We’ve had our 2020 Peugeot e-2008 for two years now, and it has been a great. We decided to sell both of our petrol cars and bought this and a Tesla Model 3. The e-2008 has proven itself to be a reliable, great value for money electric crossover that suits our needs perfectly.
Design and Interior
The e-2008’s exterior design is both stylish and modern, standing out with its compact yet robust SUV look. Upon entering the drivers seat, Peugeot’s distinctive i-Cockpit design is immediately noticeable. The 3D instrument cluster is a cool feature I have not seen on other cars. The car features a small, low steering wheel and a high digital instrument cluster. This setup, combined with the customisable interior mood lighting, gives the car a futuristic and premium feel. Initially, the small steering wheel and the small windscreen took some getting used to, but we don’t notice it at all now.
The cabin of the GT Line is well equipped for its segment, with features such as heated seats, cruise control, lane assist, and a sophisticated reversing camera that make daily driving convenient. The 10 inch central touchscreen offers good connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although its interface could be more intuitive. The inclusion of only touch controls and some toggle buttons can be cumbersome at times, but it’s something you adapt to quickly.
Performance and Driving Experience
The e-2008 is not a performance EV by any means, but it offers a balanced driving experience. It comes with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Sport mode provides a decent boost in responsiveness, but it’s more of a novelty than a necessity for this type of car. The electric motor puts out 154bhp, which is enough to provide smooth acceleration and effortless city driving, although it’s not particularly fast. With a 0-62 mph time of around 9 seconds, it’s ideal for everyday use but lacks the punch of sportier EVs.
The small battery pack (50kWh usable) is sufficient for most daily commutes, offering a real world range of around 150 miles in the summer. In the winter I’ve experienced closer to 125 miles due to the lower temperatures. While this range might not seem impressive compared to newer EVs, it has been more than enough us.
Comfort and Usability
One of the e-2008’s strengths is its comfort. The seats are comfortable, and the car’s suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps, making it a pleasant place to be during longer drives. The softer suspension setup makes country roads and pot holes a little more comfortable and forgiving.
The driving position might not be for everyone due to the small steering wheel and unique cockpit layout, so I’d recommend test driving it to see what you think before committing.
The interior space is practical with a good amount of space for passengers. The boot is 434 litres, stretching to 1,467 litres with the seats down, which has come in handy for trips to the local tip and picking up flatpack furniture from IKEA.
The car is also packed with tech features that make driving more convenient and enjoyable. Lane assist and cruise control work well for longer motorway journeys, and the reversing camera with a top down view makes parking so much easier, even in tighter spaces.
Reliability and Running Costs
After two years, we’ve had no issues with reliability. The car has required minimal servicing, which has been affordable, and we haven’t encountered any mechanical or software problems. We did have a recall notice which was done by Peugeot main dealer free of charge.
Value for Money
The Peugeot e-2008 offers great value for money compared to other similar electric SUVs. While it doesn’t have the best range, it strikes a good balance between cost, features, and usability. It’s a great option for those looking to switch to an electric vehicle without sacrificing too much in terms of practicality or cost.
Mobile App Experience
While the e-2008 has a lot of modern technology and features, the mobile app is a bit disappointing. It offers basic functionalities like remote charging management and pre-conditioning but the app can be slow and unresponsive at times. The app logs out of the account daily meaning every time we use it we have to sign back into the account. It lacks the smooth user experience found in some competitors’ apps, which could be improved for a more seamless integration with the car’s features.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the 2020 Peugeot e-2008 is a well rounded electric crossover that delivers on most fronts. It’s stylish, comfortable, and equipped with a many modern features that enhance everyday driving. While it’s not the most exciting EV on the market, its blend of practicality and affordability makes it an appealing choice for those looking to switch from ICE to EV.
If you’re considering the e-2008, make sure you’re comfortable with the driving position and range limitations. For us, it has been a fantastic addition and a reliable companion for daily commutes and weekend getaways alike.
