2026 Peugeot E-308 Review: The French Hatchback
A review of the 2026 Peugeot E-308 electric hatchback. From its design backstory to interior finish, driving performance, safety, pricing, and daily usability, here’s the ultimate review with insights, humour, and SEO-abundant facts.
The Lion’s New Roar
Peugeot has never quite fit in with its competitors. Where the Germans were tossing with precision and the Japanese were obsessed with reliability, Peugeot led on with style. From the boxy magic of the 205 GTi to the awkward 406 Coupé that Pininfarina assisted to design on, Peugeot‘s DNA has never been a case of rule-following—it’s been a case of rule-bending, elegantly.
When electrification came knocking, Peugeot could have done the easy thing: attach batteries underneath a 308 and call it quits. And in 2022, the E-308 was indeed born—a decent start, but not yet a big leap.
Fast-forward to 2026, and the facelifted E-308 is more than just “another EV.” With its glowing lion badge, dramatic LED claw lights, and reworked EV tech, it’s Peugeot saying: “We may be electric now, but we’re still French, and we’re still stylish.”
This is not just a hatchback. This is Peugeot’s seek to put romance back into the EVs.
Interior: A Boutique Café on Wheels
Slip inside the 2026 Peugeot E-308 and you’re not just in a car—you’re in something that feels curated. Where other EVs chase sterile minimalism, Peugeot leans into warmth.
i-Cockpit® Philosophy: A small, low-set steering wheel, paired with a raised instrument panel, gives the impression you’re flying rather than driving. Some drivers adore it, others need time to adjust—but no one forgets it.
Material Quality: The combination of soft materials, fake leather, reclaimed trims, and brushed metal trimmings indicates Peugeot is not skimping. Even basic trims feel thought out, and more upscale trims incorporate Alcantara-style finishes and ambient lighting that can be personalized.
Technology: A 10-inch central display with i-Connect Advanced includes wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and live over-the-air updates. A 3D digital cluster is optional, projecting stacked information that reminds us of a concept car. And the i-Toggles—programmable touch shortcuts—bring a nice, tactile unique feel that prevents Peugeot from feeling old.
Comfort: Supportive seating, acoustic soundproofing, and climate pre-conditioning through app make it a daily driver, not just a commuter pod.
In essence, the E-308’s interior is like a Parisian of a café—not the biggest, not the most affordable, but full of atmosphere and charm.
Performance: Not a Rocket, But a Dancer
Numbers first:
Power: 115 kW (156 hp)
Torque: 260 Nm
0–100 km/h: ~9.8 seconds
Top Speed: 170 km/h (limited)
Range: Up to 450 km WLTP from the new 58.4 kWh battery
Charging: 100 kW DC (20–80% in ~30 minutes), 11 kW AC onboard charger
On paper, it’s not going to send shivers down Tesla’s spine. But here’s the secret: driving the E-308 is all about feel, not just figures.
Handling: Thanks to its compact EMP2 platform, balanced chassis, and low center of gravity, it corners with confidence. Unlike some heavier EVs, it doesn’t feel like you’re dragging a battery pack around—it feels nimble.
Ride Comfort: Peugeot’s engineers have tuned the suspension in a way thatabsorb city bumps without losing higspeed stability. A more “French café ride” than a “stiff Autobahn machine.”
Driving Modes: ECO for optimal range, NORMAL for everyday drive, SPORT when you need speed and fun.
The charm is in its sophistication—quiet cruising, smooth torque, and a sense of serenity. It’s not adrenaline, it’s calm—with just enough zest.
Safety: Tech That Hides in the Background
Peugeot isn’t revolutionizing safety in this case, but it’s packed the E-308 with equipment that makes motoring simpler and safer:
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Lane Positioning Assist and Lane Departure Warning
Traffic Sign Recognition
Active Emergency Breaking (with night pedestrian/cyclist detection)
Blind Spot Monitoring
360° surround-view parking cameras
The structural design is based on the 308’s excellent Euro NCAP results, so although crash test figures for the facelift aren’t available yet, optimism is high.
Practicality and Abilities: Not Just Pretty Faces
The E-308 might appear stylish, but it is not a case of style over substance.
Boot Space: 434 liters for hatch and an enormous 608 liters for the SW estate. This is one of the most practical EV wagons in Europe, thanks to the SW version.
Cabin Space: Back seats are tight but usable—best suited for those with young children or the odd adult passenger.
V2L Tech: Affirmative, you can power appliances from the automobile. Make coffee in a campsite, drive a laptop in the beach, or charge your e-bike in the city.
Quietness: With laminated acoustic glass and sound-deadening, the cabin remains quiet even at speed.
This isn’t merely a commuter—it’s an EV that can endure family life, weekend travel, and even light adventure.
Pricing and Availability
Europe: From €45,765 (Allure) to ~€52,000 for GT models.
UK: From ~£39,750.
Australia & India: Arriving in the first half of 2026, priced against Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID.3. A premium positioning is expected.
Warranty: 8 years / 160,000 km on EV fundamentals (battery, motor, charger).
It’s not the lowest-priced EV hatch, but Peugeot is gambling on style + substance rather than sheer value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Bold French design with glowing claws & badge
Long 450 km WLTP range competes
Luxurious, expressive interior
Loaded with safety & driver-aid tech
Estate (SW) body style provides class-leading practicality
Cons:
Slower than Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 5
Charging speed is limited to 100 kW (competitors now offer 200–350 kW)
Peugeot EV service network still in development outside Europe
Last Word: An EV With Soul
The 2026 Peugeot E-308 isn’t here to be the quickest EV, or the most affordable. Rather, it’s something more precious: an electric vehicle with personality.
It’s fashionable without being breakable, sensible without being dull, effective without being heartless. In a world where so many EVs are like pieces of technology before they are cars afterwards, the E-308 feels like a car you desire to drive—not just one you accept because it gets decent fuel economy.
If you appreciate style, elegance, and a hint of Gallic flair, the E-308 is more than a rational option. It’s a pleasure.
FAQs
Q: What’s the 2026 Peugeot E-308 driving range?
A: Approximately 450 km WLTP, courtesy of the new 58.4 kWh battery.
Q: Will Peugeot do an estate variant?
A: Indeed, the E-308 SW estate features up to 608 liters of boot space.
Q: How quickly does it charge?
A: 100 kW DC charging achieves 20–80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Q: How much is it?
A: Prices begin at approximately €45,765 in Europe and ~£39,750 in the UK.
Q: When does it become available globally?
A: European delivery begins late 2025, with Australia and India following in early 2026.
