PEUGEOT E-3008: Electrically Dashing, Mostly...
Peugeot, the French automotive artist that has been drawing lines on the roads for more than a century. And now, in their bid to replace every gasoline drop with a battery bar, they've dished out the E-3008. As the self-proclaimed expert on everything on wheels, water, and wings, I couldn't help but dig into this latest electric extravaganza.
Styling: Leopard or Housecat?
Firstly, the "fastback SUV" styling is an intriguing fusion. It's as if someone in the design department shouted, "Let’s make a sports car and an SUV have a baby, but keep it green!" And voilà, we have the E-3008, purring in its feline posture. With dimensions sitting at a compact length of 178.74 inches (4.54 m), width 74.41 inches (1.89 m), and height 64.57 inches (1.64 m), it's an electric SUV that doesn't take up an entire parking lot.
The headlamps? Now, I've seen many a squint in my time, but this one has a particularly piercing look that just...pierces. PEUGEOT continues with their iconic three-claw light signature, while embedding everything around a new emblem. LED? Check. Pixel LED technology? Only if you opt for the E-3008 GT. And if that sounds like some futuristic Star Trek tech, it's because it probably is.
The "floating" spoiler on the rear certainly grabbed my attention. Because every now and then, when the aerodynamics are just right, it almost feels like you're flying. Almost.
Wheel-wise, they're stylish and as much about aerodynamics as they are about aesthetics. A 19-inch or 20-inch wheel is impressive, but that new PEUGEOT emblem at the center? Now, that's what we call branding!
Inside: Welcome to Tomorrow
The new PEUGEOT Panoramic i-Cockpit®. Say that five times fast. Or just gaze upon its magnificent 21-inch floating panoramic screen, which screams, "Welcome to the future!" A single curved, high-definition panel stretches across the dashboard, putting crucial info right where you need it.
Left side? That's your instrument cluster. Speed, power, some fancy energy flow graphics that I'm not entirely sure about, but they look snazzy. Right side? Touch-screen joy for both driver and passenger. Heating, navigation, media, that one radio station you claim you don't like but secretly do – all right there.
But PEUGEOT's Panoramic i-Cockpit® is different. This isn’t just about seeing how many touchscreens we can cram into one car. It’s a complete reimagining of the space. The central part of the dashboard sports i-Toggles - customizable touch-sensitive buttons for the ten functions you never knew you needed. And that compact steering wheel? As iconic as ever, just...more modern.
Power & Performance: Are We There Yet?
Built on Stellantis' shiny new STLA Medium platform, this SUV promises a range of up to 435 miles (700 km). For those unfamiliar with distances, that's "Are we there yet?" times roughly a hundred.
Charging? Prepare to be dazzled – or at least ready to roll again in about the time it takes to grab a decent croissant and coffee. Just 30 minutes. And let’s not forget the three electric powertrains on offer: a 210bhp, a 230bhp Long Range, and a spicy 320bhp Dual Motor with 4-wheel drive. The E-3008 boasts a battery with fancy elements like Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt. All that and Peugeot will guarantee 70% of its charge capacity for 8 years. Not too shabby. Oh, and some hybrid options will sneak in there too, depending on where you're buying.
Let's dive into the cabin - it’s brighter than my future and appears to have pilfered its seats from someone’s upscale living room. Leather-effect? Alcantara? Look at you, Peugeot, getting all posh. These seats have even won awards for being good for your back. I mean, German doctors said so, and we know how picky they can be.
The GT version? Oh, it's basically a luxury spa. The seats warm your posterior, massage you, and even give you a refreshing gust of air in places best not mentioned. And let’s not forget about the rear - it’s heated too. But, because Peugeot loves the environment, they've added an Air Quality System. Yes, while the outside world suffocates, you’ll breathe easy knowing your French cocoon has your back (and lungs).
For those who appreciate the auditory experience, the E-3008 offers a Focal® Premium Hi-Fi System. Ten loudspeakers with fancy names, guaranteed to make your in-car karaoke sessions a hit. The "Front-Optimised" mode turns the front row into a concert stage. I’d pay good money to see that.
Storage spaces? Seventeen. Because apparently, one glove compartment just isn’t enough anymore. And the boot space is 18.36 cu-ft (520 liters). That’s a lot of baguettes.
That new STLA Medium platform is as rigid as my uncle’s opinions at Thanksgiving and positioned as low as my expectations for Monday mornings. Choose from four driving modes: Normal (yawn), Eco (for tree-huggers), Sport (for when you’re late), and 4WD for muddy adventures.
Compact, nimble, and perfect for city escapades. Cameras everywhere, making parking a breeze. And with the semi-autonomous Drive Assist Plus system, you'll feel like a captain in a science fiction movie.
Peugeot’s connected systems sound space-age, especially the voice recognition that can distinguish between driver and passenger commands. However, when I said, "Drive me to the moon," it didn't. Oh, and lest I forget, they’ve thrown in USB-C ports everywhere because who doesn’t need to charge five devices simultaneously?
The all-new, all singing and dancing, and most of all - all-electric E-3008 seems like a tantalizing blend of innovation, luxury, and practicality. But remember, old habits die hard, and while I'm all for the green wave, I'll always have a soft spot for the roar of a traditional engine. So, to the E-3008, here's a sarcastic tip of the hat with a genuine smile. Cheers, Peugeot. You're making the electric future tempting, indeed.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
