Peugeot e-2008: A Closer Look at the Latest Updates
Peugeot has recently updated its e-2008 model, which is part of the Stellantis horde. The new version of the e-CMP platform now houses a bigger, 54kWh lithium-ion battery, up by 4kWh from the previous version. This update has helped push the car’s WLTP range up from 214 to 251 miles. The new battery system also brings better efficiency, managing 5.0mpkWh, which is substantially better than the efficiency claimed in rivals like the MG ZS EV Long Range.
Styling and Infotainment Updates
The e-2008 has also received some styling updates, including a more aggressive and wider-looking front end and 508-esque headlight and tail-light signatures. Inside, there are some new materials on offer in higher-spec cars, but more importantly, there’s also a new 10.0in touchscreen on every model. Provided you go for mid-spec Allure trim or up, that also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a new home page with configurable tabs, better graphics and more.
Performance and Handling
The e-2008 has a more powerful 154bhp motor driving those front wheels, but it’s not really about performance. The e-2008 feels more than pokey enough, even for fast motorway merges and the like. Even on the 18in alloy wheels of our test car, it rides with decent pliancy and generally feels composed, smooth and secure. The small steering ‘wheel’ does give a rather fake sense of urgency around the dead-ahead, but otherwise, the steering is weighted nicely and there’s a satisfying slickness to the way the e-2008 goes down the road.
Infotainment and Real-World Range
The infotainment is a big improvement, too, with the mirroring working well alongside a more responsive touchscreen and new menu layouts. It would still be better if the screen dimming and various other deeper menu settings were easier to find, but this is now a perfectly usable system with all the features that you want, including over-the-air software updates. The real-world range and efficiency are decent, with an average of 4.0mpkWh on our test drive in hot weather and through fast, sweeping mountain roads in Spain with some urban whataboutery thrown in. That’s good for a real-world range of 200 miles, and with more slow-speed stuff, you will see that creep up to 220 miles and more in the summer. Expect to see about a 25% drop in that real-world range come winter, though.
Price Comparison
Peugeot has solved two of the biggest issues with the e-2008: its mediocre range and annoying digital interface. However, there’s another problem now, and that’s the price. The e-2008 starts at £36,350 in the rather basic Active trim, while the Allure and GT models that most buyers will want come in at £38,350 and £40,550. That’s a lot of cash and represents a vast jump of some £10,000 over the equivalent petrol auto 2008. Not only that, but finance prices look alarmingly high, too, with Peugeot quoting some £700 per month for an e-2008 Allure with a £4000 deposit over 37 months. A Niro EV 3 on the same terms currently comes in at £100 per month less.
Conclusion
The Peugeot e-2008 has received some significant updates, including a longer-range battery system and revised infotainment system. The new battery system has helped push the car’s WLTP range up from 214 to 251 miles, and it manages 5.0mpkWh, which is substantially better than the efficiency claimed in rivals like the MG ZS EV Long Range. The infotainment is a big improvement, too, with the mirroring working well alongside a more responsive touchscreen and new menu layouts. The real-world range and efficiency are decent, with an average of 4.0mpkWh on our test drive. However, the e-2008’s price is a significant drawback, with a vast jump of some £10,000 over the equivalent petrol auto 2008. Despite the e-2008’s merits, buyers may want to consider other options that offer similar features at a lower price point.
