Peugeot e-2008 Review (2023)

Read Caroline’s 2023 Peugeot e-2008 review for everything you need to know about Peugeot’s electric small SUV.

The Peugeot 2008 has been a big success for the French brand and is one of Peugeot’s bestsellers in Ireland.

The current generation of the 2008 arrived here in 2020. Alongside fuel variants, 2020 also saw the arrival of the first ever electric version, the Peugeot e-2008.

The entire range now gets an update, including some styling and interior tweaks, and more equipment.

But it’s the e-2008 that gets the most significant update –  a new 54kWh battery that gives it a range now of over 400 kilometres!

Caroline travelled to Malaga, Spain, with Peugeot Ireland to drive the new Peugeot e-2008 ahead of its arrival in Ireland before the end of the year.

Styling

The 2008/e-2008 is Peugeot’s smallest SUV and it’s never looked better. It’s still one of the classiest small SUVs on sale. The latest version gets the new Peugeot brand face with new Peugeot lion shield logo, a wider grille and ‘3-claw’ daytime running lights at the front, just like the updated Peugeot 508. The brand has also updated the ‘e’ badge on the e-2008 with a design that gives the effect of three claws. It’s the lion brand after all! At the back, the rear lights get a different lighting signature and P E U G E O T is spelt out across the black strip connecting the rear lights. Okenite White has been added to the colour palette and there are also new alloy wheel designs, with wheel sizes available up to 18-inch. There’s also the option of a trendy contrast black roof. The new e-2008 will be available in Active, Allure and GT trim levels.

Interior

The classy theme continues inside with one of the most stylish and upmarket cabins of any small SUV on sale. Material changes for this latest version are minor, with just some new seat upholsteries like the optional Alcantara-trimmed seats. But the quality still feels very good inside, with lots of sophisticated gloss black in the centre console and soft touch materials for a tactile finish. Good news for buyers is that all versions will now be sold with the 10-inch touchscreen, which was previously reserved for the top of the range models. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like before, ventilation is adjusted through the screen. This can be a bit fiddly to use while driving. There’s also a redesigned digital instrument cluster and a more minimalist gear selector than before.

Practicality

As this is just an update, space inside the e-2008 remains unchanged but that’s not a bad thing as it’s one of the most spacious small SUVs on sale. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom for children or adults in the back.

There’s also a 434-litre boot with false floor that allows you to stow away the charging cables out of sight.

Battery

The Peugeot e-2008 now uses the Stellantis Group’s new 54kWh battery with a range of up to 406 kilometres (WLTP). This replaces the previous 50kWh battery with up to 345 kilometres (WLTP). It doesn’t sound like much of an increase but the efficiency has also been improved.

If you’re not quite ready to go electric, Peugeot will still sell you a 2008 with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 100hp or 130hp. Manual and automatic transmissions are available. A new Peugeot 2008 mild hybrid is also expected to go on sale in 2024.

Driving

On the road the Peugeot e-2008 impresses, offering a fun and agile drive for a small electric SUV. Compared to the petrol 2008, the electric version is incredibly hushed inside and offers reassuringly smooth, linear acceleration. The new 156hp motor sends power to the front wheels and it feels nippy and responsive to drive.

There are driving modes as before to mix things up a bit, including Normal, Sport and Eco. There’s also the ‘B’ mode to increase regenerative braking.

There’s a great feeling of quality from behind the wheel and the e-2008 stands out for its maturity and refinement. The compact steering wheel makes it fun to drive and super easy to park and manouvre around town.

Charging

Charging speeds are the same as the previous version of the e-2008. DC fast charging is possible up to 100kW, for a 20% to 80% charge in 30 minutes. AC charging is possible up to 7.4kW, though there is the option to upgrade to an 11kW onboard charger for faster AC charging.

Pricing

Pricing for the Peugeot e-2008 with the new 54kWh battery will be announced closer to launch before the end of 2023. The e-2008 range currently retails from about €35,000 so it does command a premium over the petrol versions of this car.

Verdict

The Peugeot e-2008 has been one of my favourite small electric SUVs since I first drove it in late 2020. I really liked the Peugeot’s style and compactness, along with the upmarket interior and how smooth and effortless it was to drive. But at times it did feel like it could do with more range, particularly on longer motorway runs.

This new version benefits from more range though it’s still a little off popular electric crossovers like the Hyundai Kona 64kWh and the Kia Niro EV. Yet, the e-2008 has a certain style that’s hard not to fall for. Cosmetic changes are light but from all angles this car is one you’ll be proud to own!

Same goes for the cabin, which offers Peugeot’s quirky i-Cockpit and a great feeling of quality and sophistication. When it comes to practicality, the e-2008 is surprisingly roomy so this car could work as even a small family car. It doesn’t feel as cramped as some rivals.

All in all, Peugeot has made a good car even more attractive than before, and more battery range in the e-2008 feels like it’s worth waiting for.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year