ANOTHER week and I’m attending another launch of another new SUV.
This time it was the turn of the Peugeot 5008, an updated version of the popular seven-seater SUV that’s now bigger, better and loaded with tech.
Again, the launch started from Gowan Auto in Dublin and we headed north to Newry this time, staying in the stunning surrounding of Killeavy Castle Estate.
As mentioned earlier, the new 5008 has grown in size and is now 2,900mm in length — 161mm longer than before so more space inside for all seven occupants.
The second row of seats is now adjustable, sliding back and forth 150mm, and they can be reclined as well, while Peugeot have made it easier to access the two seats in the back.
With the third row in use, the 5008’s boot is still a decent 348 litres.
Drop them down for a substantial 916 litres, and fold the second row and you have a van-like 2,232 litres of load-lugging room at your disposal.
Customers can choose between a hybrid powertrain or a fully-electric version and both have the same starting price of €50,995.
The hybrid is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and a self-charging 48V hybrid system with a combined output of 136bhp.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox and in urban conditions the hybrid can run on electric power 50 per cent of the time and has a 40mpg fuel consumption.
During the launch it was the fully-electric E-5008 that I put to the test, and not only can you have it large with the ample room and seating for seven.
You can also have it large thanks to its range as the new E-5008 can cover up to 502km on a single charge.
Key Facts:
Peugeot E-5008
Cost: From €50,995 (From £48,650 in the UK)
Engine: 157kW electric motors, front-wheel drive
Power: 210bhp
Torque: 345Nm
Battery: 73kWh lithium-ion
0-100kph: 9.7 seconds
Top Speed: 170kph (106mph)
Range: Up to 502km (312mile)
Rivals: Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, Opel Frontera, Mercedes-Benz GLB
It’s powered by a 73kWh battery and its 157kW electric motor produces 210hp and 345Nm of instant torque so it’s good for 0-100kph in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 170kph.
The E-5008 is heavy, thanks to its big battery and seven seats, so it tips the scales at 2,218kg and that’s before you load it with passengers or any luggage.
It does a good job of trying to hide its girth, but push it too hard and its lardy make-up will be all too apparent.
So leave the spirited driving for something more sporty like a Peugeot 508 PSE.
But in normal driving conditions it’s very comfortable and, being an EV, it’s smooth and quiet with decent grip for a FWD SUV.
Thanks to 160kW DC fast charging the E-5008 can go from 20-80 per cent in just 30 minutes and using a 7kW wallbox will take around eight hours for full charge.
And a new long-range 98kWh battery model with a range up to 668km will join the line-up later this year.
Although your driving style and cold weather can have a big impact on your range, so I’ll report back with a real-world figure when I have the E-5008 home for a week of testing.
There are two trim levels on offer, Allure and GT, and both are fully loaded featuring Peugeot’s new advanced Panoramic i-Cockpit that consists of a 21-inch dual curved digital display that combines a raised head-up display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Allure includes adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, wireless phone charging, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, 19-inch alloy wheels and embossed fabric and leather-effect trim, although heated seats are an optional extra.
GT trim then adds a black diamond roof, Pixel LED headlights, 3D LED rear lights, hands-free smart electric tailgate, ambient interior lighting, heated seats and heated steering wheel.
