Peugeot e-2008 first drive review

The first electric passenger car from a French manufacturer has reached Australia, delivering an intriguing combination of style and technology.

Photo of the 2023 Peugeot e-2008 GT

Peugeot has flicked the switch to EVs with its first zero-emissions passenger car, the e-2008 SUV.

The small SUV lands in an increasingly competitive market and its $59,990 (before on-road costs) price tag puts it up against some quality opposition in the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3.

Available in one fully-loaded GT grade, it costs roughly $15,000 more than the equivalent petrol model.

To offset the steep price, the electric SUV has a great value prepaid servicing program that costs just $1000 for five scheduled services.

The timing of the Peugeot’s release is curious, as there is a facelifted model available in Europe.

The 2023 Peugeot e-2008 GT is on sale now.

But Peugeot Australia boss, Kate Gilles, says that taking the soon to be outdated version allowed them to give customers an EV choice earlier. The updated version will arrive in Australia next year.

The e-2008 GT has close ties to petrol-powered models.

Power comes from a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a single electric motor that produces 100kW and 260Nm for a driving range up to 328km.

Others at this price range pack a more powerful punch and range of about 500km.

The Peugeot can accept a maximum of 100kW of charge, which can replenish the battery from 0-80 per cent in half an hour.

It’ll take five hours to fully recharge via a high capacity 11kW home charger, which Peugeot includes as standard.

Styling is a strong point. It shares much of its design with the petrol-powered 2008, including crisp panel creases, sharp looking LED lighting front and back, 18-inch alloys, a contrasting black roof and chrome highlights.

Peugeot’s i-cockpit represents a unique cabin approach.

Step inside and you are greeted by a modern cabin with a premium feel.

Ambient lighting, chrome trimmed sport pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with green contrast stitching and GT badging are nice touches.

Faux suede and leather appointed seats are heated up front and the driver’s is electronically adjustable.

The cabin is comfortable and surprisingly roomy for a vehicle this size. A giant panoramic sunroof creates a light and airy feeling.

The 2023 Peugeot e-2008 GT has claw-like headlights.

The generously-sized boot is bigger than most petrol powered vehicles in this class and the rear seats fold almost flat to boost the cargo space when needed.

Infotainment functions are handled via a 10-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10-inch driver display with 3D graphics adds a bit of wow factor to the cabin. Both rows have two USB charging ports each, but the lack of a wireless device charger is disappointing at this price.

The 2023 Peugeot e-2008 GT is the first electric Peugeot in Australia.

On the safety front there is all the usual equipment.

The e-2008 will automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision and sensors will help keep you centred in your lane.

It’ll warn you if a car is in your blind spot or if one is approaching as you reverse.

The e-2008 is best suited to urban environments.

Smoother road surfaces hide the firm suspension but over pockmarked roads it feels jittery and unsettled.

NSW customers pay about $63,000 drive-away for the electric Peugeot.

The steering is light and doesn’t give great feedback, which isn’t ideal on a tight, twisting road. It’s more at home cruising on the motorway and handling the cut and thrust of a city commute.

It is immensely quiet and refined when cruising around town with little noise intruding into the cabin.

It’s not the liveliest EV off the mark, though, taking a leisurely nine seconds to 100km/h from standstill.

In normal mode the motor lacks punch, while sport mode is more responsive but drains the battery quicker.

Eco mode dulls the throttle feel but maximises the vehicle’s range.

The 2023 Peugeot e-2008 GT

VERDICT

The e-2008 is sharp looking and well packaged but the initial appeal is dulled by a short driving range and a so-so drive.

Three stars

PEUGEOT E-2008 GT

PRICE About $63,000 drive-away

MOTOR Single electric motor, 100kW and 260Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1000 for five years

SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruiser, driver attention warning and 360-degree camera

RANGE 328km

SPARE Repair kit

LUGGAGE 434 litres

Originally published as Peugeot e-2008 first drive review