Peugeot’s New E-208

E-208 GTI

At the annual Le Mans 24 Hours, Peugeot has unveiled its latest foray into the electric vehicle world with the new E-208 GTI. This electric hot hatch brings back the iconic GTI badge for the first time in six years, offering a compelling combination of heritage and technological advancement.

Specs

Peugeot’s first electric GTI boasts a robust single electric motor producing 276 horsepower. It ensures a brisk performance, clocking 0 to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds. However, the journey might be prematurely ended by its 54 kWh battery, offering a modest range of about 217 miles per charge.

Innovation

This futuristic offering is developed on the versatile e-CMP Stellantis platform, seen in vehicles like the Fiat 600 and Alfa Romeo Junior. Consequently, it likens the E-208 GTI to its cousins, the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, while demonstrating a slight edge in its sprint time to 62 mph.

Performance Comparisons

The E-208 GTI outpaces competitors like the electric Mini Cooper models. While the leading Mini JCW offers a 258 hp motor and 0-62 mph in just under 6 seconds, it slightly lags behind the E-208 GTI. Despite this, the JCW pulls ahead on the highway, capable of reaching 124 mph compared to the 112 mph top speed of the Peugeot.

Range and Charging

In the realm of battery capacity, the Mini offers a slight advantage in range, achieving up to 250 miles compared to the 217 miles of the E-208 GTI. Both vehicles share a swift charging capability, reaching 80% charge from a 20% start in about 30 minutes, although Peugeot excels with quicker AC charging times and standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.

Retro Design

Design-wise, Peugeot has tapped into nostalgia with its GTI. Sporting a lower suspension by 1.2 inches and wider tracks, the E-208 GTI calls back to the iconic 205 GTI. The 18-inch multi-hole wheels and GTI badges infused with bold red details further nod to its ancestor’s esteemed aesthetics.

Interior and Driving Feel

The interior continues the legacy with splash of reds across digital displays, custom lighting, and upholstery, echoing the original GTI’s distinct style. Operational enhancements include improved brakes, refined suspensions, performance tires, and tailored steering, suggesting a superior driving experience reminiscent of the revered GTI past.

Pricing is expected to land around $45,000. As the E-208 GTI gears up for launch, its combination of history, advanced features, and electric performance definitely suggests it’ll make a worthy entry into the GTI hall of fame.