Peugeot e-3008 Dual Motor

Peugeot refers to it as an "SUV Fastback" because it is not an angular SUV. The 3008 stands out from the competition with a relatively low roofline and refined details. This is not an unyielding off-roader, but rather a tall estate car with an adventurous touch. Ground clearance and space in the wheel arches is greater than in a conventional passenger car, but less than in a pure off-road vehicle.

The refinement comes from the grille with elements fanning out from the Peugeot logo. The headlights have a vicious look with wide-beam headlamps underneath in the shape of claws, hinting at the lion in Peugeot's logo. Within the constraints of an SUV, Peugeot has therefore managed to make the 3008 a truly elegant appearance.

Space and equipment

In the interior, that sophistication is also reflected, starting with a pattern fanning out from the doors across the dashboard. Backlighting makes for a fascinating whole in the process. What makes the 3008 truly special is the "iCockpit". The 3008 has a small steering wheel, which allowed the clocks to be placed above the steering wheel. In a conventional set-up, the view of the tachometer and speedometer would be obstructed by the edge of the steering wheel, but now they are right in the driver's field of vision. This set-up eliminates the need for a costly head-up display and is almost as effective.

An additional benefit of the iCockpit is that it almost forces the driver into an active sitting position and therefore gives better control of the car. However, those used to laying lazy behind the wheel will have to get used to the seating position in a modern Peugeot. Despite the unusual layout, the interior space has been put to good use and therefore space is decent.

With this modern interior comes digitalisation. For instance, there are three displays: one behind the steering wheel (displaying the aforementioned speedometer and rev counter), one centrally on the dashboard and one above the centre console. Smart use has always been made of the possibilities offered by displays, as the driver can choose from various layouts. The small display on the centre console shows shortcuts, allowing frequently used functions to be called up in a single operation.

The functionality of the audio, communication and navigation system is good, but not above average. What is above average is the Focal audio system in the more expensive versions. It produces a detail-rich and sound that does not tire easily. However, it is all so subtle and restrained that it is hardly tempted to throw a party. The safety features required by the European Union are not too tightly tuned and do not produce overly intrusive sounds. Moreover, they are easy to switch off.

Electric car

One of the secrets to the 3008's success is the availability of many engines. In the UK, the 3008 is available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric drive. The latter variant is the most sought-after, which is why a new electric version is now available. Previously, the e-3008 only drove the front wheels. The so-called "Dual Motor" has a second electric motor driving the rear wheels. This gives the"e-3008 Dual Motor" four-wheel drive and much more power. Together, the two electric motors produce 329 hp / 509 Nm.

To ensure that the extra motor can actually be utilised, Peugeot has adjusted the available driving modes. In eco mode, only the front wheels are driven and the air conditioning is turned down a notch to preserve energy. In standard mode, the emphasis is still on front-wheel drive, but as soon as slightly more power is requested, the rear wheels jump in almost immediately. This can come in handy off-road and on the motorway when overtaking. In sport mode, both engines are always engaged and this is very noticeable. The response to the accelerator is more direct and at intermediate sprints the e-3008 is much more decisive.

Peugeot (and other brands of its parent company Stellantis) are generally very cautious when it comes to the throttle response of electric cars. The manufacturer fears that customers will take too long to get used to and/or underestimate the power of an electric car. With the arrival of the Dual Motor, the e-3008 behaves more like an average electric car with lightning-fast and vicious acceleration. Since both motors are also used to recover energy, the e-3008 Dual Motor also decellerates more strongly when releasing the accelerator. Also with that, the character is now closer to that of other electric cars. As far as Autozine is concerned, this is a good development, as Stellantis patronises electric drivers in many cases.

Highway behaviour

There is also a difference in handling between the standard e-3008 and the Dual Motor. It is noticeable that the car is not only pulled, but henceforth pushed forward. This creates a different balance in the vehicle. Moreover, the computer coordinates both motors perfectly, allowing, for instance, safe and dead straight acceleration. For the photo shoot, the car was driven in light terrain and the e-3008 now feels at home there too. For the Dual Motor, the suspension has been tuned slightly stiffer, so that there is better communication between the mechanics and the driver. This makes sense not only on public roads, but again off-road.

However, it is ultimately the iCockpit that defines the 3008's character. Thanks to the small steering wheel, a modest movement is enough to make a substantial turn. This direct steering makes for a dynamic character. In addition, the active seating position provides better control of the car for added safety.

Conclusion

Is the Peugeot e-3008 a better off-road vehicle with the introduction of the Dual Motor version? Yes, but four-wheel drive offers many more advantages that than. The e-3008 is all about driving pleasure. That is thanks to the unique iCockpit with its active seating position and direct steering. The electric drive already provided good performance and plenty of comfort. Thanks to the second electric motor, performance is now even better. Moreover, the clever interplay between the two motors improves the car's balance, making the e-3008 Dual Motor experienced as a completely different car.