There’s not many choices on the market if you want a seven seater with an EV option, but here’s one that’s just launched – the Peugeot 5008, which in either mild hybrid or full EV forms.
I can only think of one seven seat electric off-hand and that’s the Kia EV9, a larger car and much more expensive.
Styling is as you’d expect, with the 5008 adapting the sharper look of its smaller 3008 sibling. In fact, the two cars are almost identical until you come to the back. A longer wheelbase allows the 5008 to accommodate three rows of seats, with the middle seats able to fold and slide to allow access to the third row, which is a bit limited in leg room it must be said, but fine for children or even adults on shorter journeys.
As always, with all seven seats taken up, there’s not much boot space, with a claimed 259 litres. We could barely fit two cabin sized bags on our test drive. The seats fold down easily to liberate a far more family-friendly 748 litres and with all seats down, there’s a truly cavernous 1,815 litres available.
The cabin too follows the 3008 with Peugeot’s most convincing version of their iCockpit. A tiny wheel, squared top and bottom, is augmented by a 21” curved display which floats in front of the driver. Comprising the driver’s instrumentation and a touchscreen for infotainment, it dominates the cockpit and looks very impressive.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and although there are no physical controls for ventilation, things are made easier by a panel of iToggles below the screen which can be programmed to carry out up to ten functions. It’s a simple system that works well.
On the Irish launch we had the opportunity to try both variants, starting off with the electric version on our trip to Newry.
Battery and Charging
With a 73kWh battery pack, the claimed range is around 500km although a larger 96kWh battery pack is on the way in time for July sales. The 213bhp motor drives the front wheels but for those who need more performance, a dual motor version will also launch in due course.
Charging up to 160kW DC is available, with AC charging pegged at 11kW
Performance is brisk, particularly if you slip the car into Sport mode. There are three modes in all, with Eco really throttling back output and response, so best avoided.
With the longer wheelbase, the ride is settled and although the steering is a bit light, the car handles well in all conditions.
My driving partner knew the roads around Newry very well so we came off the motorway to try it out properly on a mix of challenging roads with some lovely scenery.
On our return journey the following day, we took the mild hybrid, which is fitted with a 1.2 litre triple turbo with 134bhp and a motor mounted in the twin clutch six speed gearbox. The battery is only .9kW so there’s no EV range to speak of but the claim is that in city driving, 50% of driving is carried out under electric power.
Range and Pricing
The 5008 range has been simplified with just two trims available, Allure and GT. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go, 19” alloys, wireless phone charging, 360 degree camera, parking sensors, blind spot detection and artificial leather seat trim.
GT adds a panoramic roof, Pixel LED headlights, hands free electric tailgate, heated seats and heated steering wheel.
The good news for Irish buyers is that there’s no difference in price between electric and hybrid powertrains, with a starting price for both of €50,995. GT trim demands an extra €4,000 but I would think heated seats are almost essential in an EV so I’d imagine a lot of buyers will go for the higher specification.
Peugeot are targeting both active families and energetic empty nesters, who want to transport grandkids, for their new seven seater and given its competitive price, it makes a compelling argument for itself.
