Peugeot 5008

When it comes to beauty, there is no doubt. Peugeot has developed a new style and is applying it to all models with great success. This style is a mix of flowing lines and sharp creases to create a harmonious yet modern whole. What makes Peugeot's style unique are its many refined details. The grille with its flared pattern is the finest example.

iCockpit 2.0

The cabin is at least as good looking with woven fabric instead of plastic on a background with a delicate pattern of many illuminated elements. This is especially pleasing to the eye in the dark (colour is adjustable). 23% of the 5008's weight is made up of recycled materials.

In addition to external displays, the 5008 also offers innovation in the form of the "iCockpit". At Peugeot, this has for many years represented a cabin with a small steering wheel where the driver sits more around than behind for maximum control of the car. Because the steering wheel is so small, the clocks are on the steering column so they fit in the driver's field of vision and are therefore easier to read.

The 5008 is the second Peugeot to feature a new version of the iCockpit. From now on, the steering column features a display that extends from behind the steering wheel to halfway up the dashboard. According to Peugeot, this has the advantage of making more information easier to read. During the test, however, this was felt to be unsettling because too much information is displayed. Fortunately, the layout of the display is highly customisable (so not just a choice of fixed layouts).

On the centre console is a wide and slim screen with self-selectable buttons to quickly recall or set functions; the so-called "iToggles". Compared to the previous generation iToggles, this new version offers larger symbols and has room for 10 virtual buttons instead of five. It takes some study to arrange the all the buttons and screens yourself, but the customised controls afterwards are well worth that effort.

The infotainment system and many safety features all work properly, but are no better or worse than average. One new feature deserves special mention: during manoeuvring, images from cameras around appear. If the image from a side-only camera is selected, the wheels are visible, which can prevent rim damage on kerbs.

Space

The iCockpit provides a unique seating position and thus a completely different experience than in other SUVs. In addition, the 5008 is one of the few cars of its kind with seven (!) seats. The rear seat is on rails and can be moved over 15 cm. With the back seats in the rear position, legroom in the rear is excellent. However, legroom in the third row of seats is then nil. it is possible to find a balance between legroom in the second and third rows of seats and then seven (not too large) adults will fit in the 5008. Thanks in part to the good footroom on the third row of seats (often forgotten!), the 5008 is slightly roomier than other seven-seaters of this size.

Even when the third row of seats is in use, luggage space remains for two trolleys. Very clever: under the third row of seats is space (80 litres) for charging cables, among other things. Tip: order the optional drawer to store and retrieve them more easily.

Electric car

The 5008 is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric car. As Peugeot expects most from the electric "E-5008", it has been put into production first. Depending on the version chosen, the E-5008 has a battery with standard (73 kWh) or extra capacity (96 kWh), two- or four-wheel drive. For this test, the base version was driven: the "Standard Range, Single Motor".

In standard and economy mode, the E-5008 is restrained and its character is overtly tuned to passenger comfort. Only in sport mode does the E-5008 show a little more power, but even then the electronics seem to protect the driver from himself. Even when the throttle is depressed deeply, the power builds disappointingly calmly. Only by holding the pedal down resolutely on the floor does the full 213bhp of power finally release. However, then it is still noticeable that the engine has to work hard to get the hefty weight moving.

Using levers behind the steering wheel, one can control how much energy is recovered and how much the E-5008 brakes when releasing the throttle. Again, the electronics provide some delay, which is comfortable for passengers and disappointing for sporty drivers. In town and under favourable weather conditions, mileage was 14 kWh per 100 km. On a route of over 300 km with city traffic and highways, the average mileage was 16.5 kWh per 100 km, which is good for a car like this. It resulted in an actual range of 502 km.

Driving characteristics

As befits an electric car, and a top-of-the-range model, the E-5008 is very quiet. Strong winds can sometimes be felt in the steering wheel, but still not audible. Only on bad road surfaces are the tyres clearly audible.

In terms of roadholding, weight distribution or suspension comfort, the E-5008 is a very average car. Like most other electric cars, its high weight and low centre of gravity make it stable and stately. What makes the 5008 special is again the iCockpit. Thanks to the small steering wheel, a small flick of the wrist is enough to steer a turn. In standard modes, this makes the car more agile; in sport mode, it makes the e-5008 more dynamic.

Conclusion

The 5008 is naturally Peugeot's top model because of its size and price. But does the large SUV deserve that title thanks to its qualities? Yes, definitely. As befits a top model, new technologies are presented for the first time on the 5008. The most important of these is the new version of the iCockpit (after the 3008). It shows more information in the driver's field of vision and the display can be extensively customised. Here the thoughtful ergonomics stand out, which will gradually find its way into the other models.

Compared to the competition, the 5008 has a unique character. The design is distinctive and that appearance does not come at the expense of usability. On the contrary, the 5008 is a seven-seater and also slightly roomier than other seven-seaters of this size. The 5008 is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric car. Peugeot makes good use of the possibilities offered by electric driving (quiet, fast, efficient, power pedal braking). Handling is average, but the iCockpit still provides a different experience.

In short: beautiful, thoughtful and original. Those are the requirements for the title "top model"!