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The Big Five

Our mission? Not only put this electric Peugeot e-3008 to the test, but also attempt to spot The Big Five. Just in Brabant. At Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek. Indeed, that is where the buffalo, lion, leopard (Persian panther), rhino and elephant live. The Big Five, in other words. By electric Peugeot e-3008, we go on a whisper quiet “hunt” for adventure.

Multiple powertrains

By the way, know that the new Peugeot 3008 can also be ordered as Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 (mild hybrid) at market launch, while the Peugeot e-3008 debuts as an all-electric version with a 73 kWh battery, 154 kW (210 hp) of power and a range of up to 525 km (WLTP). Peugeot will introduce at a later date the version with a 98 kWh battery, 167 kW (230 hp) and an impressive range of around 700 km (WLTP). A plug-in hybrid will also follow.

Plenty of space

The all-electric Peugeot e-3008 with 73 kWh has a braked towing weight of 1,250 kilograms. So hitching up a caravan is no problem at all. So you could go on safari by caravan. No shortage of storage space either, as the model has a wheelbase of 2.74 meters and a luggage space of about 590 liters. With the rear seats folded down, that’s 1,030 liters. You can even easily transport a lion in the trunk of this Peugeot, should you wish to do so.

Why the lion?

Speaking of that lion, that is, of course, Peugeot’s logo. But how exactly did that come about? The lion has graced all Peugeot products since 1858. That’s because in 1810 – when Peugeot was founded – brothers Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot’s iron foundry produced, among other things, steel hoops for tailors, saw blades and springs for watches. According to the Peugeot brothers, the teeth of the saw blades closely resembled the jaw of a lion. Because, according to the brothers, the lion represents strength, agility and speed, the Peugeot logo was born. Nowadays, you also see LED daytime running lights in the form of tusks on Peugeot models, as well as tail lights in claw design. Piece by piece nods to that familiar lion.

Buffalo

So a dangerous logo and design, although the lion is not even considered the most dangerous animal in Africa. That title, among others, goes to the buffalo. This is, of course, because of those imposing horns. Therefore, you should not corner a buffalo. Fortunately, we pass these animals at a safe distance in the Peugeot e-3008 and sit comfortably. This is mainly because the interior has a living room feel due to the cozy materials.

Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit

Indeed, a particularly strong point of this new Frenchman is the interior. You sit in fine seats and the dashboard design is especially striking. Peugeot applies the new Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit in the new e-3008. A key element within this concept is the “floating” 21-inch curved HD screen that combines the high-level digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen into one. The interior space is also striking. You sit as an adult (1.85 meters) excellently in the back. The use of color is neutral, as for the exterior of the car. Because besides sparkling blue, Peugeot uses mostly subdued colors, but let’s not make an elephant out of a mosquito.

Calimero

Speaking of which. In Safaripark Beekse Bergen, you will find the very largest elephant in Europe. His name is Calimero and he has lived in Safaripark Beekse Bergen since 2004. Calimero is a whopping 3.40 meters tall and he weighs as much as 7,000 pounds! Okay, 7,000 kilograms, this Peugeot e-3008 with 73 kWh battery weighs 2,174 kilograms. So even with three of these cars you still don’t equal Calimero’s weight.

Stampede

During this car safari in Brabant, you also have to drive on unpaved trails. Of course, this is not a problem for many cars, and so it is for this Peugeot. In fact, the car is packed with systems to deliver maximum grip on all types of surfaces. So in the event of a stampede, you’re off in no time. The pleasant suspension comfort of the e-3008 is particularly striking. The car filters out short bumps well. Everything is nicely balanced, exactly as a leopard in “stealth mode” approaches its prey and finally delivers a final blow with its powerful jaws, all in perfect harmony.

At AUTOSAFARI in the Netherlands by Peugeot e-3008 – AutoRAI TV

STLA Medium platform

Incidentally, the Peugeot e-3008 is the first model within Stellantis to use the STLA Medium platform. On this bottom group, Peugeot can accommodate a variety of powertrains, from mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid to battery-electric. But STLA Medium also enables smart hardware. For example, the car is also available with V2L (Vehicle to Load) technology that allows the e-3008 to feed power back to other electrical devices or, for example, a home. Fast charging is also something this car can do, as we experience at a fast-charging station on the way back from our car safari. The car can achieve charging speeds of up to 160 kW at fast chargers with a Mode 4 connection, allowing the e-3008’s standard battery to be charged from 20 to 80% in 30 minutes. The Long Range battery has a charging time of less than 30 minutes (20 – 80%).

Big Five spotted?

Then, of course, to answer the question: were we able to spot the Big Five? Well, we’ve come a long way. Eventually we saw the lion, buffalo and elephant. The leopard had better things to do today, as did the rhino, who sought shade in this heat. But we did witness a real birth. See here, just minutes into the world: a beautiful banteng. Wonderful right?

Accessible adventure

The conclusion? The new Peugeot e-3008 makes adventure for the whole family especially enjoyable and accessible. The destination doesn’t really matter. Worry-free travel from A to B. At least for the first eight years, because the new e-3008 falls under the so-called “Peugeot Allure Care” program. With this, the brand guarantees the life of the electric motor, charger, powertrain and main electrical and mechanical components for up to 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. The car is available from 48,190 euros.