Peugeot e-308 SW Review 2024
Written by Rob Clymo
Quick overview
Pros
- Roomy and comfortable
- Easy to drive
- Impressive electric range
Cons
- Performance isn't anything special
- Quite expensive to buy new
- Interior isn't exactly premium
Overall verdict on the Peugeot e-308 SW
“Modern-day estate cars are reasonably few and far between, with electric examples being even scarcer. In fact, the Peugeot e-308 SW and the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric are your only options currently, along with the popular and very affordable MG5. With both the Peugeot and Vauxhall tourers coming from the Stellantis group, there are some similarities between the two and either choice could be ideal if you’re in need of space, with the added benefit of an all-electric drivetrain.”
There’s no doubt that an estate car or tourer is something of a niche product, especially as most people seem to head in the direction of an SUV if they want space. The only problem with that is it usually comes with bulk too. Choosing something like the Peugeot e-308 SW means you’re lower down and in a vehicle that feels much more like a normal car. If you’re a keen driver, that can make a big difference and, much like its close relative, the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric, the Peugeot e-308 SW is great fun when you’re behind the wheel.
Another big bonus with the Peugeot e-308 SW is the way that it makes transitioning from a regular ICE vehicle a cinch. If you’re new to EVs, this is an estate that drives much the same as a petrol-powered offering. Based around the petrol Peugeot 308 SW, the setup of the e-308 SW is certainly much the same, with a neat low-slung driving position, simple to master controls topped with a press-and-go simplicity that makes driving electric cars to appealing – especially in traffic.
Peugeot has done a fine job with the e-308 SW too and it’s a well-rounded and very appealing package. Much like all the other cars in the current Peugeot range, the design is striking and very agreeable. This is a car with a touch of personality and, as far as we’re concerned, that’s a very good thing in an age where many models are virtually interchangeable. That’s just the exterior too, because inside the Peugeot e-308 SW boasts distinctive styling touches, with its dinky steering wheel and tech-tastic ‘i-Cockpit’ adding to the appeal.
Of course, if you’re buying an estate car, you’re probably going to be looking for space too and the Peugeot e-308 SW comes with plenty of that. There’s a wealth of room both front and rear, with comfort levels that easily match the space quota. Out at the back end, you’ll find a more than accommodating boot area, which can be boosted by dropping the rear seats for added space allowance. In all, the Peugeot e-308 SW is roomy, comfortable and very easy to live with.
Is the Peugeot e-308 SW right for you?
While plenty of people will sidestep the Peugeot e-308 SW in favour of a lofty SUV, there’s a lot to be said for owning an estate. You certainly get a decent driving experience with this car, thanks to its lower profile and great suspension setup. There’s some decent handling to be had, and performance isn’t bad either all things considered. The biggest appeal though is the space factor, which makes the Peugeot e-308 SW a family-friendly option, although its higher price tag might see some venturing towards the much more affordable MG5 if an electric estate car is in their sights.
What’s the best Peugeot e-308 SW model/engine to choose?
One thing the transition to electric cars is doing is simplifying many model ranges and that’s no more so than with the Peugeot e-308 SW. The estate comes with a 54kWh battery pack, paired with an electric motor that offers 156PS. It’s not hugely powerful in that respect, but the Peugeot e-308 SW does everything you need it to do on most fronts.
Electric cars are invariably notable for their torque, much of which comes as an instant hit and that can be infectious when it comes to getting away at the lights or zipping out at roundabouts and junctions when the need arises. The Peugeot e-308 SW is less potent on that front, mainly because of the powertrain credentials shown above, but also because of the bulk added by being an estate.
The same goes for performance as a whole, with the 54kWh battery and motor only able to offer a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. In electric car terms that’s quite sedate, but equally this is an estate car that isn’t going to be bought by people who expect lightning-fast performance. In fact, the genteel nature of the acceleration and a similarly comfortable top speed target of 106mph should be more than enough if you’re moving your offspring from A to B. Treat it gently and there’s the decent prospect of an official range of up to 254 miles as an added bonus.
What other cars are similar to the Peugeot e-308 SW?
Aside from one or two petrol-powered options out there, the chances are that if you’re interested in the Peugeot e-308 SW you’ll be looking at similar all-electric vehicles. Aside from the already mentioned Vauxhall Astra Sports Touring Electric though, the estate options are less than generous. The MG 5 EV has been a big hit for its Chinese owners, with many happy purchasers and indeed, quite a few minicab drivers clocking up big miles in those things. It’s infinitely more affordable than the Stellantis Group products too, though there are some compromises on trim levels as a result.
However, if you’re not obsessed with owning an all-electric estate car the options list does expand somewhat. Indeed, the Citroen e-C4 is an appealing prospect as you get more Stellantis group switchgear inside along with some other hints that the car comes from the same umbrella company. There’s space and lots of comfort too, which you’d expect from the brand. Also staying with vehicles from the same camp are the likes of the Jeep Avenger, which sports a genuine persona of its own but is less roomy. Let’s not forget the Vauxhall Mokka Electric too, which is dependable and not bad looking either.
Comfort and design: Peugeot e-308 SW interior
Much like its current exterior design philosophy, Peugeot is doing its best to make the interiors of its current range distinctive. There’s more success with the inside of the e-308 SW, which is dominated by the usual small, square-ish steering wheel and that eye-catching i-Cockpit, complete with borderline zany graphics that match the general flamboyance of the exterior design. Look further and there are other striking interior flourishes, with lots of angular edges and a neat use of colour that lifts the Peugeot e-308 SW above the mundane.
Granted, the same setup also proves divisive and not everyone gets along with the smaller steering wheel. While it can produce elation from some, especially in the way that it provides an almost go-kart-style drive if you use a little bit of imagination, others can find it irritating. This is largely because the wheel can tend to block your view of the controls and, despite having the ability to adjust the column, it can be a hard thing to correct. Some who’ve experienced the i-Cockpit have simply learned to live with its shortcomings because otherwise it's a tidy little arrangement.
One of the first things to strike you about the seats inside the Peugeot e-308 SW is just how hard they feel, especially if you’ve just jumped from a saloon in the range. Thankfully, the initial worries about comfort, especially on a run, soon dissipate and the interior of the Peugeot e-308 SW turns out to be deceptively comfortable to live with. Purchase a car fitted with the Allure trim option and it’s a little more spartan than the GT trim edition (augmented with a limited First Edition trim level, no less), which really does look quite special. However, the former might well appeal more to families who aren’t going to be quite as worried about looks in favour of dealing with the grubby finger-marks and stains that come with having small children.
The other big part of the appeal of the Peugeot e-308 SW is its space credentials and, unsurprisingly this is good though not great. Compared to a standard issue Peugeot e-308 SW, with a petrol engine, it’s got less with 548 litres as opposed to 608 litres for the ICE equivalent. The reason for this is simple because there’s a battery pack to accommodate, although the car still feels roomy enough to justify its estate car status and, compared to the 70 litres less found in the MG5, it’s still impressive enough.
Quality and finish
As is the case with the majority of manufacturers, Peugeot has upped its game in terms of quality and finish in recent years. The overall feel of the e-308 SW is that it’s reasonably durable and is finished to a very good standard. It’s well attuned to its target market, with the car seeming like a perfectly solid proposition for a family consisting of two adults and two kids, with seat coverings and surfaces well-suited to the rigours of daily use that come with the latter.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Peugeot e-308 SW
Alongside the carefully crafted interior, the Peugeot e-308 SW boasts an impressive level of infotainment. This is centred around the 10-inch dashboard-mounted touchscreen, which has been sensibly angled towards the driver instead of being placed flat on the fascia. This works to great effect, while offering up capacitive tech controls that mix fingertip touch and good old physical buttons to make the perfect compromise.
