Review – Peugeot e-308 SW (2024) – Stylish electric station

Recognizable, yet different

The Peugeot e-308 SW recently received a facelift and is back up to date. The electric estate version – there is, of course, also a hatchback version, simply called e-308 – looks like two drops of water to its gasoline and hybrid brothers. Peugeot chooses not to distinguish the SW with a distinctly electric look, but subtle touches such as special aerodynamic wheels and a discreet “e” badge at the rear give away that it is an electric variant.

Efficient and smooth in practice

In the e-308, you’ll find the same powertrain as in other electric Peugeots, such as the e-208 and e-2008. With 156 hp, the e-308 SW is no speed monster, but it feels smooth enough in everyday traffic. Put it in sport mode and step on the gas pedal full blast, and you’re often the first one out at the stoplight. Unless there’s another EV next to you. Above 50 mph, acceleration flattens out a bit. But more important than a quick stoplight sprint is that this electric estate car covers its miles smoothly and silently. Comfort comes first, without compromising on driving pleasure. After all, it can be steered effortlessly through curves, even when driving more sportily.

Range

The Peugeot e-308 SW is equipped with a 54 kWh battery that on paper promises a range of about 400 kilometers. In practice, this amounts to a realistic range of about 300 to 350 kilometers, depending on the season, driving conditions and driving style. With moderate use and city driving, you can reach 350 kilometers quite easily. Only when temperatures dip solidly below freezing or when you drive longer stretches on the highway at speeds above 130 km/h, you have to reckon with a range of less than 300 kilometers.

load

Fast charging is possible with up to 100 kW, which is not spectacular compared to some competitors. Within half an hour of charging, the battery is at 80 percent, which amounts to about 200 to 300 kilometers of driving range. More than acceptable within the Netherlands, but on long vacation trips you will sometimes have to order an extra cup of coffee while charging. But oh well, who goes on car vacations more than twice a year?

A wide choice for the family

What sets the e-308 SW apart from the regular hatchback is, of course, its luggage space. With the rear seats up, you can fit up to 548 liters, and when you fold down the bench, this rises to nearly 1,600 liters. That’s big. You can easily throw a mountain bike in the back. The electric tailgate comes in handy when you arrive with your hands full, and the low threshold makes loading a lot easier.

Handling: comfort and control

The e-308 SW feels like a balanced and enjoyable travel companion. With three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – you can adjust the car to suit conditions or your mood. In Sport mode, the electric SW responds smoothly to input and feels remarkably nimble, despite its weight of over 1,700 kilograms. At lower speeds, you really notice the direct power of the electric motor, which is especially pleasant in city traffic.

The e-308 SW’s suspension is tuned slightly stiffer than that of the standard 308 on gasoline, which contributes to a stable driving experience. Still, the damping remains comfortable, even on less well-kept roads. Steering feels direct and precise, although the small Peugeot steering wheel is something that takes some getting used to.

High-tech interior

Inside, the e-308 SW offers everything you would expect from a modern Peugeot. The i-Cockpit with its compact steering wheel and digital instrument panel gives the cabin a futuristic feel. The central 10-inch touchscreen works intuitively, although the infotainment system does lack some computing power. Fortunately, the i-Toggles add additional functionality and act as shortcuts to frequently used functions. The GT version we are testing is extra sporty and richly equipped, including a panoramic roof, luxury upholstery, nice wheels, sills and GT badges.

What does the Peugeot e-308 SW cost?

The Peugeot e-308 SW has an entry-level price of 40,400 euros for the Style version. That makes it more expensive than the gasoline entry-level version (33,800 euros) but cheaper than the PHEV entry-level version (42,010 euros). The Style trim is already quite complete, but for those looking for some extra luxury, there is the Allure trim from 42,570 euros. Those looking for extra luxury and sporty touches should opt for the GT version, which has a starting price of 44,970 euros. The e-308 hatchback – or “Berline,” as Peugeot prefers to call it – comes from 39,900 euros. In the video below, we tell you more about the e-308 Berline: