Peugeot e2008 electric SUV review: cute city car worth a look

This stylish compact SUV marks a pivot point for one of the world’s most recognisable carmakers. But prospective buyers might be turned off by one thing.

The Peugeot e-2008 GT is a stylish alternative to the more popular EVs. Picture: Supplied.

The first mainstream EV from French powerhouse Peugeot is worth a closer look, although the price may be a big hurdle for buyers.

Here are five things you should know about the Peugeot e2008.

There is more to electric cars than Tesla

Elon Musk’s conservatively styled cars represent the default choice for many EV customers. Conventional carmakers are racing to catch up, including French powerhouse Peugeot.

The brand’s boutique nature in Australia makes it easy to forget that Peugeot sells more than a million cars around the world each year, and that its 208 hatchback was the most popular car in Europe last year. One in five Peugeots sold in Europe is electric and the brand has high hopes for battery-powered cars in Australia, including this e2008.

The Peugeot e-2008 GT cuts a stylish figure on the road. Picture: Supplied.

This is an electrified Peugeot 2008

There are two kinds of electric cars – those that are designed from the outset as EVs, and those that are adapted versions of existing petrol-powered machines. This is the latter, sharing its looks, underpinnings and interior with the petrol-powered 2008, a compact crossover similar to the Toyota C-HR or Mazda CX-3.

The petrol-powered 2008 starts from about $43,000 drive-away with a 1.2-litre, 96kW petrol engine. Customers who want more gear can plump for a “GT” model with LED headlights, nicer interior trim and two-tone paint for about $48,000 drive-away.

The electric version is more expensive still at $59,990 plus on-roads (about $63,000 drive-away,) which is a lot of cash for a compact SUV that doesn’t come from a luxury brand.

The electric model is considerably more expensive than its petrol counterparts. Picture: Supplied.

It’s loaded with features

The e2008 has standard gear that is either optional or absent on petrol models, including 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and a 10-inch wide-screen infotainment system with 3D satellite navigation.

Other niceties include multi-coloured ambient lighting and a digital dash with a holographic 3D effect that looks quite cool. It places secondary elements on a layer behind important data such as vehicle speed.

All of this tech joins a stylish cabin with premium materials and neat highlights such as neon green stitching.

The downside is that a new version of the car was unveiled before this model arrived in Australia. It won’t be long before the new-look model reaches local showrooms.

Photo of the 2023 Peugeot e-2008 GT

The numbers aren’t great

The e2008 combines a 50kWh battery with a compact electric motor that sends 100kW and 260Nm to the front tyres. Those are relatively modest outputs – enough to reach 100km/h in 9.0 seconds, which isn’t particularly rapid. The battery returns a claimed 328 kilometres of range, which is on the short side for a circa-$60,000 electric car. It also falls short of the charging power claimed by top EVs, taking on energy at a lower rate than the best in class.

The Peugeot’s power outputs are modest but it works as a city runabout. Picture: Supplied.

But it’s a strong reminder of EV appeal

Electric cars are here to stay. While some folks are worried that they might not be a great replacement for a bloodcurdling V8 or long-legged diesel, electric power is better than the petrol engines found in city runabouts. The 1.2-litre and eight-speed auto engine normally found in thee 2008 aren’t great so a smooth, silent, and punchy electric motor represents an excellent alternative. While the heavier electric car doesn’t ride quite as comfortably as its petrol cousin, it is a better car on the whole.

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