2024 Peugeot e-2008 review

How much does the Peugeot e-2008 cost?

The Peugeot e-2008 is priced at $59,990 plus on-road costs and supported by a five-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

It is available as a single model, featuring a 100kW motor and 50kWh lithium-ion battery which delivers a range of up to 328km (WLTP).

Based on the GT specification of the conventional Peugeot 2008, the Peugeot e-2008 features the same strong exterior styling, premium interior finishes and smart driving characteristics, making it an appealing small electric SUV.

It features some well-integrated technology features, including Peugeot’s effective 3D i-Cockpit which delivers information to the driver information display.

The Peugeot e-2008 is available in six paint colours. Orange Fusion is a standard paint colour, while Nera Black and Artense metallic paints are a $690 option. Three premium paints can also be specified for $1050. These are Vertigo blue, Elixir Red and Pearl White.

The Peugeot e-2008 is Peugeot's first electric passenger vehicle in Australia. Image: Supplied.

What is the Peugeot e-2008 like inside?

Stepping from a series of Chinese-sourced, affordable EVs such as the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Dolphin and into the Peugeot, its design features and interior finish stand out and are miles ahead of that competition.

Peugeot uses premium materials throughout the cabin, including Alcantara upholstery stitched in contrast green with technical fabrics, the front seats are both heated and the driver's seat features multiple massage functions making for a comfortable ride.

Combined with a smart dash layout, which includes ‘piano key’ switches to control key vehicle functions, and a well sized, yet modest infotainment touchscreen which doesn’t dominate the dashboard area, the effect is an interior which is highly appealing, well detailed and a pleasure to inhabit. Eight ambient lighting options offer the opportunity to personalise the cabin ambience.

One criticism which is not unique to the e-2008 but does exist across the Peugeot portfolio is the brand’s unique steering wheel set up, which doesn’t offer a full range of adjustment on the steering wheel so the flat-bottomed sports wheel sits lower than in other vehicles. It takes some time to adjust to this driving position, which is admittedly well suited to city and urban driving, but does give the feeling that the driver is sitting ‘on top’ of the wheel.

Technology is well integrated into the Peugeot e-2008 with the i-Cockpit driver display featuring an updated version, delivering a 3D display in holographic form, directly in line with the driver’s eyeline. A range of new ubiquitous technology features are included in the Peugeot e-2008 including 3D satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While there’s no wireless version of these systems, there is wireless smartphone charging.

An opening sunroof is standard fitment on the e-2008 and adds some welcome light to the interior, which is trimmed in a black roof lining. Rear seats are trimmed in the same technical treatment as the front and are accommodating for adult passengers with good head and legroom. Two USB charge points are available for rear seat passengers and 2 ISOFIX points are available on the outer positions of the rear seat.

How much boot space does the Peugeot e-2008 have?

The rear seat folds 60:40 and is almost flat, giving excellent loading capability for bulky goods. Translating the 2008 to an EV version has not compromised space with capacity still set at 343-litres of boot space with the rear seat up, converting to 1467-litres with the rear seat folded.

Can you tow with the Peugeot e-2008?

The Peugeot e-2008 is not currently configured for towing.

The Peugeot e-2008 is an all-electric small SUV. Image: Supplied.

Is the Peugeot e-2008 good to drive?

The Peugeot e-2008 is a great vehicle for both urban stop-starting and longer-range highway driving. It’s easy to drive and position on the road, and small enough that it can be easily manoeuvred into car parks.

Like all EVs, there’s no conventional gear shifter, and Peugeot has opted to replace it with a toggle switch in place of a rotary dial favoured by other manufacturers. It makes placing the car in drive and park very simple indeed.

The 100kW motor in the Peugeot e-2008 is responsive in normal or sport mode, and because the e-2008 is a small SUV, even with the heavy battery, it still feels relatively lithe. The single motor is mounted on the front axle, so delivers front-wheel drive characteristics with which Peugeot small car drivers will feel familiar. It’s spirited rather than show-off in its power delivery which makes the e-2008 feel measured on road.

The Peugeot e-2008 is also fitted with an 18-inch wheel, which this driver favours for Australian country roads, but is unfortunately becoming less common. While the e-2008 does have a tighter, sports-oriented suspension feel, the 215/55R18 Michelin tyre does well to absorb bumps and emits little noise, delivering a comfortable and accomplished driving experience.

What safety features does a Peugeot e-2008 have?

Equipped with a range of driver assistance technologies, the driver of the Peugeot e-2008 is unlikely to feel overwhelmed by the series of alerts and interventions which can be delivered by these systems.

The technology is effective and well-integrated in the e-2008. Adaptive cruise with stop and go function works well and maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It will slow in traffic and then speed up when able. Blind Spot detection which uses windscreen-mounted cameras and ultrasound sensors will send a warning to the driver of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles when they are in the blind spot.

How does the Peugeot e-2008 compare to other SUVs and EVs?

There’s no debating the Peugeot e-2008 is expensive compared to conventionally powered small SUVs, in fact it is $12,000 more expensive than a similarly specified 1.2-litre 2008 GT. At $59,990 plus on-road costs, the pricing is likely to be prohibitive for many small SUV buyers, or buyers looking to step into an EV for the first time.

It has one of the smaller battery sizes on the market and less range than many competitors so buyers making their calculations purely based on potential range may pass on the Peugeot. That said, its finishes are impressive and its design details will appeal to buyers looking for a sharply styled SUV. If those buyers also have easy access to charging and carry out most of the commuting in urban areas where they can maximise its regenerative capacity, then they are likely to look upon the Peugeot a lot more favourably.

If a European brand is important to you, then other small electric SUVs to consider include the rear-wheel drive Volvo XC40 Recharge, (from $76,990) and the Renault Megane e-tech (from $64,990). While each is more expensive that the Peugeot, it’s worth noting that they offer a more powerful motor, bigger battery and better range.

Should I buy a Peugeot e-2008?

You should buy a Peugeot e-2008 if you’re looking for a stylish SUV from a recognised European brand and spend most of your driving time within urban centres. You’re unlikely to feel range anxiety and you’ll be driving a vehicle that’s sized correctly for its environment. You’re likely to get away with trickle charging your top ups between drives and may not even need a fast charger at home.

If you have a long, regular highway commute but do not have the benefit of destination charging, or a fast-charging solution at home, then the Peugeot e-2008 may not be quite enough EV for you as you have little opportunity to use the regeneration capability to add charge to the battery.

While its size and driveability is not an issue, you’ll likely feel more confident in an EV with a bigger battery and longer range.