Peugeot E-3008 Review

Practicality & space

Peugeot has given the E-3008 a ‘cockpit-like’ feel with the driver and front seat passenger cocooned with tactile, quality materials. There is plenty of space up front but it seems cosy, particularly for the driver, and we think the driving position can feel a bit hemmed in. 

That snug feeling is exacerbated in the rear seats, for while the E-3008 has increased in size over the outgoing (non-electric) 3008, back seat passengers will feel a little shortchanged. Kneeroom is on the tight size, especially if a couple of lanky six-footers are up front, while headroom is in short supply. Peugeot has gone to great pains to call the E-3008 a ‘fastback’ and not a coupe-SUV, pointing to the roof’s cut point (where it slopes more aggressively) being behind the rear passengers’ heads, thereby promoting headroom. Sadly this isn’t the case, and is even worse in models with the panoramic sunroof fitted; a Skoda Enyaq and Renault Scenic are far roomier. Boot space, though, at 588-1,663 litres is very good, although be aware it’s only the top-spec GT model that gets a handy adjustable boot floor and electric tailgate.  

Interior & Design

On the outside, the E-3008 carries forward Peugeot's newest design language. It almost looks like a taller version of the 408 petrol hatch/crossover, although we’re glad the designers ironed out some of the 408's superfluous creases. 

At the front are high-mounted slim LED headlights with a dark band between. Below are triple blade LED running lights either side of a 'grille' that's actually blank and aerodynamically smooth. The main intake is below number plate level. At the rear we have a low-drag fastback silhouette, and behind that Peugeot's 'three-claw' tail lights.

Interior fit and finish is exemplary for a car at this level. Peugeot has shunned the trend for real or fake leather covering every surface, and instead focuses on textiles and different fabrics. It really works and gives the E-3008 an interior that almost feels like a boutique hotel. 

Dashboard 

Peugeot has offered a small steering wheel in its cars for some time now, but it has often drawn criticism for blocking out the view of the dials. For the E-3008, it would seem as Peugeot has finally nailed it as it’s now easy to get a comfortable driving position without the wheel getting in the way of the screen for the dials. The dashboard elegantly curves around both front seat occupants, with the latest Peugeot ‘i-Cockpit’ twin screen arrangement sitting atop of it. The central infotainment system and row of ‘i-toggles’ beneath take some getting used to, but once you’re familiar it’s an easy set-up to use.  

Technology & Equipment 

The E-3008 comes in two well equipped trim levels, and there's not much to choose between them as even the entry-level Allure trim has pretty much everything you'd need. It gets the 21-inch curved display and 'i-toggles', a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and rear parking camera. GT adds a little extra glitz with fancier LED 'pixel' headlights and '3D claw' rear lights, 20-inch wheels, even more ambient lighting, front parking sensors, heated front seats and a foot operated hands-free electric tailgate.

All E-3008’s come with Peugeot’s E-remote smartphone app that allows you to set the climate control and start and stop charging, but be aware a heat pump is a pricey £700 option. A heat pump helps an electric car be more efficient in colder temperatures, and rivals such as the Renault Scenic get one as standard.  

Safety

Just like many new electric cars, the E-3008 comes with a whole host of safety equipment to ensure it received a full five-star safety rating from independent crash testers Euro NCAP. Highlights included post collision safety brake, dynamic stability control, an SOS button, driver attention allure, lane keeping assist, and speed limit and traffic sign recognition. Top spec GT adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go – a neat feature that stops and starts the car in situations such as traffic queues on the motorway.