Peugeot has aimed to give its electric SUV range a sportier twist with the new Dual Motor powertrain. We’ve previously tested this with the medium-sized E-3008; now we’re sampling it with the larger, seven-seater E-5008.
Performance and drive
The powertrain features a 112hp rear motor, which augments the 213hp front motor seen with the entry-level model in the range, with the end result a combined 325hp, and all-wheel drive. A 73kWh battery allows a 290-mile range between charges on the official WLTP cycle – the larger 96.9kWh Long Range battery is not available with Dual Motor cars.
Despite being fitted to a larger car than we tried it with previously, in the E-5008 the Dual Motor powertrain still offers plenty of shove (it helps that the E-5008 is less than 70kg heavier than the E-3008). Some electric motor whine is present, but not so much that it should be noticeable with the stereo on.
Unfortunately, as well as sharing the E-3008’s powertrain, the E-5008 Dual Motor also shares its smaller sibling’s main dynamic drawback –brakes severely lacking in feel which rob the driver of any confidence to start exploiting the extra power (our test car’s brake pedal also clicked disconcertingly at the top of its travel). It’s a shame, because aside from this it drives very well for a large electric SUV, with Peugeot’s engineers having stiffened the suspension and quickened the steering for Dual Motor cars. There’s plenty of traction, it’s easy to accurately place on the road, and it changes direction pretty well. Despite the extra stiffness, ride comfort is decent too, with the harsh edges taken off bumps.
Interior and practicality
The Dual Motor powertrain has gone on sale available only with the Launch Edition equipment grade option. In terms of interior trim this brings some interesting fabrics and soft-touch materials, and some aesthetically appealing angular design elements. Extra equipment with this spec includes massaging front and heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera system, and a heat pump.
One of the main selling points for the E-5008 generally is that it offers seven seats. Although we’d expect this to be of most interest to families with lots of children, the second row of seats can be moved forward slightly to create space for adults in the third row. We still wouldn’t want to travel a long distance in the rear-most seats, due to the high boot floor requiring a high-kneed sitting posture, but it does mean seven adults can be accommodated for short trips.
The boot (201 litres with the third-row seats up, 690 litres with them down – less than with other E-5008s because of the rear motor) has quite a high lip, but does feature underfloor cable storage which is still accessible even with the interior in seven-seat mode.
When we previously reviewed the E-3008 Dual Motor, UK pricing had yet to be announced. However, sale details for the E-5008 Dual Motor are now confirmed, with a P11D value of £58,925 bringing in at £4,000 more than the next-cheapest E-5008, which also benefits from the Long Range battery. Given the braking issues make it tough to enjoy the Dual Motor’s extra performance, a more modest powertrain seems a more sensible choice – although the extra equipment with Launch Edition spec may hold some appeal, and the E-5008 also benefits generally from a shortage of seven-seat electric alternatives in this segment, save for the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
Positive: Handles well, attractive and well-equipped interior
Negative: Brakes lack feel, range and boot size reduced
Standard equipment on Launch Edition: Pixel LED headlights, 20in alloy wheels, 21in combined screen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, three-zone climate control, massaging front seats, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic split opening sunroof, hands-free tailgate, long-range blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, semi-automatic lane change, 360-degree camera system, heat pump.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 136hp 1.2; Plug-in hybrid: 195hp 1.2; Electric: 213hp, 231hp, 325hp
Equipment grades: Allure, GT, Launch Edition
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic, single-speed automatic
| Model | Peugeot E-5008 Dual Motor Launch Edition |
| P11D | £58,925 |
| Residual value | 47.6% |
| Depreciation | £30,882 |
| Fuel | £3,205 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,504 |
| Cost per mile | 62.65p |
| Range | 290 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £29/£59 |
| Luggage capacity | 201 litres |
| Battery size/power | 73kWh/325hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