You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which can be done using connected cable means or, in the case of the fancier GT trim, wirelessly thanks to a convenient panel located beneath the infotainment zone. The main screen is also supplemented by a secondary touchscreen, dubbed ‘i-Toggle’ that can be used for shortcuts to core tasks, which is particularly handy as you can tailor it to suit your own in-car preferences. There’s a head-up display too, which compensates somewhat if you’re having trouble seeing past the wheel.
While most of us still tend to head to our own devices when it comes to using satellite navigation, Peugeot has done a reasonable job with the version found in-car. It looks and works well enough and is nicely presented on the reasonably generous screen. Less successful is the 3D digital instrument display, which looks snazzy enough with more than a splash of colour in evidence. However, some of the graphical delivery is less clear than it could perhaps be. Something to tweak on future models maybe?
Space and practicality: Peugeot e-308 SW boot space
The obvious appeal of an estate or tourer car is the extra space you get. In the case of the 4635mm long, 2062mm wide (with the mirrors out) and 1475mm high Peugeot e-308 SW it’s everything you’d expect. The slight drawback due to it being an EV means the battery pack encroaches on storage slightly, so there’s 548 litres compared to the 608-litres found in the petrol edition. That’s a full 70-litres less found in the MG5 however. Nevertheless, there’s versatility to be found inside, with a 40/20/40 rear seat split option and boot levers that allow quick and instant dropping when needed. This lifts overall storage up to 1574 litres. Peugeot also supplements the boot with generous storage cubby holes through the main cabin.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Peugeot e-308 SW like to drive?
"The Peugeot e-308 SW sports a wheelbase that’s 55mm longer than the hatchback version and the difference is negligible. What that means is you get a great car to drive. There’s a low, almost hunkered down stance that makes the Astra Electric appealing in much the same way and the driving position adds to this effect. Admittedly, the small steering wheel might spoil the fun a little, especially for taller folks who might struggle to get along with it."
Nevertheless, this is an easy car to drive in much the same way that all electric cars are with the automatic transmission offering up three driving modes to choose from – Eco, Normal and Sport, with the latter offering the most pep of the trio. Anyone familiar with Stellantis group vehicles will find lots of trademark controls too, so selecting drive and mode options is nothing new. In fact, a lot of these cars feel almost identical although the saving grace with the Peugeot e-308 SW is its distinctive i-Cockpit that helps to lift the drive above the norm.
It soon becomes obvious that the Peugeot e-308 SW isn’t going to be a pocket rocket, but it’s a pleasing car to drive, especially for an estate. The handling is surprisingly taught and those firm seats keep you well positioned, even if you’re pushing through tortuous curves. In fact, the Peugeot e-308 SW stays nicely planted on the road. Motorways miles disappear in reasonably refined silence, although you’ll need to work the power a little when it comes to short slip roads when the bulk of the vehicle has to work hard to play keep up. Used sensibly though, the Peugeot e-308 SW does everything you ask of it.
What motors and batteries are available in the Peugeot e-308 SW?
The all-electric Peugeot e-308 SW features a brand-new electric powertrain, with a 115 kW (156 bhp) motor and 54 kWh high-voltage battery. We think the car works best in Sport mode if you’re looking to get any degree of excitement from the powertrain. Take it easy and drive the Peugeot e-308 SW in Normal mode though and you’ll get 136PS, while Eco mode sees the power output drop off even further.
Maximum electric range in the Peugeot e-308 SW
The Peugeot e-308 SW has an official range of up to 254 miles, according to official tests. Its real-world range figure is likely to be less than that, but it should comfortably manage more than 200 miles. That compares well against the MG 5 EV, which has a range figure of 250 miles.
Refinement and noise levels
Expect a quality ride with the Peugeot e-308 SW, which benefits from being screwed together very nicely and the all-electric powertrain. Like most electric cars, which don’t have the benefit of the engine to cover any tell-tale additional noise, the Peugeot e-308 SW suffers from some tyre and wind noise. However, it’s never enough to become annoying and, therefore, the estate comes with our seal of approval on that front.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Peugeot e-308 SW?
Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the Peugeot e-308 SW as yet, though it has tested the petrol hatchback version, which got a less than stellar four stars out of five. It’s worth noting that these tests have become more stringent over recent years. Nevertheless, it’s still disappointing that the standard car scored 76% for adult occupant safety, 84% for child occupant safety, 68% for pedestrian safety and 65% for safety tech.
On the upside, the Peugeot e-308 SW comes with a decent array of standard safety tech. This includes automatic post-collision braking, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, speed limit recognition and active safety brake (with both pedestrian and cyclist detection). Upgrade to the Peugeot e-308 SW in GT trim and you get rear cross traffic alert, long range blind spot detection and Peugeot SOS.
The latest models in the Peugeot range come with all of the newest generation driver aids, which includes the likes of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres) and Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of danger when reversing.
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Peugeot e-308 SW?
"Expect running costs to be reasonably low thanks to the smallish 54 kWh battery featured in the estate, with home charging being the best way to do it most cost effectively."
If you’ve got access to a 7kW wallbox, expect it to set you back roughly around £17 (depending on your electricity tariff). The Peugeot e-308 SW benefits from an on-board three-phase 11 kW charger, plus there’s 100kW rapid charging for when you’re out on the road, which can recharge the battery from 20-80% in less than 25 minutes, albeit for rather more pennies per kilowatt hour.
How reliable is a Peugeot e-308 SW?
The Peugeot e-308 SW is a new to the market car, so it’s too early to say if there has been anything owners have been getting upset about. It goes without saying that due to the lower amount of parts contained in an electric vehicle the Peugeot e-308 SW should theoretically have less to go wrong. What’s more, Peugeot has done its best to improve the design and build of its cars in recent years, so we’re optimistic about the fortunes of the Peugeot e-308 SW.
Insurance groups and costs
Insurance groups for the Peugeot e-308 SW are yet to be confirmed.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Peugeot e-308 SW?
VED or ‘road tax’ for zero-emission vehicles, including the Peugeot e-308 SW is currently free, which means there’s no up-front tax payment when buying new, nor any subsequent payment, for the time being at least. However, this is all set to change in April 2025 from which point all EVs registered since April 2017 will be taxed at £165 a year.
How much should you be paying for a used Peugeot e-308 SW?
"The Peugeot e-308 SW is a brand-new estate car, so it’s early days for used values. However, the electric hatchback version starts at £40,050 in Allure trim, so expect the estate version to be approximately £1000 more."
Considering the standard petrol version in comparable Allure trim starts at £30,785, you’re paying about a £10,000 premium. Some of this could be clawed back with reduced running costs, especially if you avoid costly public chargers and do it at home or at work. Meanwhile, for company car drivers, a benefit-in-kind contribution of only 2% will make it slightly more attractive. For alternative examples, the Vauxhall Astra Tourer Electric starts at £40,000 but the MG5 starts at just £30,995.
Trim levels and standard equipment
It’s pretty easy to get a quick overview of the trim levels and equipment on offer with the Peugeot e-308 SW because there are only three levels to choose from. First up is the Peugeot e-308 SW Allure grade, which sits at the entry-level end of the spectrum. This model features 18-inch Ottawa alloys, power folding mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a drive mode selector, half faux leather trim, ambient lighting, LED running lights, EcoLED headlights, LED rear lights, heated front seats, climate control and remote pre-conditioning for the cabin as well.
From there, things step up a notch to the Peugeot e-308 SW GT edition. This is a little more premium in look and feel and comes with some additional goodies to try and justify its quite high price tag. There’s the likes of adaptive cruise control, rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot detection, along with keyless entry and start, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional touches like Alcantara trim, black headlining, aluminium door sills, matrix LED headlights, enhanced air quality control system, 3D digital instruments, Driver Sport Pack and a green-stitched leather wheel all add extra appeal.
Topping things off is a Peugeot e-308 SW First Edition, which is available in limited numbers and is essentially a slightly improved GT trim level car. Lookout for the Tri-Material interior, which adds a special touch while the exterior looks more distinctive thanks to three different metallic colours.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
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