The Electric Lion That Sprints 700 Kilometers: Peugeot 3008
Peugeot introduced the distinctive crossover 3008 for the first time in 2007, and with its second generation released in 2016, it departed from its peculiar design, becoming one of the most handsome cars of its time. The second-generation 3008, featuring the i-Cockpit, not only garnered significant attention but also entered the ranks of the best-selling C-SUVs with 1.3 million units sold. Carrying Peugeot’s French DNA, the 3008 was an excellent vehicle, except for a few eccentric French traits. The 2020 facelift of the 3008 started to reveal the age of the EMP2 platform. The New 3008 (or E-3008), set to be released in 2024, is the first car introduced on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform. Let’s take a closer look at the much-improved 3008 with its handsome design and enhancements.
The 3008 is the second new car introduced by Peugeot with its new logo. The Peugeot 408, introduced last year, was released with the older EMP2 platform. In the case of the 3008, a more up-to-date STLA Medium platform is employed. While the second-generation 3008 featured a semi-independent rear suspension system, the switch to the STLA Medium platform introduces a fully independent rear suspension system, improving road handling and comfort. The platform change also brings a 6 cm increase in wheelbase and a total length increase of 10 cm. The vehicle’s width has increased by 5 cm. The chrome elements used in the car’s design, deemed environmentally unfriendly, have been removed, and decorative ventilation channels have been reduced.
The 3008 presents a stylish front with a large Peugeot logo and multi-colored grille design elements. The front model inscription is now placed above the black strip that connects the LED matrix headlights. The slim headlights feature three-part lion claw details for daytime running lights. The black-framed grille and vertically positioned air vents under the front bumper give the car a more aggressive look. The new 3008, with a more angular design, successfully combines its straight lines with aggressive details. Details such as glossy black fender protectors, lower door sills, 2-spoke aerodynamic wheels, and a coupe-shaped roofline enhance the sporty appearance.
The 3008 has adopted a much more modern design with a roofline that slopes downward toward the rear, a massive panoramic sunroof, rear fenders that protrude above the butterfly rear window, and a sharp “ducktail” spoiler placed above the lion-claw-detailed LED taillights. The distinctive feature is the cat ear spoiler on the roof with a hollow center. Thanks to the spoiler with a gap in the middle, the 3008, despite its slanted rear window, does not require a wiper. Along with aerodynamic improvements, the car has reduced its coefficient of friction to 0.28. While a bit high for an electric car, it’s not bad. The third brake light and the Peugeot lettering on the black strip connecting the taillights look very pleasing, and the straight descending trunk line adds strength to the aggressive design. The gray strip on the glossy black rear bumper adds depth to the design.
I liked the new-generation panoramic i-Cockpit, but they could have implemented a system that uses Head-up Display for a more enhanced experience with this design. Perhaps we could see that kind of innovation in DS or Opel, who knows? While the renewed steering wheel now looks more elegant, having the controls touch-sensitive is a downside. The integrated structure of the digital instrument panel and touchscreen, positioned as if floating in the air, is an innovative design. The ambient lighting covering an entire zone rather than appearing as a strip is also a beautiful detail. Placing the air vents under a single strip, along with the piano black details positioned under the same strip and the i-Toggle touch shortcuts, all look very stylish, despite the potentially distracting nature of touch controls. Peugeot has added a touch of grey fabric to its unique design by placing shortcut buttons in a boomerang shape in the void opened in the center console, thanks to the upwardly positioned gear selector.
A beautiful design is pleasant, but functionality should always take precedence in a vehicle. The 3008, equipped with features like online updates, route planner, smart charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities allowing you to charge other electric devices from the car, will maintain the same cargo capacity as the previous model, offering 520 liters. AGR-approved seats that envelop the driver with adjustable lateral support, along with heating, cooling, and massage functions, enhance comfort. The 3008 also prioritizes interior air quality with a monitoring system, and the Focal Hi-Fi sound system promises a superior music experience. Optionally, you can choose acoustic-insulated front windows. With a class-leading turning radius of 10.6 meters and features like a 360-degree camera and proximity sensors, the 3008 makes urban driving and parking significantly easier. The model sets the stage for Level 2 autonomous driving with an improved adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance system. The long-range blind-spot warning system and one-touch adaptation to changes in speed limits are additional conveniences. The E-3008 supports DC charging up to 160 kW and AC charging up to 22 kW.
E-3008, offered with the aforementioned motor options, will also be available in some countries like Turkey with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices. The model, set to be released in February 2024, will come in two trim levels: Allure and GT. The E-3008 allows you to control regenerative braking through paddles behind the steering wheel, features voice commands, and enables remote control of various vehicle functions through your phone. What are your thoughts on the new Peugeot 3008?