We’ve had the 2020 Peugeot e-2008 for two years now, and it has been a great addition to our household. We sold 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 noticeable boost in responsiveness, but it’s more of a novelty than a necessity for this type of car. The electric motor delivers 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 well suited 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 about 150 miles in the summer and closer to 125 miles during the colder months. While this range might not seem impressive compared to newer EVs, it has been more than enough for our needs.
Comfort and Usability
One of the e-2008’s strengths is its comfort. The seats are supportive, and the car’s suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps, making it a pleasant place to be during longer drives. 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 ensure it suits your preferences.
The interior space is practical for a family car, with a good amount of room for passengers and a 434-litre boot which is pretty good for a compact SUV. 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 electric SUVs in its class. While it doesn’t have the longest range or the fastest acceleration, 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 expense.
Mobile App Experience
While the e-2008 packs a lot of technology, the mobile app is a bit disappointing. Although it offers basic functionalities like remote charging management and pre-conditioning, 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 vehicle’s features.
Final Thoughts
The 2020 Peugeot e-2008 is a well rounded electric crossover that delivers on most fronts. It’s stylish, comfortable, and equipped with a host of 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 embrace electric driving.
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.
