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Driving Report Peugeot E-3008: The Designer Piece

The Peugeot E-3008 is the first model on the Stellantis medium platform. It certainly sets benchmarks.

Unmistakable: The E-3008 was styled even bolder and more elegant than its predecessor. | Photo: Markus Heimbach
Unmistakable: The E-3008 was styled even bolder and more elegant than its predecessor. | Photo: Markus Heimbach
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Gregor Soller

You can't thank Peugeot enough for putting something as idiosyncratic as the E-3008 on such unusual wheels in such a streamlined and platformed time! Visually, they went more in the Fastback direction – attention – explicitly NOT a coupé! On the side doors, the lower window rubbers were placed inside the door, which provides elegance, and inside, one is welcomed by a truly futuristic dashboard landscape: Not as spartan-reduced as in Tesla or Nio, but also not the ubiquitous design with a central screen as in the Chinese, Koreans, or the Volkswagen Group.

Courageous is the stoic adherence to the I-Cockpit with a small, comparatively angular steering wheel. However, this way, you can see the gauges much better and don't directly miss a head-up display, which is not available. Instead, the large 21" curved display seems to float above the dashboard – which looks even better at night thanks to interesting illumination. In terms of design, Peugeot is, therefore, taking even more risks than with the predecessor.

And the completely new Stella Medium platform? With 400 volts and 73 kWh battery capacity, it offers rather standard fare. The Stellantis-owned e-machine drives at the front – quiet and efficient, albeit sparingly with record consumptions: Some achieved around 16.5 kWh/100 km gross, we came to about 20.1 kWh/100 km gross, while others even landed at 22.5 kWh/100 km gross. Which is roughly the broad range of comparable products from the Hyundai and Volkswagen groups.

The E-3008 is completely "made in France"

Unfortunately, the new lion cannot set new standards in terms of weight either: While the Peugeot e-308 and the electric Opel Astra are among the real lightweight contenders with just under 1.8 tons despite the mixed platform, the E-3008 weighs at least 2,183 kg. With a 98 kWh battery for up to 700 km according to WLTP (which would then be a record in the class), it will weigh 2,301 kg, and the top all-wheel-drive model with 240 kW (320 hp) weighs even more. Incidentally, the rear motor in this case is supplied by Valeo, meaning the car should remain largely "made in France".

The chassis shown to us had several stampings, apart from "PSA," "Mopar" was also often seen: Clearly, Jeep (and possibly also Chrysler and Dodge) will use the platform. As will DS, Citroen, Opel, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia… although Peugeot will not use the 98 kWh PLUS all-wheel-drive version.

For a 2.75-meter wheelbase, rather little legroom in the rear

The base comes with a 2.75-meter wheelbase (shortest version), while the 5008 will then make full use of the 2.91-meter maximum length and is scheduled to be presented in March 2024... A good opportunity to take a seat in the rear, where other models with similar axle distances appear significantly roomier, especially those from the VW Group. In return, the trunk, which holds between 520 to 1,480 liters, is nicely deep and features a one-handed operation floor panel that can also be slanted. This allows for flush loading from the back, but the cargo will then slide slightly forward towards the backrest over the "slanted plane" – a great idea. Below that, there is optionally a spare wheel with compartments or a drive system for the all-wheel drive. And since we're at the rear: A trailer hitch would be possible: With 80 kg tongue weight and up to 1,250 kg braked towing capacity.

Let's briefly move to the front and open the hood: Everything is neatly covered, and there would actually be space for a flat frunk above the drive system. It can be charged with up to 160 kW DC, then the boost from 10 to 80% takes about 30 minutes, Stellantis leaves the records to others here, but: The 98-kWh battery should also be able to be charged to the same extent in this time, which means a significantly higher charging capacity. Thanks to a modified cell chemistry.

The I-Cockpit still exists, but...

But now finally press the start button and go! The buttons and controls are self-explanatory, although the E-3008 with its freely configurable buttons and numerous submenus belongs more to the complex contemporaries, which one has to get used to operating first. Peugeot continues to use the I-Cockpit, which is now mainly confined to the small steering wheel and the omission of a head-up display. Because above the surface of the I-panel floats a curved 21-inch screen, which can be read quite well. The steering wheel now also has flat touch elements that still need to be clicked - fortunately, they have not made the same mistakes as other brands here. However, you often tap around somewhat helplessly on the central screen until it accepts the control commands.

But the voice input has made great strides and the E-3008 can now take over the charging planning completely – also from the app. What it still can't do: Permanently store the map so that it automatically decelerates at intersections or roundabouts or proactively reacts to the next speed limit. Maybe it's better this way, because it still has some difficulties with traffic sign recognition at times.

However, thanks to the small steering wheel, crisp suspension, and small turning circle, it drives comparatively crisply, although the damping could be a bit softer: Especially transversal joints are much harder to handle than necessary. In "Sport Mode," which isn't that sporty, the steering then becomes harder and more direct, which also applies to the responsiveness. The E-3008 noticeably reduces its performance in "Comfort" and very significantly in "Eco" – and adjusts the interior lighting accordingly. Although here we would sometimes choose different colors, which is also possible...

The E-3008 scores with a small turning circle but could be slimmer

And so we flow through French roundabouts towards Grasse, the center of perfumes, which already feels very narrow for the 1.89-meter wide E-3008. In fact, cars with a width of 1.9 meters reach a size that makes them all appear extremely clumsy – a general scaling down would be desirable. However, we have no problem with turning and both the serpentine roads down into the valley and the highway suit the E-3008 better. Which makes it clear: This lion is not necessarily looking for the scent of the wide world, but rather the open space – all the more so when it starts with its big heart or rather battery.

We return and are once again pleased with the courage that Peugeot had to make the E-3008 the way we now have to leave it: Even if it doesn't set any technical standards, it certainly does in design. And it is clearly the electric alternative for all Francophile nonconformists who once drove Citroën.

Prices start at 48,650 euros for the "Allure," which is 40,883 euros net. The GT costs from 53,450 euros, which is 44,916 euros net. Too expensive? Then there's also the 100 kW mild-hybrid gasoline model, which costs 39,250 euros, or 32,984 euros net. As a GT, it comes to 43,750 euros, which would be 36,765 euros net. Delivery is expected from summer.

 

What does that mean?

This lion wears its fur on the inside! The E-3008 is more of a character actor than ever and thus an interesting alternative to the electric mainstream. However, the new platform does not bring any major technical advances. Currently, manufacturers are delicately moving forward in parallel steps. Compared to its predecessor, it is a giant leap forward.

Translated automatically from German.
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