We drove the electric Peugeot E-5008 7-Seater: Love at second sight

Competitors: BYD Tang is closest in price but larger and more expensive

What We Liked: Space, cargo area, usability, road behavior

What We Didn’t Like: No performance advantage of electric vehicles, significantly higher price than the mild-hybrid petrol version

The same squared-off steering wheel, but the dashboard is new, 21 inches. In the more expensive versions (credit: PEUGEOT)

Although it doesn’t look outdated, you might be surprised to learn that the Peugeot 5008 was introduced 7 years ago. After the new generation of its smaller sibling, the 3008, was recently revealed, it’s now the 5008’s turn to be refreshed. The outgoing generation only offered petrol and diesel versions, selling around 5,000 units in the country, with about two-thirds being petrol versions. With the planned phase-out of diesel engines in Europe and Israel, the Peugeot 5008 is going electric: the 5008 will be sold in three full electric versions (named E-5008) and two hybrid versions, with the plug-in hybrid version not coming to Israel due to the cancellation of tax benefits for such vehicles.

To test the new 5008 for the first time, we traveled to Sweden, the land of IKEA, ABBA, and Nils Holgersson. When you think of Sweden, one of the larger countries in the European Union, you immediately think of a cold, rainy, and snowy country. But the weather did not cooperate, and we were greeted by summer-like, warm sunshine as we walked towards the parking lot where the launch vehicles were charging. Well, at least we could test the air conditioning in conditions resembling the Holy Land. Spoiler: It was perfectly fine.

Excellent space for adult passengers in the second row, but there is no longer separation between the three seats (credit: PEUGEOT)

During the walk and before hitting the road, let’s go over some data and numbers, if you don’t mind: During the launch drive, we tested one of the five available versions. The basic electric version in the top GT trim has 210 hp from a single motor, a 73 kWh battery, a high curb weight of 2.2 tons, a fairly long acceleration time of 9.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, and a maximum speed limited to 170 km/h. Did you manage to read that in one breath?

The power unit of the interesting mild-hybrid version is based on a new 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with a Mild-Hybrid system and a 6-speed dual-clutch robotic transmission. Another significant difference between the hybrid version and the other versions is a rear suspension with a simpler and cheaper twist beam compared to the multi-link suspension in the other versions.

At the launch event, two trim levels were presented: Allure and GT, with the latter adding options such as leather seats with massage, heating, and ventilation (Alcantara upholstery as standard), dynamic ambient lighting on the dashboard and doors, wireless phone charging, a 21-inch i-cockpit display for the driver (instead of two 10-inch screens), and 20-inch wheels. In any case, we will wait for the 5008 to arrive in the country in early 2025 to update on the equipment level set by the importer. Stay tuned.

Surprising space in the third row of seats. An adult can actually sit here (credit: PEUGEOT)

Design: At first glance in the parking lot, the 5008 looks like a facelift of the previous generation from 2020. A closer look reveals that it is a completely new design of the 5008 based on a new platform: STLA-Medium, which is currently shared with the new Peugeot 3008 and Opel Grandland. The new face of the 5008 includes a grille integrated into small cubes with the car's color, split lighting units for day/road lights, and a "light signature reminiscent of lion claws," according to the design team. The profile is more dynamic than the outgoing model and looks less "boxy." Above the window line and along the roof runs a silver matte beam, integrating with elements of the same shade on the rear bumper. The rear lighting units are also designed with a 3-claw lion element in the lighting.

Light and aerodynamic wheels in 19 and 20 inches fill the wheel arches well. Although the design reminded me of forgotten Citroën AX and BX wheels from the 80s, the 5008 design team did not follow my line of thought. To improve the body’s sustainability and its survival in the sun, the seals between the doors and windows were hidden under the car body, and plastic parts around the wheel arches and at the bottom of the body were painted in glossy black. Brilliant idea – is this the beginning of the end for black plastic that turns white in the Israeli sun?

