Peugeot E-5008 review: sizeable seven seater EV

Introduction

I drove the Peugeot E-3008 a while back and, on first inspection of this, the larger, all electric Peugeot E-5008 there doesn’t look to be too much difference between the two. However, what the E-5008 gains is more seats, with seven in all, running across three rows. It’s not all that much more expensive than the E-3008 either, which means anyone wanting a bumper seating capacity without breaking the bank for something premium like a Mercedes EQB or the gigantic Kia EV9 will find it appealing.

It’s got the looks too and follows a similar design theme to other models in the current Peugeot portfolio. That’s good news as I think most of the French carmaker’s current crop looks really spot on. There are multiple choices on the model front too, with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants on the horizon. I’ve been experiencing the Peugeot E-5008 in its single motor guise and finished in Allure trim, which when you add all of the component parts together, stacks up really well.

The styling

Having liked what Peugeot did for the E-3008, it’s good to see a similar theme going on here with this larger variant. While the outside doesn’t really feature anything that I haven’t seen before on that other car, the interest level is raised on the inside. Anyone hankering after space will find the Peugeot E-5008 comes with oodles of it and that’s with all of the seats being used.

The good news is that, while storage space from the boot end seems a little limited if you’ve got all seven seats deployed, the drop-down nature of the setup means its quickly possible to expand it immeasurably. In fact, with some easy adjustment, the cargo capacity is boosted from 259 litres in the seven-seat arrangement right up to a whopping 748 litres when using the car as a seven seater. The cabin area feels very accommodating too, with a high-rise roofline making it suitable for larger folks, aside from right at the back. Therefore, if you’ve got a family in an assortment of sizes there’s a seat for one and all.

Those seats and the surrounding dash and door card areas sport some vibrant new stylish touches too. Peugeot was keen to underline just how much work it has done with its materials choices for the E-5008, and I think the overall effect is hugely impressive. Seats and other coverings feel great to the touch, work well in a range of temperature conditions but also have the look of durability. That’s a must-have in a family car, so top marks to the designers for that.

The drive

It’s hard to find fault with any of the current Peugeot electric models and the E-5008 is no exception. It comes with a 78kWh battery that’s good for up to 311 miles and there’s a choice of either single or dual motors. Considering this is a chunky mid-size SUV the range makes it a very solid option for anyone who does longer runs and, during my time with it, the Peugeot E-5008 seemed reasonably efficient at just under 4 miles per kWh. Not bad for a 2,218kg heavy hauler.

Anyone who likes a reasonably high-up driving position will find the Peugeot E-5008 very enjoyable. The car isn’t so perched up that it feels like it’ll roll all over the place though. As you’d expect, it deals with motorways and dual carriageways with aplomb, sitting on the road nicely and offering a commanding view of the road in all directions. Even the view out the back is decent enough, although the size of the E-5008 means a reversing camera is a welcome on-board addition.

The switchgear is a familiar story, with the drive selector looking like the same component seen in not only other Peugeot electric models, but cars across the Stellantis group range. In that respect, there are few surprises when it comes to choosing modes and putting the E-5008 through its paces. This might be a mid-size SUV, but it does handle quite well, especially on country roads where it feels every bit as appealing as the more compact E-3008. A definite bonus if you’re likely to be travelling with kids tucked away back in the third row.

The technology

Personally, I’m a big fan of the current Peugeot cockpit thinking and get on really well with the dinky square-ish steering wheel setup seen in all recent cars. What works even better in the case of the E-5008 is the expansive 21-inch curved display that sits atop the dash. Sure, it’s all a bit plasticy to look at when powered down, but with drive engaged and everything lit up, this dashboard looks very cool.

One of the most curious aspects of the Peugeot E-5008 that I drove though, was the lack of electrically adjustable seats. Both sides at the front used manual levers, which takes the edge off the premium feel slightly. It also seems slightly at odds with everything else, because the fixtures and fittings in my car aside from that all felt decidedly upmarket. I especially liked the neat ambient lighting, which is reasonably understated but does a great job of giving the cavernous interior a little touch of zing.

Everyday driving tasks, like dipping into the sat nav system, is straightforward enough with the sizeable infotainment design. In fact, it all worked very well, plus there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto contained in the app list too, so that’s another option if the bespoke system doesn’t appeal. The voice control seemed eager to be noticed more than once, mind, chiming into life even when I hadn’t asked it anything. Ten out of ten for the enthusiasm though.

Peugeot E-5008 verdict

With prices for the Peugeot E-5008 starting from £48,000, this mid-size SUV might not seem like a bargain. However, given its capacity for carrying people and being armed with a very respectable range, the E-5008 has a lot going for it.

I like the way it looks, and the interior is a real highlight too. If you feel like you’re going to need more range though, it might be worth hanging on for the 98kWh battery version due next year that promises an impressive 410 miles.

Peugeot E-5008 technical specifications

Powertrain	Permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
Battery	78kW
Power	211bhp
Torque	254lb ft
0-60mph	9.7sec
Top speed	105mph
Range	311 miles
Charge rate	160kWh
Cargo volume	259 litres / 748 litres (7 seat / 5 seat)