Test Drive: the Peugeot e-3008

After the Renault 4 and the Citroen C3 Aircross. We now drive the Peugeot e-3008, following our French series. Compared to the previous two, the 3008 isn’t as recent as it launched a little over a year ago in February 2024, April for the e-3008. This is the third generation of a nameplate that started as an MPV in 2008. Although not as successful as the second generation of the model, the 3008 III still peaked at #5 overall in France last October and stands at #7 over the first five months of the year there. Later travelling (in a different car) from Nice in the south east of France to Bordeaux in the south west, I indeed saw many new gen 3008 on the highway. 

For the first time, the 3008 is available as a full BEV and this is the version I have chosen for the drive. It has a 210 ch engine couple with a 73 kWh battery for a theoretical 520 km range. Recharge time from 20 to 80% is announced at 30 minutes in fast charging mode, but some French reviews had a much longer time. The variant I had was the GT finish which opens up the option to add a sunroof, which was included in the model I drove but I couldn’t for the life of me locate its commands to close it.

The 3008 is a compact SUV at 4,542 mm long, 1,934 mm wide and 1,665 mm high, with a 2,740 mm wheelbase. The ground clearance is 0,198 mm. In fact a better description is coupe SUV, marking a significant change compared to the 2nd gen 3008 as it now has the traditional slope of a fastback. This improves aerodynamics as its Cx is a smooth 0.28. The front of the car was a little too convoluted for me when I saw the first pictures, featuring the traditional “claws” framing a tortuous grille. But seeing it in the flesh and up close, the vehicle is very impressive size-wise, and exudes class. Its rear is abrupt and massive but looks aggressive, in a good way, with the claw lights. So good first impressions here.

The second gen 3008 really impressed me with its almost luxury i-cockpit when I test drove it in 2018, and Peugeot held its ground for this third model. The dash is stunning, with a 21-inch floating panoramic digital screen combining the head-up display, instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. There is also a small touch screen below for the i-Toggles ten customisable shortcut buttons, a nice and practical added touch. The gear selector has been moved to the dash.

Customisable iToggles

The fabric covering the entire top of the dash as well as the central column is of great quality and feels premium. Once again, like the previous gen, Peugeot has managed to build a cockpit that feels a lot more luxurious than it should be for a mass market brand.

The boot is deeper, but also tighter and shorter than the previous gen 3008

How is it to drive? The e-3008 is heavy at 2,108 kg and its acceleration vs. just 1,395 kg for the previous generation! It goes from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.8 sec, average for a BEV and certainly not matching the crazy acceleration of Tesla models. But first, city drive. The vehicle absorbs irregularities well, it turns sharply and manoeuvrability is on point and pleasant thanks to the small steering wheel. Green light starts are smooth and without hiccups. Unlike the cheaper Renault 4 we tested, the One petal system is not offered on the e-3008 but regenerative braking is controlled on the steering wheel. The strength of the vehicle resides in its comfort and not particularly in its dynamism. It did ok in sport mode on the highway though.

Now a trip to the bank. The e-3008 GT we drove is 46,990€, and offers the impressive 21-inch panoramic digital screen (two 10-inch screens for the base version Allure). For this price, you get the navigation screen, adaptive cruise control, keyless start and electric boot among other standard equipment. This is to be compared with 45,990€ for the equivalent version of the VW ID.4 (battery at 77 kWh), 42,990€ for the base Tesla Model Y and also 46,990€ for the Renault Scenic E-tech with a superior 625 km range. The sunroof (unavailable even as an option on Allure) is priced at 1,250€  and the metallic grey colour at 1,200€, adding up to 49,440€, and 50,000€ with on-road costs. A discount and the French eco-friendly rebate (2,000€) sends the total cost down to 45,300€.

All in all, the noticeable fastback shape, a very impressive and classy interior and exterior and comfortable ride compensate so-so dynamism on road due to its weight and a declining interior space compared to the previous generation.