VM Road Test Peugeot E-5008: Smooth Seven-Seater SUV with 660 km Range

The SUV, the larger brother of the already introduced Peugeot 3008, aims to appeal especially to families and dynamic "empty nesters" with its seven-seat body and a range of up to 660 kilometers in the pure electric variant (Peugeot appeals to the sporty parents - whose children have already left the "nest"). At 4.79 meters in length, 1.89 meters in width, and 1.69 meters in height, the 5008 is significantly larger than its sportier and 25 centimeters shorter brother, the 3008. The design is more functional and angular, which is due to the additional space and utility. The 5008 offers seven seats as standard, which sets it apart from many competitors in the same vehicle class.

Interior and Cockpit

The interior of the 5008 is largely identical to that of the 3008. The brand-typical "i-Cockpit" in the base version "Allure" consists of two 10-inch screens elegantly integrated into the dashboard. The "GT" version offers a 21-inch screen. The operation of the systems is intuitive, the infotainment system's response time is decent. The design of the dashboard, with its fabric-covered elements, appears very modern and high-quality. The build quality is flawless, but in hidden areas, you can definitely notice that Stellantis keeps costs strictly under control: hard plastic is used here.

Floating Instruments

A highlight is the floating design of the display panel on the dashboard. This gives the interior a certain lightness. On the right side of the panel there are controls for navigation, entertainment, and climate control. Below the screen are ten so-called "i-Toggles," which the driver can individually assign with frequently used functions. Configuring these buttons is quick and straightforward.

The connectivity of the Peugeot 5008 is state-of-the-art. Smartphones can be connected wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and can also be charged inductively. Updates are done "over the air," and voice control with the command "OK Peugeot" recognizes both standard commands and natural language. The system even differentiates whether the driver or the passenger is speaking.

Space and Versatility

The 5008 offers generous legroom in the second row, which is more than sufficient even with the front seat adjusted for a person who is 1.80 meters tall. For the third row, which can be used as needed, it is advisable to slide the second row slightly forward. The seats in the third row are as well-padded as those in the second row and offer more space than in most other seven-seaters. Nevertheless, we would recommend the third row for children on long journeys. Access to the third row is significantly facilitated by a new folding mechanism that provides ample space for getting in.

The trunk volume varies depending on the seat configuration: with all seats in use, 259 liters are available, with the seats in the second row folded down 748 liters, and with the rear seats completely folded down up to 1,815 liters. The backrests in the second row can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio, and those in the third row in a 50:50 ratio. Additionally, there is an 80-liter drawer under the trunk floor for everything that would otherwise be cluttering up the trunk. And, since the 5008 doesn't have a frunk, you will likely stow the charging cable there as well.

Driving Behavior and Assistance Systems

We had the electric version with 157 kW (213 hp) and front-wheel drive available for our test. Despite the weight of 2.4 tons, the vehicle accelerates dynamically and has a solid road presence. Regeneration can be controlled via paddles on the steering wheel, which provides a braking effect in city traffic without frequently needing to press the brake pedal. However, we would have liked a stronger regeneration stage; one-pedal driving is only possible to a limited extent.

High Efficiency at First Impression

The efficiency of the drive system of the large Peugeot SUV seems very good: on our test drives, the onboard computer showed a low average consumption of 16.7 kWh and significantly undercut Peugeot’s specified WLTP value of 18.3 - 17.7 kWh. In the base variant with 213 horsepower, you are always sufficiently powered. In Sport mode, the 5008 can also sprint - 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with forward motion electronically limited at 170 kilometers per hour.

The balanced chassis of the 5008 is tuned for comfort. The standard seats in the GT model offer good lateral support and are AGR-certified. Optional leather seats are available, allowing for adjustment of the leg rest. The steering is direct for such a large vehicle and imparts a very secure driving feel. Only in quick succession of curves did the 5008 show a slight sway. The assistance systems function solidly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist intervene reliably, the lane departure warning system works unobtrusively and only intervenes when necessary, with a warning display in the driver’s display providing timely information. The acoustic warning for speeding is discreet and not disturbing.