Road Test: Peugeot E-5008
The electric version of Peugeot’s flagship large SUV delivers on seats and driving range, but what about on the road? John Challen finds out.
WHAT IS IT? Large seven-seat SUV HOW MUCH? From £48,550 RANGE: 319-415 miles (WLTP) CHARGE: 20-80% 20 minutes (160kW)
Now that there are more electric C-SUVs on the market than seemingly any other type of car, OEMs are looking elsewhere to attract drivers to their battery powered offerings. Granted that’s not a difficult sell to fleet drivers who benefit from the 2% BiK, but the cars have still got to be good, to get the deal done. With its broad EV lineup, Peugeot says it doesn’t consider itself a legacy manufacturer, instead preferring the description of ‘a leading electric brand’. You can kind of see the logic, especially when it comes to electric vehicles – Peugeot has increased its BEV market share four-fold since 2023.
The 5008 model range covers hybrid, plug-in hybrid and this, the electric E-5008. Two of the most noticeable features about the car are an eight-year warranty and – arguably more relevant for business drivers – a theoretical driving range of 415 miles. That distance is possible with the long-range single motor 98kWh version, currently not yet available, so we tested the single motor 73kWh e-5008, which still musters an impressive 311 miles from a full charge.
To add to the user experience, there’s more space for driver and passenger, with the new 5008 being 15cm longer (4.79m) and boasting a longer wheelbase, by 6cm, taking it to 2.9m. As a result, there is more than enough room in all seats – including the sometimes troublesome third row, to which access is made easier (it really is; we tested it out) with a one-touch operation of pulling down the second-row seat.
From the driver’s viewpoint, there’s a 21-inch panoramic i-Cockpit, which shows information clearly and sensibly and is easy to navigate. The less said about the driver display, which is slightly impeded by the (small) steering wheel, regardless of where you position it. Peugeot says that customers like that element, but it’s not something that works for us.
However, what does work is the very plentiful specification, regardless of model – there are two trim grades (Allure and GT), with prices starting at £48,550 and £52,350 respectively. On a safety level, the base model features the latest generation of advanced emergency braking, with radar technology, while other standard features include electric folding door mirrors 19-inch wheels and LED headlights. GT drivers will get adaptive cruise control, a foot-operated electric tailgate and heated front seats.
On the road, the E-5008 doesn’t feel like a big car. It’s nimble enough to operate in town and down narrow roads, with enough power (but not too much, which can be a good thing) when you head out onto A roads and motorways. There’s minimal road noise and it rides well, but if you’re looking for a driver’s car, this probably isn’t the one for you. What does work in Peugeot’s favor is a limited number of direct rivals – as in seven-seat EVs – so it should attract quite a few drivers who need that capability.
The Lowdown
Peugeot E-5008
Key fleet model:Allure
Thumbs up: Practicality, interior layout and design
Thumbs down: Small steering wheel divides opinion
Seven-word summary: Spacious seven-seat SUV with super spec
Also consider: Mercedes-Benz EQB, Kia EV9, Škoda Kodiaq iV
John Challen
John previously edited International Fleet World magazine, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having been in automotive journalism for more than 20 years. Over those two decades, he has researched and written about a vast range of automotive topics, including fleet, EVs, engineering, design, retail and the aftermarket.
