They Said Big EVs Can't Be Fun? Peugeot Begs to Differ
Let’s face it, big electric SUVs all follow the same recipe with the personality of a stale baguette - giant battery, boxy shape, seven seats that’d only really fit Hobbits after the second row... and about as much excitement as waiting for the kettle to boil. But here we are - Peugeot has stepped up to the plate and shaken up the boring family-hauler segment with their all-new E-5008. Is it genuinely good, or just another ‘me too’ effort?
First things first – the E-5008 looks, as the kids might say, “pretty sharp”. It’s not what you’d exactly call revolutionary, but it’s got all the right angles in the right places, and some interesting detailing to keep your eyes entertained. You get sculpted lines, a dash of aggression in the headlights, and enough curves to avoid complete boredom. Opt for the two-tone paint, and suddenly, you've got an SUV that stands out in the supermarket parking lot. It's a win, especially if you've tired of the generic electric blob aesthetic.
Slide inside and it's pretty posh. Sure, there’s a hint of that French obsession with odd placement of things, but it’s mostly high-quality materials and some clever design touches. Ambient lighting? Got it. Seven actual adult-sized seats with a surprising amount of flexibility? That too. And I have to talk about Peugeot's i-Cockpit® system. Giant fancy screens are nothing new, but the E-5008 takes it to the next level. This widescreen display seemingly levitates off the dash, combining all your driving and entertainment needs. Is it gimmicky? Maybe a touch... but it’s also ridiculously cool. Peugeot's quirkiness is alive and well.
Then we have that tiny, spaceship-looking steering wheel. It looks, erm… unusual at first, but you get used to it. They’ve even got integrated touch controls and little paddles behind the wheel to fiddle with your regenerative braking. I can already see myself accidentally activating those mid-corner, but hopefully, that won't happen when driving the kids to soccer practice.
Peugeot claims the E-5008 is like a giant, silent go-kart. Yeah, we’ll be the judge of that, thank you very much. But they’ve crammed in an impressive list of over 40 driver assistance features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, semi-automatic lane changes – the usual stuff to take the sting out of those long, dull commutes.
The real test is how it handles the everyday. School runs, grocery hauls, weekend adventures – this thing needs to do it all. On paper, the adaptability sounds great. Fold those rows of seats down, slide and tilt everything, and you’ve got a cargo van with a fancy badge. Perfect for loading that new sofa from the Swedish giant… you know the one. If flat-pack furniture causes you nightmares, this thing could become your new best friend.
Now, about that range. The E-5008 boasts up to a whopping 410 miles (660 km) on a single charge – but naturally, that’s the fancy long-range model. More affordable versions will inevitably offer less mileage, but still, that’s seriously impressive compared to the competition. It’s even got the fast-charging capability to pump 80% of that battery full in about half an hour… assuming you can find the elusive powerful chargers, of course.
You’ve got options - three powertrains cater to different needs. The 210 horsepower (157 kW) base model is perfect for city-dwellers and folks focused on maximizing efficiency. If you prioritize those long-legged journeys, the 230 horsepower (170 kW) long-range version should do the trick. And if you secretly long for a sporty EV with plenty of traction, the 320 horsepower (237 kW) dual-motor, all-wheel-drive beast should wake up your inner enthusiast. Instant electric torque is addictive, transforming the school run into a series of silent sprints away from stoplights.
Peugeot stands by its electric tech with the ALLURE CARE program. This comprehensive 100,000 miles warranty adds a dose of reassurance for any EV newbies hesitant to dip their toes in. But ultimately, it's the details that might sway buyers. We're talking about things like hidden storage compartments, those comfy seats, and that genuinely cool dashboard. They create a sense of warmth and personality that's missing in many of its rivals.
So, back to the question: has Peugeot actually cracked the code? Pricing, as always, will be the deciding factor. But the E-5008 has genuine potential. Its styling stands out, the cabin's a delight, and it's got the range to take you places. Is it the most revolutionary EV out there? No. But did Peugeot manage to inject some much-needed excitement into the big electric SUV formula? The answer, quite surprisingly, is a resounding yes.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
