Peugeot 5008 Act III
2009, 2017, 2024. Three years and three completely different generations for the Peugeot 5008. After a first version designed at a time when the minivan still had a place in the hearts of large families, and then, eight years later, an SUV that hid tricks and features equivalent to the Scenic tribe and others, this new 5008 also marks a clear evolution if not a rupture. Logical since it shares a lot of DNA with the latest 3008. Like the latter, which changed everything, starting with the technical platform, introducing within the Stellantis group the STLA Medium, the 5008 also undergoes a revolution. But its is even deeper.
In fact, if the 5008 is identical to the 3008 up to the central pillar, everything changes behind it and fans of the previous version will not find the same vehicle. This is all the more true because beyond the design, the vehicle has grown a lot, with a length increased by 15 cm compared to its predecessor, resulting in a beautiful “baby” of 4.79 meters long… 25 cm longer than its 3008 matrix.
A 3008 in front, a brand new 5008 behind
Like its little brother, the new 5008 adopts the latest version of the Peugeot i-cockpit, with a spectacular 21-inch curved screen as its centerpiece, and on the right side, a touchscreen interface. Beneath the latter, we find the i-toggles shortcuts (also touch-sensitive), all in the service of ergonomics, even if all this, less practical than real buttons, requires taking your eyes off the road.
At least it enhances the spectacular and unique side of this cockpit, which also presents well in terms of materials. But the most interesting for families targeted on board this new 5008 happens at the rear, where the break is consummated with the previous model. Farewell to individual seats that could be configured almost however one desired, and welcome to a traditional sliding bench seat (by 15 cm).
While this bench seat is comfortable and welcoming, with individual backs (40/20/40) that can be adjusted for inclination, there will still be a dissatisfied person. The middle passenger will, unlike the previous 5008, have to accept having less space than the two lucky ones on the sides. Another loss, the aviation trays have disappeared, and only the sun visor curtains placed on the doors will catch the attention of the protective parents.
Still seven seats but…
In the last row, this new 5008 can accommodate two additional guests, like its predecessor. But here too, there are changes. Formerly removable, these foldaway seats in the floor are no longer, limiting cargo configurations. At least, for a short journey, a not too tall adult can sit there with easy access. Just pull on a lever on either side of the bench to make it move to facilitate access. While in terms of cargo space, this new 5008 does not outperform its predecessor, it still offers plenty of room, with a volume of 748 dm3 in a five-seat configuration. And there is an additional hidden space under the seats of the last row to store some extra bits and bobs.
On the road: a placid yet comfortable Peugeot 5008
For this first contact, like the 3008, Peugeot only had E-5008s available for testing, a 100% electric proposal. Specifically, the base model, here with a 210 hp motor powered by a 73 kWh battery supplied by the Chinese company BYD. Promising an autonomy of over 500 km under the WLTP homologation cycle, and naturally less in real life, something we will not fail to verify with our measurements. While awaiting this, the first contact with this new E-5008 is already rich in lessons and a new confirmation… Peugeot has mellowed out its driving experience. Easier to drive than the replaced model, like all recent Lion models, this new 5008 is. But while this tame nature left us wanting more behind the wheel of its little brother 3008, it is less annoying here with a large SUV intended primarily to be driven at a leisurely pace with the family.
And it must be admitted that this placidity does not mean laziness, with a bit of enthusiasm in corners and of course impeccable stability closely monitored by the electronic crutches. Most importantly, this assessment needs to be supported by testing the 136 hp and 195 hp PHEV hybrid versions, which are more “agile” than the electric version tested here, weighing in at over 2,300 kg! In return, this new 5008 offers a good level of comfort with suspension that nicely filters road imperfections. On this point, it also makes a better impression than the latest 3008, at least equipped with the same large 20-inch wheels.
Three electric propositions in the lineup
Consistent, the performances are. But electric enthusiasts may not find them entirely satisfactory, with accelerations that are sharp but far from impressive, also a consequence of the weight. Another downside, while the 5008 offers various levels of regenerative braking via paddles on the steering wheel, the response of the “real” brake pedal is not optimal in the city, making it delicate to modulate. It is important to note that while this new 5008 has a route planner (designed with Tom-Tom), there is no one-pedal driving mode or battery preconditioning feature for rapid charging (up to 160 kW). Obviously, in 100% electric mode, the 5008 will also be available in a four-wheel-drive version (320 hp) with the same 73 kWh battery (usable) and in a Large Autonomy variant (96 kWh, 230 hp).
The verdict of our first test of the new Peugeot 5008
In summary, this new 5008 is less engaging to drive than before, but it offers performances in line with the expectations of large SUV enthusiasts. A good choice! And while it is less clever than before, its generosity on board should appeal to large families who find the 3008 too small. A little brother with a price difference of €2,000.