Brand New Peugeot 3008 157kW GT 73kWh 5dr Auto

Peugeot's 3008 reinvents itself in third generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the E-3008.

Ten Second Review

Peugeot's E-3008 is a stylish mid-sized full EV with real showroom appeal. This full-battery model headlines the third generation 3008 range and will be difficult to ignore in its growing segment.

Background

Peugeot says that this third generation 3008 is the start of its C-segment SUV offensive. It certainly builds upon a firm foundation established by its successful predecessor, which launched in 2017 and went on to sell 1.32 million units in the following six years. This MK3 model will be even more significant because it's built on an all-new STLA Medium platform and offers a full-EV version for the first time. There's also a change of look to a sleeker fastback body shape. Peugeot plans to offer both Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions of this car, but the focus variant from launch is the all-electric E-3008 we look at here. The intention is to deliver a more stylish, dynamic offering in the C-segment crossover class. Is that what we have here? Let's see.

Driving Experience

EVs are getting bigger and bigger batteries; good for range, not great for weight. This E-3008 tips the scales at 2,114kg in standard front-driven single motor form, with about 500kg of that accounted for by its 73kWh battery pack. That energises a 213bhp electric motor, gets the car to 62mph in 8.7s en route to 106mph and allows for a claimed range of 326 miles. If that's not enough, the new STLA Medium chassis has been engineered for an even heavier 98kWh battery, which needs a gutsier 227bhp motor and claims a range of 435 miles. The platform has also been engineered for a dual motor AWD flagship version with a combined 316bhp output and a claimed 326 mile range. That gets to 62mph in just 6.4s. On all E-3008s, there are three stages of selectable regenerative braking and three main driving modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport', with an extra '4WD' setting available on the dual motor model. Peugeot claims the underfloor battery pack gives the car greater stiffness than its combustion predecessor, which should help handling. An independent multi-link rear axle ought to help clump all that weight over speed humps and poor surfaces; combustion 3008s make do with a cruder twist beam set-up. Those include both Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid options, despite the fact that the new platform here was primarily developed for this full-electric model.

Design and Build

If you choose this E-3008, it'll probably primarily be because you like the way it looks; the sleek fastback styling, the distinctive slim 3D rear light panel and the unusual 'cat's ear' rear spoiler. Unlike most of its EV rivals, this model hasn't abandoned a front grille; here it's a shimmering appendage with a '3-claw'-style graphic from the brand's 9X8 race car. This is a bigger 3008 than its predecessor, 54mm wider and around 100mm longer than before, though it's still a little shorter than a rival Volkswagen ID.4. There are few body lines and Range Rover-like hidden waistline seals. And inside? Well Peugeot isn't going to abandon its unusual 'i-Cockpit' dashboard design approach - nor should it - but it can certainly evolve this approach, and has here. The previous dinky little low-set wheel is retained but above it, there's now a gently curving 21-inch screen that doubles as a driver display and an infotainment monitor. It's been mounted so as to seemingly 'float' above the dashboard and stretches from the centre console to the A-pillar. As in the old car, there are configurable 'i-Toggle' haptic buttons, but Peugeot has doubled their number to ten. These can be set to deal with basic things like cabin temperature or fan speed; or maybe more eclectic things like reserving one to call a particular person on your phone. It all feels quite high end - the fascia is wrapped in grey textile, beautifully back-lit and highlighted by curved metallic inserts. As for the back seat, well the fastback roofline obviously doesn't help headroom, but this MK3 model's 64mm increase in wheelbase length should mean there's a little more leg space. Out back, there's a 520-litre boot (dropping to 470-litres on AWD models).

Market and Model

E-3008 pricing starts from just under £46,000 for the entry-level single motor 73kWh version. To give you some perspective, the cheapest third generation 3008, the Hybrid, is priced from around £35,000. Whatever your choice of powertrain, there are two main trim levels - 'Allure' and 'GT' - and Peugeot expects a 60:40 sales split between them. Upgrading to 'GT' trim with its Alcantara-trimmed cabin costs an extra £3,800 with the E-3008. 'Allure' trim includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, cruise control, body-coloured accents for the front grille and keyless entry. Plus ambient lighting linked to the drive modes, a wireless smartphone charging pad and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. 'GT' spec upgrades you to 20-inch wheels and adds a contrasting black roof and rear spoiler, as well as a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, pixel LED headlights with adaptive high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functions, a hands-free opening tailgate and front parking sensors. Each spec level can be specified with a choice of three different options packs. There's lots of camera safety kit too, including autonomous braking and Lane keep assist.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figures earlier: 326 miles for the 73kWh model, 435 miles for the 98kWh version and 326 miles for the 98kWh AWD variant. To get near to these, you'll have to make frequent use of the provided 'Eco' drive mode and the various settings (low, medium and high) of the regenerative braking system. Peugeot claims best in class efficiency figure of 4.5 miles per kWh for the entry-level variant. This is aided by eco tyres, friction-reducing bearings, a slippery drag coefficient of 0.28Cd and a heat pump which will preserve range in cold weather. As for charging, well little surprisingly, the STLA Medium platform hasn't been engineered with the 800V architecture that would enable use of the latest breed of ultra-rapid DC public chargers. But with its 400V system, the E-3008 can charge at up to 160kW, which allows for 20-80% charge in 30 minutes, with a charging rate of 2.4kWh per minute at its peak, at which point 62 miles of range are added every 10 minutes. Via the 'MyPeugeot' smartphone app or by using the vehicle's touchscreen, owners can schedule a wake-up time for the battery. This means that the cells can be at the optimal temperature for efficiency from the time you start up, plus of course the interior can also be pre-cooled or pre-heated too. Owners can opt to purchase a single service plan to cover all essential maintenance. Service intervals are every year or 20,000 miles. And with this E-3008 EV, you'll be given a certificate of battery capacity after each service; both batteries come with an eight year / 100,000 warranty for 70% of their capacity.

Summary

Peugeot has become a byword in recent years for interesting design and this third generation 3008 doesn't disappoint in that regard, though we think its newfound fastback vibe rather overlaps with the similarly sized 408. It's taken the brand a long time to bring us an all-electric version of this SUV, but this E-3008 is much more credible product in an EV based on the second generation model would have been. We're disappointed the new STLA Medium architecture doesn't incorporate the ultra-rapid charging 800V architecture you'll find in Korean competitors. And, like all its most obvious rivals, the E-3008 is pricey and heavy. But if you can look past that, there's a lot to like with this elegant Gallic contender. And if you can't stretch to it but like the look, there's always the Hybrid versions. Either way, Peugeot has you covered.