Peugeot e-5008 verdict
Should you buy one?
Only if you can get a screaming deal on one. At the time of writing this review, we had some E-5008 leasing deals for around £250 per month, which makes it a much more affordable option than the Mercedes EQB, Kia EV9, Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB, all of which cost more than £550 a month. In fact, as far as leasing is concerned, the E-5008 is currently the cheapest way of getting seven seats and an electric powertrain.
But cheap doesn’t always mean good. The E-5008 has flawed ergonomics, compromised dynamics and an unsettled ride. You get what you pay for – and if you’re happy to live with those flaws, this Peugeot makes for quite the bargain.
Though the Kia EV9 or Volkswagen ID. Buzz are far more complete packages, whether you buy them outright, lease or finance them, they are much more expensive, and whether you think they’re worth it will depend on your budget and if you really need something that can carry with seven adults.
But the e-5008 doesn’t compare as well to traditional rivals. Stick with combustion power and you’ve got a gaggle of incredibly talented (and exceptionally well-developed) seven-seat SUVs that includes the excellent Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq, both of which cost about the same amount of money as the E-5008 to buy with cash. Or, if you’re shopping on a tight budget, there’s always the dirt-cheap Dacia Jogger.
What we like
The E-5008 has a big boot, an interesting design language and good build quality. We also like Peugeot’s i-Toggle shortcut panel, and the leasing deals are currently exceptional. The rearmost seats are also easy to get into thanks to the wide rear doors.
What we don’t like
Its interior ergonomics aren’t great, it’s heavy, its suspension can’t control that weight, its infotainment system is too complicated and the standard model isn’t particularly fast – though the Dual Motor adds too much extra expense.
There are better options out there. The E-5008 is trading on its price, but you can get a more well-rounded car for the same money if you just stick with petrol power. Electric cars are improving all the time, too – and, if the new Fiat Grande Panda is anything to go by, cheap EVs are about to get a whole lot better. If you can only afford to shop in the E-5008’s price bracket (and you’re not desperate for a new car), it might be worth holding out a little longer.