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You can lift the floor of the trunk to accommodate two trolleys and 348 liters of volume, the most generous for a car of this size. (credit: PEUGEOT)

Interior: Settling into the driver’s seat reveals an impressive interior. Like the exterior, the interior design at first glance appears to be an evolution of the outgoing model: the small, square steering wheel, the central console that almost hugs the driver, and the upholstery that wraps around the dashboard and doors. But a second look shows that it is a completely new interior design. We start with the floating and unique dashboard in front of the driver. There are two versions of the dashboard: one 21-inch screen and a dashboard divided into two 10-inch screens each. The GT version we drove at the launch had the 21-inch screen, and it is of very high quality.

As befits a GT trim that hints at a sporty connection, all the interior trims are black and combined with gray fabric. According to the designers, the fabric is supposed to be similar to that of a home sofa and remind you of home. The truth is, it is a pleasant material to touch, even if we have seen it in previous Peugeot models. Below the main screen and air vents, we encounter the i-toggle, a smaller screen intended for shortcuts to the most useful functions and customizable. Definitely useful. The interior makes extensive use of glossy black plastic, which easily gets dirty with fingerprints. For cleanliness enthusiasts, it is advisable to keep a microfiber cloth in the door pocket.

High ride quality, which meets the expectations for a vehicle of this type. (credit: PEUGEOT)

As someone familiar with several potential customers of the 5008, one of the important features in a 7-seater passenger vehicle is the interior space. Front passengers enjoy standard space, with no complaints except that the glove compartment stops at the knees of the passenger if they leave too much space for the child behind them. The driving position is good, and the steering and seat adjustment options are diverse.

Let’s move to the back. The bench in the second row is no longer divided into three separate seats as before but is split into two-thirds/two-thirds and designed as two separate seats with side support. In this row, there is excellent space for adult passengers, both for legs and head. To allow for more space in the third row, the second-row seats move forward and backward on a 15 cm rail.

With retractable side curtains from the door, a flat floor, air vents, separate climate control for the second row, padded seat backs, and separate map lights, the second row enjoys excellent seating space. Speaking of lighting, the GT version includes impressive ambient lighting on the dashboard, doors (even in the rear), and around the panoramic roof. The color of the lighting changes according to driving modes or choice.

You won't have trouble overtaking, but the E-5008 lacks the exceptional performance seen in many electric vehicles. (credit: PEUGEOT)

Now for the most intriguing part of the interior: After using the folding mechanism of the second-row seats, which lifts the entire second-row seat to ease access, we find real rear seats in the third row, a rare feature in 7-seater vehicles of this size. We pushed our limits and discovered that two full-size adults can sit in the third row, but with the seats in front of them moved forward on the rail. Yes, with a height of 182 cm, I managed to sit in the back with space left for children in front of me. Definitely impressive.

Behind the electric tailgate of the GT, there’s another surprise. The cargo area can accommodate luggage even when the third row is in use. Two trolley suitcases managed to fit there when the cargo floor was raised. The retractable cargo cover can also be stored under the floor instead of being thrown into the storage area. When the rear row is open, the trunk volume is 348 liters, relatively generous for the category, including the space under the floor. Folding the two seats in the third row increases the total trunk volume to 916 liters. And when folding the second row as well and preparing for car camping, the volume reaches 2,232 liters. Your kids will probably want to camp in the car every night.

The road behavior of the 5008 is generally good and instills a sense of confidence. (credit: PEUGEOT)

On the Road: During the launch, we drove hundreds of kilometers on the E-5008 across various roads in Sweden and came back to tell the tale. The 5008 delivers a high-quality ride under its tires, well-matching the needs of such a passenger vehicle. As expected, most Swedish roads are well-paved, but we were able to gauge the suspension’s ability to handle sewer openings, road cracks, and numerous speed bumps.

