Peugeot e-2008 Review

In Malaysia's B-segment SUV market, the options for pure electric vehicles are gradually increasing. Users not only focus on the practicality of the range but also care about whether the configurations meet daily needs. As a new option in this segment, the 2023 Peugeot e-2008 features a 138PS power output, an official range of 403km, and standard L2-level assisted driving configurations across the lineup as its core selling points. Many family users are curious whether it can balance city commuting and weekend outings. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its space practicality, dynamic driving quality, and real-world range performance to see if it justifies its RM273,600 price tag.

From the exterior, the e-2008 continues Peugeot's family-style design, with an overall look that leans towards a refined sporty style. The front features a large-sized blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlamps on both sides. The daytime running lights are shaped like lion claws, providing a high level of recognition. The side profile of the car is sleek, with a waistline running from the front to the rear. Paired with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, it delivers a sense of stability without losing vitality. At the rear, the blacked-out taillights also adopt a lion-claw design, echoing the front headlamps. A silver skid plate at the lower part of the rear bumper enhances the SUV's off-road feel. For the lighting system, LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lamps are all standard. The automatic headlamp feature can quickly turn on in tunnels or dim environments, showcasing good practicality.

Opening the door, the interior adopts a wraparound cockpit design, with the overall tone mainly in black, complemented by silver trim, providing a premium feel. The dashboard layout is simple, with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center. It operates smoothly and supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument cluster features a full LCD digital display, showing information such as range, speed, and driving modes. Meanwhile, the HUD (Heads-Up Display) system can project key data onto the windshield, reducing the need to divert attention while driving. Regarding materials, the upper dashboard and the inner panels of the doors are wrapped with soft-touch materials, offering a comfortable tactile experience. In terms of configurations, the front seats support electric adjustment, and the heating function is practical during rainy or cool weather. Rear air vents and a 220V/230V power outlet are also standard, fulfilling the charging needs of rear passengers.

The space performance meets the positioning of a B-segment SUV, with dimensions of 4300mm in length, 1987mm in width, and 1550mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2605mm. The front row offers ample seating space, leaving about a fist of headroom for a 175cm-tall passenger after seat adjustments. In the rear, the legroom is about two fists, and the headroom is one fist. The slight floor hump in the center ensures that seating three people in the rear doesn't feel overly crowded. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 434L, able to hold two 28-inch suitcases and one carry-on luggage without issue. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding arrangement, enabling greater storage space when folded down, suitable for larger items like baby strollers or camping gear. As for storage, the door pockets, central armrest console, and front cup holders all provide practical space for storing everyday small items.

In terms of performance, it is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 138PS and a peak torque of 260N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission. The initial acceleration is responsive, and a light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back feeling. It is agile when overtaking or changing lanes during city commutes. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is smoother, making it suitable for daily commuting; Sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity and delivers stronger acceleration, suitable for highways. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is approximately 9.9 seconds, and during actual testing, it took 10.2 seconds to reach 100km/h in Sport mode, which is close to the official data.

The handling performance is commendable, with precise steering and minimal play. The steering feel is light at low speeds and becomes steady at high speeds, enhancing driving confidence. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out bumps, and vibrations inside the cabin are not significant. While cornering, the vehicle's body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and the stability of the chassis is quite good. The brake pedal feel is linear, the braking distance is short, and there is good confidence in braking during daily driving.

In terms of range, the battery capacity is 50kWh, with an official pure electric range of 403km. We conducted a comprehensive road condition test, with 60% city roads and 40% highways, air conditioning set at 24℃, and standard driving mode. After driving 280km, the dashboard showed a remaining range of 110km, achieving a range completion rate of approximately 97.5%, which performs excellently. On highways at a cruising speed of 110km/h, the battery drains slightly faster, but it's still sufficient for intercity travel needs. Regarding charging time, it takes about 7.5 hours in fast-charging mode to charge from 30% to 80%, while slow charging takes roughly 11 hours. It is recommended that household users install home charging stations for convenient daily recharging.

The details of driving comfort are well-executed, with good interior noise insulation. At speeds below 60km/h, external noise is almost inaudible. At higher speeds, wind and tire noise slightly increase but do not affect normal conversation. The seats offer good support and are soft, ensuring that even long drives remain fatigue-free. The regenerative braking system has three adjustable levels. At the highest level, releasing the accelerator pedal results in noticeable drag, effectively improving range. At the lowest level, the driving experience is close to that of fuel-powered vehicles, catering to diverse driving preferences.

Overall, the core strength of the 2023 Peugeot e-2008 lies in its balanced performance: high range completion rate, meeting daily commuting and short-distance travel needs; rich features such as L2-level assisted driving, electric seats, HUD, and more for enhanced convenience; and practical space for family use. Compared to rivals in the same class like the Hyundai Kona Electric (official range 484km, starting price RM156,538), the e-2008 offers better configuration and interior quality but is slightly higher in price. Against the Volkswagen ID.3 (official range 420km, starting price RM175,800), the SUV design of the e-2008 is better suited for family needs.

This car is ideal for family users who prioritize features and comfort, especially those with a daily commute within 50km and occasional weekend family outings. Its stable range performance, practical features, and spacious interior can easily accommodate a family of five. If you're looking for a well-balanced and refined pure electric SUV, the e-2008 is worth considering.

In summary, the 2023 Peugeot e-2008 is a pure electric B-segment SUV that balances practicality and comfort, with adequate power, stable range, and abundant features. It is suitable for family users pursuing a quality lifestyle. Although its price isn’t the lowest in its class, its comprehensive performance justifies its pricing, making it a noteworthy option in the pure electric SUV market.