Peugeot E-5008
Mk3 SUV is now longer and gets an EV option
THE Peugeot 5008 has always been little more than a stretched, seven-seat version of the Peugeot 3008. This goes back to when the pair were first introduced as MPVs in the late noughties, before evolving into stylish yet still practical SUVs for their respective second generations.
The 3008 was recently reinvented as more of a coupé-SUV, but the all-new Mk3 5008 has stuck with a boxier silhouette to maximise cabin space. To help with that, the new model is around 150mm longer than its predecessor, with an extra 60mm squeezed into wheelbase. Overall, it’s slightly larger than the Skoda Kodiaq, but not as gargantuan as the Kia EV9.
Another point of difference is in the middle row, where instead of the previous car’s three identically sized seats, there are now two larger, more comfortable and supportive outer chairs, and a narrower one in the middle that does without mounting points for child seats.
Most buyers will probably prefer this configuration, and any adult passengers will certainly be happier. Those in the second row are also treated to a generous amount of head and legroom, plus space under the front seats for their feet.
As well as being more comfortable, the middle row can slide forward by up to 150mm, and folds to make accessing the rearmost seats nice and easy; one handle takes care of the whole process.
The third row is really meant for children or teenagers, but there is enough space for adults to squeeze in. They may find their knees touching the bench in front, however.
Including underfloor storage, there’s 259 litres of boot space on offer with all seven seats in use. The third row folds completely flat and doing so opens up 748 litres of space, or a huge 1,815 litres with just the front two in place.
Of course the driver gets the best seat in the house, and the latest evolution of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design is stunning. The heavily curved 21-inch HD display and spine that connects the dashboard and centre console cocoon you, but the cabin still feels very spacious.
Like all modern Peugeots, the new 5008 features a small, squared-off steering wheel that you need to look over to read the driver’s display. We’ve frequently found this creates awkward, uncomfortable driving positions, but the set-up feels much more natural this time around.
Speaking of which, the central screen is clear and responsive, and the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto almost entirely fills the half used for media and navigation. The ‘i-Toggles’ panel below offers a handy bank of customisable shortcut buttons, although it does mean you have to adjust safety settings or the climate controls via the touchscreen.
Under the 5008’s striking bodywork is the new STLA Medium platform, also used by the latest 3008. It allows for a selection of petrol-powered hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but leading the charge is the all-electric E-5008. In 2025 there will be a four-wheel-drive version and one with up to 410 miles of range, but the first to arrive is the ‘Electric 210’ we’re driving here, featuring a 73kWh battery, a 210bhp motor and a range of up to 311 miles.
Power delivery is smooth and much more progressive than in some EVs. It doesn’t feel quick, even if you mash the accelerator in Sport mode, but the 2.2tonne SUV has no issues keeping pace with motorway traffic. Paddles on the steering wheel let the driver toggle between the three levels for the regenerative braking.
Despite its size, the E-5008 doesn’t feel like an especially large car to drive, even around town and in tight car parks, and visibility is good. The ride is well damped and takes the edge off small imperfections, although we did notice some tyre noise – possibly a side effect of our test car’s 20-inch rims.
Pricing has yet to be revealed, but we’ve been told to expect a premium of around £2,500 over the equivalent 3008. That would mean a starting price of roughly £37,000 for the base hybrid and just over £48,000 for the E-5008.
With such a small price bump, we think many potential buyers will skip the 3008, and go straight for its more practical sibling. Peugeot clearly thinks so, too, because it’s considering a five-seat 5008 for those who know the third-row seats will never see any use.
“Next year, there will be a four-wheel-drive version and another with a range of 410 miles”