Peugeot e-308 GT – the first impression is deceptive

Compact electric car in a short test
Peugeot e-308 GT – the first impression is deceptive

As a GT, the Peugeot e-308 looks like a robust-sounding compact sports car. But completely different talents lie dormant within him. The Peugeot e-308 GT is a charmer with many good features and, thanks to its electric drive, it is environmentally friendly.

For the 2024 model year, Peugeot has given the compact electric car e-308 more power and a battery that has been increased by 3 to 54 kWh. More is more – that is also evident in this case. But even that is not enough for every case.

The first impression

As a GT with black accents, fake exhaust tips and 18-inch wheels, our test example actually looks like a cheeky, booming riot. At the same time, the 4.37 meter long five-door car is a compact in the classic and therefore best sense. Space and ergonomics are convincing. The cockpit offers stylish display surfaces as well as surfaces that are pleasing to the eye and touch. Only the small, low-mounted steering wheel takes some getting used to.

On the street

Roaring riot? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. The e-308 runs electrically and is therefore super quiet. In sport mode, if desired, it still rushes forward cheekily like a firecracker. The 115 kW/156 hp front engine appears lively with its linear acceleration. The top speed is reached quickly, especially since it is meticulously capped at 170 km/h.

Despite the increased storage and more efficient engine, it's not enough to achieve a huge range. The on-board computer always promises around 400 kilometers when the battery is full at the start, but in freezing temperatures on the motorway at 120 km/h it can be difficult to get over 200 kilometers. At this rather moderate travel speed, consumption increases to over 20 kWh. Fast charging isn't its strong point either. If you park outside in the cold after a tour, there will be further loss of range the next morning. Occasionally we were confronted with a phenomenon we thought we had almost forgotten: range anxiety.

The costs

It costs almost 45,000 euros for the e-308 in the basic version, which, however, starts with the already well-equipped Allure equipment. The top GT equipment costs over 47,000 euros. That's a proud sum for a compact model. Now also for a compact electric car, because many of the e-308's electric competitors are available cheaper.

The competitors

Since the end of the environmental bonus, electric car prices have fluctuated and some of the e-308's competitors have become significantly cheaper. These include the MG4 with 51 kWh (from 35,000 euros), VW's ID.3 (58 kWh / 33,000 euros) and BYD Dolphin (45 kWh / 30,000 euros). Nissan's Leaf (39 kWh) and GWM Ora 03 (48 kWh) are only 27,700 and 27,000 euros respectively. Given the discount war that is currently raging, the e-308 is in a difficult position.

Conclusion

The e-308 is a charmer with many good qualities. Thanks to the electric drive, it is also environmentally friendly. Despite the larger battery and economy motor, it lags behind some of its competitors in terms of range. In wintry weather, 250 kilometers was the highest of emotions. This works for many driving profiles. But for some it probably doesn't. Despite the good features, its price seems comparatively high.

Peugeot e-308 GT – technical data

• Five-door compact sedan with five seats
• Length: 4.37 meters, width with exterior mirrors 2.06 meters (without exterior mirrors: 1.85 meters), height: 1.44 meters, wheelbase 2.68 meters, trunk volume: 361 to 1,271 liters, payload: 361-431 kilograms
• Electric motor with 115 kW/156 HP, maximum torque 270 Nm, battery with 54 kWh, WLTP range: 396-419 km, 1-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, Vmax 170 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h: 9, 8 s, charging time: DC 100 kW: 35 min to 80 percent, AC wallbox 11 kW: 5 hours 30 min., household socket 1.8 kW: 33:40 hours, WLTP power consumption: 14.9-15.6 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, efficiency class: A+++
• Price: from 44,765 euros