Buying guide for the new Peugeot 5008: hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric, keys to choosing well

With its 4.79-metre length and spacious interior, which features three rows of seats and seven seats as standard, the Peugeot 5008 can be considered the “family” version of the Peugeot 3008. The price difference for the same engine and trim is between 2,000 and 2,500 euros, depending on the version. Some of the alternatives to the 5008 I recommend considering if you are looking for a seven-seat SUV, or a family vehicle with plenty of interior space for passengers and a large boot, are the Renault Espace and, especially, the new Skoda Kodiaq, which I find unbeatable in terms of value for money.

One of the advantages of the 5008 is that it offers three different powertrain types: mild hybridisation, plug-in hybrid and a fully electric variant, the E-5008. The latter has no rival: the seven-seat electric SUVs on our market are much more expensive, such as the Tesla Model Y; or much larger and more expensive, such as the Kia EV 9, the Mercedes-Benz EQB or the Volvo EX90.

Overall, the 5008 stands out for how well all the engines perform, including the entry-level Hybrid version with just 136 CV; for a chassis that delivers a very comfortable ride with a certain agility; and, in the case of the electric versions, for a homologated range of up to 668 km with the largest-capacity battery.

The 5008 range: one mild hybrid, one plug-in hybrid and two electric versions

The entry-level version of the range is the 5008 Hybrid e-DCS6 with 136 CV, an engine that features 48-volt mild hybridisation and the ECO label from the DGT, which is being progressively introduced across many models in the Stellantis Group. We have already tested this engine in cars such as the Opel Corsa or the Jeep Avenger, but we had not driven it in a model as large as the 5008. I had my doubts, as on paper it is not much power for such a big car. But the truth is that, thanks to the hybridisation, the small 1.2 petrol engine, which is supported by a 29 CV electric motor that can even propel the vehicle on its own in situations such as manoeuvring or urban driving, has surprised me with how well it moves the car. These are the prices with current discounts, which for this version reach 2,500 euros:

• 5008 Hybrid Allure: 38,660 euros
• 5008 Hybrid GT: 43,160 euros

This engine is capable of taking the 5008 up to 200 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 11.3 seconds, and with good ability to regain speed when lifting off the accelerator or braking, at least with the car unloaded. Pending a more thorough test, I do not yet dare to recommend it wholeheartedly if you plan to use the 5008 to make the most of its enormous capacity for carrying passengers and luggage, a situation in which it might fall a little short. But I would not rule it out as the entry-level version, especially considering that its price is 7,000 euros lower than the 5008 PHEV.

The 5008 Plug In Hybrid e-DCT7 is the plug-in hybrid version -CERO label from the DGT-, and it has a 1.6 Turbo petrol engine, a 125 CV electric motor and a battery with a capacity of almost 18 kWh. It quotes a system output of 196 CV and an electric-mode range of 82 km. Its performance is clearly superior to that of the Hybrid version, with a top speed of 215 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.3 seconds. And it loses none of its boot capacity, which is very good and the same across all powertrain variants: around 750 litres with the third row of seats folded down. These are its prices:

• 5008 PHEV Allure: 45,660 euros
• 5008 PHEV GT: 50,660 euros

The step up from the Hybrid is considerable, but if you take advantage of the MOVES Plan, it is worth opting for the plug-in version. In this case, since the electric-mode range is below 90 km, you get up to 2,500 euros without scrapping a car, and 5,000 euros with scrapping. You get a CERO-label vehicle that will never leave you wanting more power, even when travelling with a full load, and that can run in hybrid mode if you have nowhere to recharge the battery daily, with moderate consumption. In addition, since the fuel tank holds 60 litres, it has good range. And as I always say in these cases: if it is not at home or at work, you will be able to plug it in at some point. The only drawback is that it only accepts AC charging at a maximum of 7.4 kW, so a full charge needs, at best, nearly three hours plugged in.

