The electric version of Peugeot’s striking crossbreed is here at last. Is it a Tesla Model 3 beater?
Better late than never, the Peugeot e-408 is finally here. When the 408 landed in 2022, we were told an electric version of the 4.7m-long liftback-cum-crossover would be just around the corner, but it has taken its sweet time. And after three years of delay, the e-408 in front of us doesn’t seem very competitive, at least on paper. It’s so late that its EMP2-based Citroën twin, the C5-X, has been discontinued, which makes you wonder: should Peugeot have bothered?The headline stats are 281 miles of range for around £37,000 and a maximum charging speed of 120kW. It’s a slightly bigger battery than its e-308 sibling and benefits from a useful bump in power (to 207bhp).The e-408 has few direct rivals, but as an amalgamation of bodystyles, there are a plethora of indirect models to beat. The Mazda 6e and MG IM5 are more traditionally low-slung liftbacks, the Ford Capri, Smart #3 and Kia EV6 are more obviously crossovers and the Tesla Model 3 saloon is a benchmark for most in the D-segment. How then does it fare against its hatchback, liftback, saloon and crossover rivals? Let’s find out. The Peugeot e-408 range at a glance:There are just two trims to choose from, each of which has the same 207bhp electric motor driving the front wheels and the same 58.2kWh (usable) battery. Allure-spec cars will do 281 miles on a charge and come with 19in alloys, keyless entry, a reversing camera, a heated steering wheel and traffic sign recognition, as well as the obligatory driver aids such as lane keeping assistance, a speed limit warning and driver attention monitoring. Metallic paint is the only available optional extra. GT-spec cars (roughly £39,000) will do 280 miles on a charge and add a heated steering wheel, customisable i-Toggle touch controls, matrix LED headlights and a colour-coded grille. As well as paint colours other than white, nappa leather seats, an opening sunroof, an excellent Focal sound system and a 360deg camera are all on the options list.
Source: Autocar