Despite the significant tire size (235/50R20), the 5008 manages to absorb the road's ailments excellently. It’s not the most comfortable car I’ve experienced at city speeds, but the suspension work is excellent considering the challenging starting conditions: high weight and large wheels. Attention to good insulation leads to minimal wind and road noise, even at Swedish highway speeds. Even at such speeds, there was no exceptional noise beyond normal wind noise. During the drive, we noted the impeccable assembly quality of the interior.

Since it’s important for families, we also checked the experience of the second-row seats. Rear passengers enjoy good ride quality, similar to the front passengers. The GT version included a panoramic roof stretching across the passenger compartment with an electrically retractable fabric shade. The roof window lets in a lot of light, which is fine for children but less ideal for light-sensitive adults.

The price won’t be cheap, but it will make the E-5008 the most affordable 7-seat electric crossover. (credit: PEUGEOT)

Performance: The 5008 offers a choice between three driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Since the 5008 does not have adaptive suspension, the changes focus on steering calibration, throttle response, and energy consumption (see air conditioning system). Due to the high curb weight and reasonable engine power, the 5008 didn’t feel as fast as we’re accustomed to with electric cars. Nevertheless, overtaking or driving on mountainous roads will not be an issue.

The Sport mode improves throttle response for acceleration. Since we did not charge the 5008 ourselves, we couldn’t actually measure energy consumption or charging times. Based on the consumption we experienced, it is certainly possible to reach the declared range of 400 to 500 km. It will be interesting to check the more expensive versions, with an upgraded 98 kWh battery and an estimated combined range of 660 km, if they become available here.

Road Behavior: We still remember Peugeot’s youthful charm for the fun cars they produced a few decades ago. Since then, much water has flowed in the Seine, and Peugeot has burned their flag of driving pleasure. Today, they boast about sustainability, connectivity, efficiency, excellence, design, and experience – end quote from the press release. If even Peugeot no longer boasts about that, then we’ll check it ourselves.

Although we drove on Swedish roads, I’m no Stig Blomqvist, this is not a 205 T16, and we are not at the Swedish Rally (look for all this on YouTube and thank me later). Nonetheless, we crossed several interesting winding roads between tranquil Swedish villages. Despite the high curb weight, the 5008’s road behavior is generally good and instills a sense of confidence. The response to weight transfers via the throttle is not sharp, and it is hard to throw the 5008 off balance. Road grip on Michelin Primacy tires is good. These tires are a grade below sporty ones and are intended to provide a good compromise between grip and comfort. Spot on.

Notes before concluding:

• Similar to several electric vehicles we have encountered before, the E-5008 has a smartphone app that allows for scheduling air conditioning, viewing charging and consumption data, and setting maintenance routines. The app launch in the country will take place after the arrival of the new 3008 in the coming months and then with the E-5008.

• The manufacturer's warranty in Europe for the entire vehicle is 8 years or 160,000 km, which has been provided so far only for the battery in electric vehicles. The local importer is still in discussions with the manufacturer about this extension. This could be the longest warranty in the Israeli market: Xpeng offers 7 years or 160,000 km for their electric vehicles, and BYD offers 6 years or 150,000 km.

• The operating system supports full wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but during the launch, we used the car’s original navigation software.

• Peugeot prides itself on the fact that 23% of the car's weight is produced from recycled materials and that the 5008 is manufactured in France. Vive la France!

Bottom Line: At first glance, the E-5008 seemed like a disappointing evolution of the outgoing model rather than a revolution, unlike the previous generation. The exterior and interior design appear similar to those of the outgoing model, and the electric motor does not provide the spine-tingling acceleration typical of many electric vehicles.

Then you look at the 5008 a second time. Despite everything we wrote earlier, the 5008 excels at everything expected from such a passenger vehicle: the design is attractive and pleasant, the cabin is well-designed and rich, the interior space is excellent for seven people, ride quality is excellent, and the range is promising.

In addition to all these features, the 5008 is expected to be the only 7-seater electric vehicle in the segment that is not a luxury car. With suitable pricing, it could become the king of this category, with no competitors on the near horizon. And rightly so.