As for the E-5008, the electric version of the SUV, it is already offered in the entry-level version, with 210 CV and a 73 kWh battery that allows a homologated range of 502 km. The range will soon be expanded with the Long Range version, also with a single motor but with 230 CV, and with a battery of no less than 98 kWh that takes the range up to 668 km. Later there will also be a Dual Motor version with all-wheel drive and 320 CV of system power, paired with the “smaller” battery, which will also reach 500 km of range. The prices of the E-5008 already on sale are as follows, with promotional discount but without MOVES:

• E-5008 210 Allure: 47,660 euros
• E-5008 210 GT: 52,660 euros

This is 2,000 euros more than the PHEV, a difference that is “wiped out” if you take advantage of MOVES and have a car to scrap. And if you have a charging point at home, it is worth considering, because the E-5008 210 is wonderful to drive. You can run it perfectly in ECO mode, which limits power to 170 CV, with very low consumption, around 17 kWh/100 km. Enjoy its full pushing capacity in Sport mode. Or settle for the intermediate setting -power is limited here to 190 CV-, with the best balance between performance and efficiency. With this car you can comfortably plan long-distance journeys by scheduling stops, as it accepts fast charging at up to 160 kW. If you drive efficiently, runs of 350 km between charges, leaving a certain safety margin, will not be a problem.

Equipment of the Peugeot 5008: two versions, Allure and GT

Peugeot continues with its sensible decision to simplify the range and offer two versions to make things easier for customers. The good news is that from the Allure trim onwards the equipment is very complete, with a panoramic camera, 10-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry or the Peugeot i-Cockpit, with two 10-inch screens. The GT versions represent a considerable additional outlay of 5,000 euros. In return, you get the most advanced infotainment system with voice assistant, navigation and 21-inch screens, a wireless phone charger, an electric tailgate, 20-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting and matrix headlights.

An interesting alternative is to opt for the Allure trim and make use of the personalisation packs. In this case, I would go for the Panoramic Navigation pack, priced at 960 euros. Another option I would not give up regardless of the chosen trim is the 360 Vision & Drive Assist pack, which for around 1,500 euros adds adaptive cruise control, front and side obstacle detection, a 360-degree camera, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel and an alarm.

Other possible options are the panoramic roof, priced at around 1,450 euros; and on the E-5008, the heat pump, which costs 800 euros. On the plug-in hybrid, the 7.4 kW on-board charger must be paid for separately, at 250 euros.

Driving impressions of the Peugeot 5008

Like the 3008, the 5008 conveys a great sense of quality. At least the GT versions with the panoramic i-Cockpit, which is the one I had the chance to drive. I like the arrangement of the screens one after another, and the fluidity with which the system is operated. And here, since the screens are in a very high position, it is much easier for me to find a suitable driving position than in other Peugeot models, where I have to set the steering wheel very low so it does not block the instrumentation. For me, it is one of the best Peugeot cars with i-Cockpit I have driven. However, I think the large centre console encroaches heavily on the driver’s space; I would particularly like more freedom in the leg area.

I also like the idea of the i-Toggles, configurable shortcuts of generous size grouped on a touchscreen below the central air vent, very close to the driver’s hand. You can choose up to 10 different functions, ranging from a specific address in the navigation to climate settings for the driver’s or passenger’s side, or a radio station. It greatly simplifies operation and avoids having to navigate the multimedia screen menus to control the most common systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDl7YeYRU2g

As for interior space, the rear seats are excellent and have the advantage of a sliding bench. Moreover, to access the third row, not only does the seatback fold, but the whole bench also tilts slightly forward. In these seats the cushions are a good size and there is no lack of width or height, but the problem is the same as always with this type of car if adults have to travel in them: the floor is too close to the bench, forcing a very cramped position. Better to leave them for children.

Once on the move, I would highlight the good acoustic insulation and the sense of comfort in the cabin. The suspension absorbs potholes very well, without the 5008 feeling clumsy when changing direction or moving the steering wheel. Without doubt, a car for travelling as a family, although you will need to choose the engine carefully according to how you plan to use it. The 5008 Hybrid moves with more ease than you would expect from its power, but if I were you I would not hesitate much if you are going to travel with a heavy load or frequently use two-way roads, and I would make the jump to the plug-in hybrid. The E-5008 seems to me the best in the range in any of its three versions, and a perfect excuse to move over once and for all to electric mobility.

Peugeot 5008 – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverPeugeot 50088 versions · from 42,050 €