Review: Peugeot e-2008

Launched in 2019 and slotting in below the 3008 and 5008 SUVs in Peugeot’s range, the bold 2008 has much in common with its little brother – the 208.

Both are available with petrol and diesel engines, plus a 100% electric powertrain. In fact, the e-2008 and e-208 use the same 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 134bhp electric motor combo, offering a claimed 214-mile range.

It’s a deceptive car, because from the pictures it looks more substantial than it actually is. In fact, at 4300mm x 1770mm, it has a smaller footprint than a Ford Focus.

One thing’s for sure, it has bold styling and oozes kerb appeal. A large grille and LED headlights featuring Peugeot’s trademark ‘3-claw’ design are highlights at the front, while its profile is muscular and well-proportioned with short overhangs.

Unlike a hatchback, the Peugeot 2008 offers a raised ride height, chunky styling and perceived safety benefits.

The electric version (badged e-2008) takes on an impressive line-up of rivals, including the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV.

Priced from £35,900, it’s available in three trims (Active Premium+, Allure Premium+ or GT), all of which are well equipped.

Entry-level Allure Premium+, gets 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, power folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Allure Premium+ adds 17-inch alloy wheels, the configurable Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit, 3D Connected Navigation and a 180° colour reversing camera.

Top-spec GT versions get 18-inch wheels, a dark chrome grille, diamond black roof and rear spoiler, suede-like Alcantara heated fabric seats, a widescreen digital driver’s display, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav, eight-colour ambient lighting and heated front seats.

Inside, the e-2008 is nudging premium quality with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials.

The driving position is very Peugeot too, featuring a small, low-set steering wheel, with raised, set-back instruments and a central infotainment touchscreen.

It’s not for everybody, but if it works for you, the cabin is a comfortable place and the ride height gives a commanding view of the road, although there’s the usual caveat with safe, modern cars (ie the windscreen pillars are on the chunky side).

Additionally, the e-2008 has a rising window line and relatively small back windows meaning that smaller children in the rear might not have such a great view.

It’s also worth noting that even though there are short-cut toggle switches below the infotainment screen, the climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, which is annoying on cold mornings.

Thanks to the wide cabin, there’s plenty of space for adults in the rear too. There’s also good storage with decent door bins, a compartment under the central front armrest and two cupholders, to name but a few.

Like the e-208, the batteries are located under the floor, so the e-2008’s boot space is the same as its petrol and diesel siblings – 434 litres, or 1,467 litres with the rear seats folded.

The boot floor can be lifted to reveal a shallow area to store away your charging cables or other small items you want hidden from view.

On the road, the Peugeot e-2008 offers the kind of refined driving experience you’d expect from a zero emissions car.

It’s not blisteringly fast for an EV, but 9.9 seconds to 62mph is nothing to be ashamed of.

The e-2008 handles better than some petrol SUVs too, partly because the floor-mounted battery pack means its centre of gravity is low.

A modest battery has its disadvantages (ie smaller range), but it does mean that the e-2008 isn’t overweight, so it feels composed and surprisingly agile on the road.

You can also choose between Eco, Normal or Sport drive modes. Eco is best left to long motorway runs, Sport sharpens up the throttle response, but is unnecessary, while Normal will do just fine for everyday driving.

For extra economy, you can also shift the dinky gear selector to ‘B’ for extra brake regeneration (useful on downhill stretches) and near-one-pedal driving.

The steering is light and precise – perfect for low-speed manoeuvres and driving in town – and it’s a composed cruiser.

Finally, despite its SUV looks, the e-2008 is front-wheel drive. That said, there is good grip.

The Peugeot e-2008 will fully charge via a 7kW home wallbox in approximately 7.5 hours. However, if you can find a rapid 100kW chargepoint, 80% of charge can be reached in as little as 30 minutes.

As with all EVs, expect a decrease in real-world range of around 20%, which brings it below 190 miles. The reality is that unless you a high mileage driver, it’s more than enough considering the average daily commute in the UK is below 30 miles.