I need. Front seats can be heated.

The new Panoramic I-Cockpit dominates the dash with its floating, curved 21-inch HD screen with colourful graphics against a black background. This huge screen curves slightly towards the driver and combines the display with the central touchscreen. I had no difficulty seeing my current speed above the flat-topped steering wheel. A row of toggles below the screen can be programmed to provide quick access to 10 of your favourite functions. Two paddles behind the steering wheel allow you choose different levels of regenerative braking. 

Rear headroom is OK for tall adults and legroom is just fine with decent space for your feet under the front seats and an almost flat floor. The coupe shape means a smallish rear window. 

Boot space of 548 litres - expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded down - is the same as that of the car it replaces. There’s a high floor for ease of lifting items in and out, protected by a rubber mat. The slope of the roof will prevent you from carrying tall items upright. There’s also a light and a 12V power socket, but no spare wheel. 

A suite of driver aids include adaptive cruise control, speed limit sign detection, automatic emergency braking with collision warning, lane departure warning, and advanced traction control.

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The all-electric powertrain is a 210hp standard range version with a rated range of 525m (less in real-world driving) priced at €43,965 for Allure trim and from €49,795 for GT trim (after state subsidies). Hybrid 136 versions with 6-speed automatic transmission are from €43,995-€47,995. A 230bhp Long Range 2WD electric powertrain rated at up to 700kms WLTP is due in Q1 2025, with a 320bhp dual motor providing all-wheel drive also due here then. You can charge from 20-80pc with a DC fast charger in 30 minutes. A heat pump is standard on the Irish spec E-3008 and across the brand’s passenger car line up.

On the road, my E-3008 car was a joy to drive on motorways especially and also along good primary routes as well as in urban areas and you travel quietly in all driving modes. I found the steering to be on the light side. Blind spot monitors are small red dot alerts on the outsides of side mirrors. I particularly liked the all-round camera that can show panoramic views of the area in front of and behind your parked car which is part of the 360deg Vision & Drive assist pack. Parking sensors also helped when parking.

The Hybrid is from €43,965; my GT all-electric GT version €49,795 (after state subsidies).