Four years ago we drove the new generation of Peugeot 208, and then gave the model a good rating for its pleasant appearance and fine driving characteristics.
Now the model has received an update, and the most interesting version is the electric version e-208.
Updated design both inside and out and extended electric range are promised, which bodes well.
Peugeot e-208 is an electric car in French. (Photo: Peugeot) An electric French
To begin with, one notes the updated exterior, which in our opinion is really successful and reinforces the model’s premium impression.
The updated version of the 208 has been fitted with Peugeot’s new light signature, which has been taken from the brand’s 9X8 race car that competed in the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours.
The same light signature is also found on the big siblings 2008 and 508. The new e-208 has also received the new Peugeot emblem in the grill.
From the rear, the light lines are placed horizontally in groups of three, framing the Peugeot name, centrally placed on the tailgate.
The facelifted version of the Peugeot 208 is offered in new colours, such as Agueda Yellow and Selenium Grey, and the range of rims has been updated.
The updates to the e-208 are not excessive. (Photo: Peugeot) Now with a longer range
The current generation of the e-208 arrived in 2019 with a range of 340 kilometers, an electric motor with 136 horsepower and 260 newton meters and a battery of 50 kWh.
The update shown off to the world this summer has higher power and longer range. The new e-208 has 156 horsepower and a range that lands at 400 kilometers.
The new battery of 51 kWh is only one kWh larger, so the increased range is also about working to make other parts of the powertrain more efficient.
In terms of performance, the top speed is still 150 km/h and 0 to 100 goes in a modest 8 seconds. This is good and well enough to offer an entertaining driving experience.
There is no doubt that the e-208 is a small car, but it still offers good spaces for its class. The battery does not encroach on either the back seat or the luggage compartment, which is positive.
A big news is the longer range. (Photo: Peugeot) Premium in French
When you step behind the steering wheel, you are greeted by a compact and rectangular shaped steering wheel, and the materials on the inside are premium. Our test car was a fully equipped GT, which dominates the Active and Allure versions.
In the GT version, you get electrically operated and alcantara-covered seats with massage, and the test car was also equipped with a panoramic glass roof for an extra SEK 7,900.
It helps to create a big car experience of rank, while maintaining the nimble driving experience thanks to the low center of gravity and the response of the electric motor. The e-208 is truly a fun driving experience, especially on winding Spanish mountain roads.
The e-208 is well equipped, but terribly expensive. (Photo: Peugeot)Too expensive
The big Achilles heel for the e-208 is its slightly bizarre pricing in Sweden.
In its cheapest version, the price tag lands just under the half-million mark. In the GT version, you pass that limit with ease.
It is simply not competitive when you can get significantly larger cars with a longer range for a few tens of thousands of kroner more. Here you have to think again if you have an ambition to break some sales records.
e-208 will have a tough time on the market. (Photo: Peugeot) The Peugeot e-208 has many good features
The Peugeot e-208 exceeds my expectations in terms of big car feeling and driving pleasure.
The car’s characteristics as a compact electric car are clearly competitive and suit the young couple or family in search of a second car like a glove.
In tight city traffic, the compact dimensions also fit incredibly well, and the car is not ashamed of itself on the highway either.
But then you get to the price, which is astronomical and totally sabotages the car’s chance of becoming a bestseller. Here it will be decisive which leasing prices Peugeot will offer.
Rating of Peugeot e-208 2.5/5
Peugeot e-208 GT (2024)
Engine: Rear electric motor, 156 horsepower, 270 newton meters.
Transmission: One-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds.
Top speed: 150 km/h.
Electrical range: 400 km.
Weight: 1564 kg.
Measure: (length/width/height): 4055/1745/1430 mm.
Award: from SEK 509,000