What is it?

The Peugeot 5008 is one of those cars that does exactly what it says on the tin, and that is to carry as many people as possible in the smallest and most comfortable space.

That is exactly what this latest generation does, and now with the option of an electric powertrain, it should certainly open up a whole new customer for this large SUV.

What was seen as an MPV a decade ago, the 5008 - like a lot of cars - has switched towards the SUV market as buyers seem to like the higher driving position. But is this new Peugeot any good? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?

This new generation of 5008 now comes with plenty of powertrains including a new and improved hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric version badged the E-5008.

The latest Peugeot design language has been used throughout with the more prominent lion-claw LED daytime running light and tail lights as well as the chequered front grille and hidden side weather strips.

Furthermore, later down the line, you will be able to get the 5008 with the choice of a five-seater option and there is a Long-range version for the electric model that will be launched at the beginning of next year.

What’s under the bonnet?

You can get a variety of different drivetrains, but we’re driving the electric E-5008 which comes with a 73kWh battery pack and electric motor that produces 213bhp and 250Nm of torque. Acceleration isn’t exactly scintillating taking 9.5 seconds to go from 0-60mph and it runs out of steam at 106mph – but it has a claimed electric range of 310 miles and it supports DC 160kW rapid charging taking the car from 20 to 80 per cent in half an hour.

There is also an all-wheel-drive Dual motor version that will be launched soon that offers the same amount of electric range and there is a Long range, but brings some extra performance and that all-wheel-drive safety net.

What’s it like to drive?

As soon as you drive an E-5008 what you’ll notice immediately is how easy it is to drive – despite its large dimensions. The steering is light and all the controls fall to hand very easily. What’s more, this big Peugeot focuses more on comfort rather than engagement which is perfectly fine in this sector, just don’t expect thrills on a twisty road as the experience is rather more comfort-focused.

Refinement is excellent with the car absorbing any wind and road noise at higher speeds on the motorway and the car is smooth, quiet and refined. We also drove the hybrid versions which felt exactly the same with the exception of the engine kicking in every now and then to provide power to the battery – but overall, both models are relaxing at speeds.

How does it look?

Considering the 5008 used to be marketed as an MPV, this new SUV still retains the slab-sided look and tall body style of a large family bus. However, this latest model still offers the latest design cues of modern Peugeots with the LED daytime running lights with their lion claw design, as well as our car’s larger alloy wheels giving the car more presence.

Out the back, the lion claw theme continues onto the taillights and there is a gloss black lower bumper which also extends on to the wheel arches and lower body panels, too.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the e-5008 gets modern Peugeot touches with the i-Cockpit instrument cluster and i-Toggle touchscreen bar. Furthermore, the traditional small steering wheel remains and there are nice soft-touch materials dotted all over, plus there is a nice fabric effect that runs from the door cards onto the dashboard as well.

Everything is angled towards the driver to give a sportier feel – even though comfort is what the E-5008 does best. Also, storage is decent with a large centre storage box and deep door bins – but just ignore the microscopic glove box as is typical with all French cars.

The second row is nice and airy and there is tons of space for occupants, plus the second-row seats can be slid forwards to increase the space for the third-row passengers, or back for more legroom. The third row is best suited to children as you sit very low to the ground and headroom is very snug, but at least they are usable third-row seats.

One of the key selling points about this Peugeot is the space you get in the boot and it’s one of the best in class for this. With five seats in place, you have a total of 916 litres of space – making it more practical than rivals from South Korea and Sweden. With all seven seats in place, you have 348 litres and then if you turn your E-5008 into a van with just two seats, that space transforms into a massive 2,232 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Peugeot has made choosing the E-5008 and conventional models simple with just two trim levels – Allure and GT.

We’re driving the flagship GT model which comes in at a rather steep £52,350 in electric guise. But, you do get a lot of standard features such as 3D LED taillights, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, an electric tailgate and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Verdict

The seven-seat electric SUV market is a niche one at the moment, but this E-5008 really has started the ball rolling when it comes to offering a lot of space with low running costs and green credentials.

It may not be the most exciting car to drive and performance is only average, but there is no denying that the French firm has done a great job in offering an electric SUV that is perfect for those ever-growing families that are looking to go down the EV route.