New Peugeot E-408 goes on sale from £42,175
All-electric version of Peugeot’s sleek crossover has arrived with more range and better charging
Peugeot’s entire range of cars can now be had with pure-electric power thanks to the launch of the new E-408. Revealed back in October, the E-408 is now on sale with Allure and GT trim levels to choose from.
Priced at £42,175 in Allure guise, the E-408 is £4,325 more expensive than the equivalent E-308 - though the E-408 features improved range and faster charging than its hatchback sibling
The Peugeot 408 sits on the same platform as the 308 – as well as Stellantis stablemate, the Vauxhall Astra – but is longer than both, with a slightly stretched wheelbase. As a result, Peugeot has been able to fit a new, marginally bigger battery pack into the chassis for the E-408, which has a 58.2kWh usable capacity, up from the 54kWh unit in the E-308.
The enhancements help the E-408 achieve a claimed range of 281 miles, some 24 miles more than the E-308. The maximum charging speed is 120kW – 20kW more than the E-308 – allowing for a 20-80 per cent top-up in around 30 minutes. An energy-saving heat pump is standard-fit, as is 11kW three-phase AC on-board charging, which can be controlled and optimised for off-peak charging via Peugeot’s smartphone app.
Instead of taking the 156bhp and 270Nm electric motor from the E-308, the E-408 receives a more powerful unit. It’s been uprated to produce a maximum power output of 210bhp with 345Nm of torque. These figures are produced in Sport mode where it can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.6 seconds (beating the E-308 by 2.2 seconds). Power is reduced in the Normal and Eco settings in order to extend the potential range.
Buyers have a simple choice of Allure or GT trim. Allure comes with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated driver’s seat and a heated steering wheel. The GT, which starts at £44,945, adds matrix LED headlights, 3D instrument display, aluminium interior trim, a hands-free tailgate and more driver assistance tech.
Aside from some badging, there are no visual differences between the electric and hybrid-powered 408 models, and the interior is identical, too. Inside is a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, a separate screen of customisable ‘i-Toggle’ shortcut buttons and a 10-inch digital driver’s display. Behind the compact steering wheel are paddles to adjust the regenerative braking system, with three strength levels on offer.
Click here for our in-depth review of the all-electric Peugeot E-5008...
