New Peugeot 3008: first VIDEO contact with the unexpected devourer of Tesla

Until a few years ago, multi-energy vehicles supposedly capable of running both thermally and 100% electric, including hybridization, on a single, supposedly versatile technical basis, were cheap. This particularly economical solution was nevertheless chosen by groups like BMW and Stellantis when, for their part, Renault, Volkswagen and even Hyundai/Kia opted for expensive bases exclusively dedicated to electricity, for the sake of technological optimization. That is a double penalty for the latter responsible for maintaining, in parallel, the development of their thermal platforms. When it comes time to take stock, who will emerge as the winner from these diametrically opposed strategies? Difficult to draw conclusions at the moment. But at a time when the political headlong rush towards all-electric technology is being called into question, with a probable reprieve granted to thermal engines beyond 2035, wisdom would rather direct manufacturers towards versatile platforms.

A platform at its best

And the new Peugeot 3008, third of the name, seems to perfectly embody Stellantis’ strategy, as its new base confidently juggles between thermal and electric propulsion. On paper, the compact SUV impresses with the characteristics of its 100% electric variants, although they are based on an extrapolation of the old technical base EMP2, which became STLA Medium via a major redesign. 700 km (in the process of approval), this is the incredible measurement put forward by the E-3008 which allows it to rank second in the range of electric cars sold on the French market, tied with the Volkswagen ID .7 and just behind the Mercedes EQS in its most efficient version (783 km). It must be said that Stellantis engineers did not skimp on kWh to propel the electric 3008 onto this podium, its largest battery claiming no less than 98. This is all the more remarkable knowing that the machine displays a high SUV profile, not conducive to aerodynamic performance, when the sharpest of the long-distance models which complete this ranking (652 km for the Tesla Model S, 639 km for the Mercedes EQE, 625 km for the BMW i7) favor a streamlined sedan silhouette.

More bulky, but not more habitable

Therefore, to achieve its goals, we imagine that this new 3008 has still reduced its total height, compared to the previous model. But this is not the case, the machine paradoxically rising by two centimeters (1.64 m) despite the absence of roof bars dictated by its coupe line. Characterized by a more pronounced drop in the roof, it probably constitutes the key element of its low resistance to penetration into the air (Cx 0.28) to improve its autonomy. However, this 2024 vintage of the 3008 definitely increases its frontal surface area by widening by 5 cm to equal the rating of the Mercedes GLC (1.89 m), categorized a notch above. Let’s hope that the elbow width will benefit from this unusual growth crisis in this segment. The Sochalien definitely stands out with his extraordinary measurements, with the exception of the length which stands at 4.54 m. Nine centimeters better than before, it is true, but let us not forget that his ancestor was among the most compact of his rank. By growing in this way, it aligns with the high average, but disappoints with its unchanged trunk volume (520 l) when the Austral (mild-hybrid) varies this capacity from 500 to 575 l via a sliding bench including Unfortunately, the Lion model is deprived. Peugeot, however, guarantees a similar capacity whatever the type of engine chosen, when the Austral sees its volume drop to 430 l by opting for the bulky full-hybrid block. However, the new 3008 will no longer be able to fully fulfill its mission as a mover for those wishing to fill their trunk up to the roof, the pronounced inclination of the window logically encumbering the volume above the rear shelf, compared to the more classic architecture of the old model and the majority of its competitors.

A well-designed coupe SUV

On this subject, what will happen to accessibility to the rear seats? Will passengers have to bend excessively to slip into the passenger compartment? A priori no, the designers were particularly careful to initiate the drop of the roof behind the passengers, when this generally takes place from the midpoint of the roof on “real” SUV coupes such as Renault Arkana, Rafale or BMW X6, in a more premium register. A nice sleight of hand from the Lion to energize the general appearance of the 3008 while maintaining more than decent headroom. This observation will quickly reassure family customers who have until now been committed to the cause of the 3008, but are potentially doubtful about the disruptive architecture of its replacement.

Greater autonomy than any Tesla

It would still be necessary for these barges to be able to afford this new Lionceau which, for its electric variants, will certainly demand tidy sums in view of the generous on-board battery capacities which support up to 160 kW of power to recover by 20% to 80% autonomy in approximately 30 minutes. The version called Great Autonomy – thank you Tesla – required to reach up to 700 km raises its level to 98 kWh to power a 230 hp electromotor delivering 343 Nm. A torque value similar to the 210 hp entry-level unit mu by a 73 kWh “battery” allowing a journey of 525 km. This level of autonomy also applies to the Dual Motor version – thanks again Tesla – which, as its name suggests, splits its engine for the needs of all-wheel drive accumulating 320 hp (210 hp on the front wheels and 111 hp in back). Here again, the 73 kWh battery is responsible for moving all these beautiful people and is already raising fears of prohibitive prices, incompatible with any ecological bonus, a brave Peugeot e-308 already asking €46,200 despite its modest technical sheet (battery of 54 kWh and 156 hp engine).

Multiple hybridized

However, the 3008 will have no other choice than to come back down to earth, price-wise, to hope to cast a net as wide as its predecessor, despite its premium ambitions. To this end, it will take advantage of a mild hybridization (48V) of 136 hp recently introduced on the old model (from €38,870) and which, we hope, will keep the entry level below the €40,000 mark. , if Peugeot knows how to keep reason. On the other hand, total vagueness remains regarding the characteristics of the plug-in hybrid versions which will be revealed later. A PHEV range which should however be rationalized compared to the old one which declined up to three power levels (180, 225 and 300 hp). Finally, fans of diesel will be at their expense, the new 3008 definitively abandoning this mode of propulsion.

A beautiful i-Cockpit, but not necessarily ergonomic

Conversely, if there is one area to which it will remain faithful, it is its i-Cockpit driving position, now panoramic in view of the floating and curved 21” diagonal screen which characterizes it in the GT version, the most upscale . It is up to him to group together the information previously split into two screens, including a touch screen. Inferior finishes will be less well off since they use two 10” digital tiles, however juxtaposed within the same support to create an illusion. Access to the main functions will be facilitated by the i-Toogles shortcut controls located as close as possible to the passengers, as inaugurated by the 308 in 2021. Fully configurable, these digital keys group together up to 10 user-favorite functions. Finally, what would a Peugeot interior be without its compact steering wheel? That of the new 3008 has been the subject of a new design in order to improve ergonomics by opting in particular for keys which automatically detect the driver’s fingers but are only triggered when pressed, to avoid any false maneuver. Reducing the driver’s mental load is precisely the credo of this new SUV which raises its level of autonomous driving through a semi-automatic lane change system activated by the indicator and validation of the “OK” button on the steering wheel.

Waiting for the future 5008

All these new amenities and equipment will soon benefit the 3008’s big brother, the new 5008 accepting up to seven passengers, although potentially available in 5 seats according to rumors, for the first time. A happiness that never comes alone, it will finally benefit from rechargeable hybrid and even 100% electric variants. Peugeot will meet us at the beginning of 2024 to find out, at the time when its little brother will begin its commercial career from €40,000, in a 48V hybrid, according to our estimate.