Peugeot is telling the UK car market to prepare itself for a ‘monumental shift' as it launches its brand-new, all-electric E-3008 Fastback SUV. Central to the new launch is the claim of a WLTP close to 435 miles – which would certainly qualify for ‘revolutionary' status – given the relatively modest ranges associated with earlier Stellantis models. As well as smoother external styling and improved mechanics, Peugeot is also showcasing its latest driver interface, Panoramic i-Cockpit. If pricing starts at £35,000, then can the French giant win market share with this particular combination?
By 2025, Peugeot intends to offer a fully electric line-up, with the goal of achieving 100% electric sales in Europe by 2030. Products like the new E-3008 will be key to that transition. You can download the full technical specifications for our report here.
The company says that the launch of the E-3008 represents a quantum leap in its commitment to design, driving pleasure and efficiency. Linda Jackson, CEO of Peugeot, stated, “The next-level E-3008 is a major milestone in Peugeot's radical transformation into a captivating, all-electric brand that sets new standards for design, driving enjoyment, and sustainability. With its innovative exterior design, the awe-inspiring Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit, unmatched driving pleasure, and exceptional electric performance, the E-3008 ushers in a new era for Peugeot as the French brand offering the broadest range of mainstream electric vehicles on the market.”
STLA Medium Electric Platform: Paving the Way for Excellence
The Peugeot E-3008 will make history as the first vehicle to employ Stellantis' cutting-edge STLA Medium electric powertrain, meticulously designed to meet a wide array of customer needs, including remarkable range (up to 435 miles), rapid recharge capabilities (20-80% in just 30 minutes using a 160kW charger), exhilarating performance, top-notch efficiency, and a suite of connected services and functions (such as Trip Planner, Smart Charging, and online updates). The STLA Medium features a permanent magnet synchronous motor working in tandem with an electric gearbox, delivering enhanced power, efficiency, and torque, all fuelled by a 400V lithium-ion battery.
The E-3008 offers two AC charging options, with an 11kW three-phase charger as standard and an optional 22kW three-phase charger. For DC rapid recharging, the Mode 4 socket on the new E-3008 can achieve charging speeds of up to 160kW, allowing the standard range battery to go from 20% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes, or even less for the Long-Range version.
In a display of versatility, the E-3008 includes a V2L (Vehicle to Load) function, enabling users to power an electrical device using the car's high-voltage battery, with the system capable of supplying up to 3kW and 16A. Furthermore, the V1G or Smart Charging function can optimally adjust the charging time and power for the new Peugeot E-3008, helping users manage charging costs more efficiently.
Fastback SUV Design: Aesthetic Elegance Meets Efficiency
The E-3008 stands out with its unmistakable fastback SUV design. With its sleek and aerodynamic shape (Cx 0.28), it harmoniously combines elegance, efficiency, and interior spaciousness. Remarkably compact for a 100% electric SUV (length: 4.54m, width: 1.89m, height: 1.64m), it retains a generous 520 litres of boot space, identical to its predecessor, the 3008.
To put that drag coefficient into perspective, the recently announced Model 3 update from Tesla scores 0.219, a Porsche 911 Turbo is closer to 0.33, the Lamborghini Aventador is 0.38 and the Ferrari Portofino hits 0.312. Such a low score on such a large family car is an achievement in itself.
The front end of the E-3008 has undergone a complete redesign, featuring ultra-compact LED headlamps and grille, enhanced by a sweeping aerodynamic profile that exudes modernity and character. Building on the innovative wheel design seen on the 408, the new E-3008 sports 19” or 20” wheels, adorned with the striking new Peugeot emblem at their centre.
At the rear, Peugeot introduces a ‘floating' spoiler inspired by the Quartz Concept, revolutionizing the traditional fastback slope. This innovative design not only enhances the E-3008's bodywork curvature but also optimises aerodynamics while complementing the distinctive three-claw rear light signature.
The E-3008 comes in six distinct colours, including the mesmerising Obsession Blue, which transforms from blue to green depending on the lighting conditions and bodywork shape. Other available colours include Ingaro Blue, Okenite White, Nera Black, Cumulus Grey, and Titane Grey.
Panoramic i-Cockpit: Hands-on innovation
Step inside the E-3008, and you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit, featuring a curved 21” HD panoramic screen that seamlessly integrates the head-up display with the central touchscreen. Positioned for optimal ergonomics, the panoramic screen slightly curves towards the driver while remaining easily accessible to the passenger. Alongside the panoramic screen, the instrument cluster consolidates all driving-related information (such as speed, power, driving aids, and energy flow) above the new compact steering wheel. The central dashboard houses a touch-screen for managing heating/air conditioning, navigation, and media/connectivity systems.
In addition to the panoramic screen and touch-screen, the E-3008 introduces i-Toggles, customizable touch-sensitive buttons that offer quick access to ten of the user's favourite functions, ranging from calling specific contacts to setting preferred temperatures for the air-conditioning.
Ambient LED lighting, which can be personalized in eight different colours, further enhances the cabin's aesthetics and advanced technology. The new compact and ergonomic steering wheel, equipped with touch-sensitive controls, elevates the modernity of the interior, while Peugeot’s Air Quality System (AQS) ensures a refreshing and tranquil cabin environment.
Getting the right level of regenerative braking is crucial. Too little and your overall range will drop. Too much and your passengers can feel sea-sick. The Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit also introduces two paddles behind the steering wheel, enabling the driver to select from three levels of regenerative braking:-
- Low (-0.6m/s²) for a familiar brake feel
- Medium (-1.2m/s²) for increased deceleration
- High (-1.8m/s²) for maximum deceleration and enhanced regeneration
The medium and high levels automatically activate the rear brake lights, ensuring safety on the road.
Instinctive Driving Pleasure: Powered by the STLA Medium Platform
For an instinctive and exhilarating driving experience, the E-3008 incorporates newly designed front and rear axles within the STLA Medium platform, delivering exceptional road-holding capabilities. The platform's architecture itself contributes to this dynamism by positioning the single-layer battery as low as possible between the wheels, lowering the vehicle's centre of gravity.
The E-3008 comes equipped with a suite of driver aids to ensure a smooth driving experience, including adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality, lane keep assist, and speed limit sign detection. Safety is paramount, with features such as automatic emergency braking with collision warning, lane departure warning, Driver Attention Alert, long-range blind spot monitoring, and Advanced Traction Control.
The Peugeot E-3008 will be available in two trim levels, Allure and GT, each offering three all-electric powertrains. We would expect a range of pricing from £35,000 for the entry level, through to almost £45,000 for the high-end specification version:-
- 210bhp/157kW Standard Range
- 230bhp/170kW Long Range
- 320bhp/240kW Dual Motor, providing all-wheel drive
Peugeot has laid the foundation for its electric future with the E-3008, promising a thrilling combination of style, performance, and sustainability. As the automotive landscape becomes hideously competitive, Peugeot wants to position itself on the leading edge of style/innovation – a place where French car companies have enjoyed continued success in the past.