That the STLA platform will be used by so many car brands means that the new Peugeot E-3008 gives us an insight into what we can expect from a range of upcoming models.
The platform is primarily developed for electric operation, but the 3008 will also be launched as a hybrid.
The model version that is perhaps most interesting is the electric version with the large battery of 98 kWh, which should have a range of 700 kilometers. There will also be a four-wheel drive electric car.
For now, however, we have to make do with a battery of 73 kWh, with a range of 527.
A new, fresh design language
In terms of appearance, the car has a new and fresh design language, and is easily recognizable as a Peugeot. The short, high and angular rear part in particular stands out, and the whole is attractive in my eyes.
The body shape is called “fastback”, rather than “suv-coupé”, and the critical difference is that the slope of the rear part begins first behind the passenger compartment.
“Fastback” is what Peugeot calls the body shape – Photo: Peugeot
This should give the same headroom in the back seat as in a car with a more traditional SUV shape, but unfortunately the back of the head of taller consumers, such as myself, still touches the ceiling.
Legroom in the back seat is also somewhat limited, if you sit behind a tall driver.
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A wayward interior
In the front seat, however, you sit well, and Peugeot has faithfully provided the new E-3008 with a wayward and slightly strange interior.
Like many modern Peugeot models, the steering wheel is small and low, with the instrument cluster – which in the E-3008 is a large curved screen – mounted above the top of the steering wheel.
The interior buttons and controls are not the easiest to use – Photo: Peugeot
Opinions about this solution differ. Some find it unusual not to look through the steering wheel, or that the screen obscures the view ahead.
In my opinion, the solution works well after getting used to it, even if the graphics are a bit sketchy.
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Several ergonomic oddities
However, what works worse is the ergonomics in the rest of the passenger compartment, and this particularly applies to the MMI system, which also includes the controls for the climate control system.
The main screen of the system sits as an extension of the instrument housing and is thus placed high and easy to see, but to reach it you have to stretch a bit.
The car offers an attractive exterior – Photo: Peugeot
Further down the dashboard is a low, wide screen that is easier to reach, and offers shortcuts to various functions on the large screen. The MMI system also appears cumbersome with many menus, and more physical buttons for frequently used functions would have been more practical.
The gear selector has also been moved up on the dashboard, where it is somewhat obscured and harder to reach. The point is that there will be more space in the center console, but I’m not convinced that they have done anything productive with the space.
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Safe but smooth on the road
Out on the road, the car feels stable and safe, with light and nimble steering that makes it easy to handle in city traffic.
The noise level in the passenger compartment is also perceived as surprisingly low, which the fine-grained, French asphalt certainly contributes to.
The new E-3008 is quiet and stable on the road – Photo: Peugeot
In terms of driving pleasure, however, the E-3008 does not have too much to offer. The roll through the corners is limited, but the driving dynamics are quite wooden and any outright playfulness never occurs.
The suspension comfort also leaves something to be desired. Large speed bumps can certainly be forced in full comfort without slowing down, but over minor bumps the car is bumpy.
However, our test car was fitted with the larger 20-inch rims, and comfort is certainly better if you choose the smaller 19-inch ones instead.
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Not a speed monster
With a 0 to 100 time of close to 9 seconds, the E-3008 is far from a speed monster, but it is certainly nimble enough for everyday driving. The regenerative brakes are adjustable in three stages with paddles on the steering wheel. Consumption should be around a low 1.7 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Peugeot has chosen to build the new E-3008 around a 400V architecture and the car can be fast-charged with up to 160 kW.
On curvy roads there is never any real driving pleasure – Photo: Peugeot
There is currently no option to preheat the battery before charging, which means a longer charging stop in cold weather. However, the engineers on site hinted that an update was in the works at that point.
Heating is provided by a combination of an air source heat pump and an electric heater, which should help efficiency in winter.
Good technique but a lack of feeling
As a whole, the new Peugeot E-3008 is a stable wagon that impresses more with the technology under the skin than with the experience it delivers.
The car is stylish and offers good efficiency and range, and out on the road it’s smooth, quiet and stable.
The interior’s layout and controls, on the other hand, are puzzling, while the car would have liked to have been livelier to drive and offered better suspension comfort.
The Peugeot E-3008 is undoubtedly a good and competent wagon, but it unfortunately leaves me emotionally cold.
First impressions of the Peugeot E-3008 3.5/5
Peugeot E-3008 (2024)
Engine: Electric motor, 210 horsepower, 345 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive
Top speed: 170 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds
Electrical range: 527 km
Battery Size: 73 kWh
Weight: 2,108 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4542/1895/1641 mm