Car review: The Peugeot E-3008 electric fastback is a bold step for the brand

Now in its the third-generation, Peugeot's 3008 has made another leap forward to get the brand retailers and customers excited.

After the underwhelming drab first generation model, then the popular and stylish SUV in its second life, the Peugeot 3008 has now morphed into a fastback design, with a sleeker roofline and sportier appearance.

The E-3008 is the first to launch, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid models - badged 3008 - will also be offered in due course. Underpinning it is the new STLA Medium platform, which is going to make its way into many new models across the group,

The Peugeot E-3008 starts at £45,850 and competes with models like the Renault Scenic E-Tech, Kia EV6, Polestar 2, Volvo EC40, and the Tesla Model Y. Peugeot claims it can go up to 435 miles on a single charge, surpassing its rivals in range and reducing the need for frequent charging stops.

Built exclusively at the Sochaux plant in France, Three versions of the E-3008 are available. The standard range model has a 73kWh battery and a single electric motor, providing up to 327 miles of range. A twin-motor version offers all-wheel drive and 326PS of power, with a slightly reduced range according to official specs. For longer distances between charges, the E-3008 Long Range variant features a larger 98kWh battery, extending the range to 435 miles, through a single motor configuration, delivering 231PS of power.

Regenerative braking is controlled by a three-step paddle-operated arrangement, rather than Peugeot’s usual ‘B-mode’ button, which I think makes the system much more useable in day-to-day driving.

Buyers can choose between just two trim levels but Peugeot packs them with features, including lane keep assist and a speed limit warning among the advanced assistance systems, and a 21-inch panoramic screen with a comprehensive infotainment system and a pleasingly simple operating system. There’s also a smaller touch panel below, known as i-toggle, which hosts ten customisable 'tiles' for quick access to whatever functions the owner desires, be it the heated seat, navigation or a favourite radio station.

The base Allure model includes 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, sat-nav, and ambient lighting. The top-tier GT adds 20-inch wheels, pixel LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, heated steering wheel and front seats, power tailgate, and Alcantara upholstery. There are few options to keep the ordering process simple. 

At launch, only the standard range model is available and it's the only version we've driven so far - our test netted 3.3mi/kWh compared to Peugeot's claimed 4.4mi/kWh, which suggests a realistic range of around 240 miles is achievable.

Despite being designed as an EV, the E-3008’s platform also accepts an internal combustion engine in the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants. Engineers said this is why the single motor car sends power to the front wheels, rather than the rear.