Skip advert
Advertisement

New Peugeot E-408 brings EV power and 281-mile range to the chic fastback

Peugeot has given its four-door fastback the fully-electric treatment to rival the Cupra Tavascan and Ford Capri

  • New fully-electric powertrain option
  • 58kWh battery and 281-mile range
  • On sale before the end of 2024

It’s been two years since Peugeot pulled the covers off its sleek family fastback, and it’s now unveiled a fully-electric version – the new Peugeot E-408. It’s one of the last models in Peugeot’s lineup to receive the EV treatment, offering customers family-car space, coupe-esque looks and a silent, emissions-free driving experience.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Coupe SUVs are a polarising – but popular – modern car body style, and fully-electric rivals include cars like the Skoda Enyaq Coupe, Cupra Tavascan and the upcoming Ford Capri. Pricing is still to be confirmed, but we wouldn’t expect much change from £45,000 when it goes on sale before the end of the year. 

What’s new for the Peugeot E-408?

Peugeot may have only added one extra letter to the Peugeot 408’s name, but that ‘E’ represents a big change under the skin. In line with the French marque’s naming strategy, the E-408 is fully electric, utilising the tried-and-tested technology found in other EVs from parent-brand Stellantis.

In place of the regular 408’s petrol-hybrid engine, you’ll find a 207bhp electric motor driving the front wheels. Power is supplied by a 58kWh battery – bigger than the 54kWh unit found in the E-308, but considerably smaller than the 98kWh battery available in the E-3008 Long Range. As a result, the E-408’s 281-mile range sits between the two – the E-308 tops out at 257 miles, while the E-3008 can manage up to a mighty 435 miles. Still, that should be enough for most family car drivers who only cover an average of 28 miles a day, according to Peugeot.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

When you do run low on charge, you’ll be able to top up using a rapid charger at speeds of up to 120kW, allowing for a 20-80% top up in just over 30 minutes. Home charging is handled by an 11kW on-board AC charger, plus all E-408s get a heat pump fitted as standard, helping to preserve range in the colder months. There’s regenerative braking, too, to help recover energy that would otherwise be lost when slowing down, which can be adjusted via the steering-wheel mounted paddles. 

Performance figures are yet to be confirmed, but we expect the E-408 to be a bit nippier than its mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid siblings, which have always felt a bit sluggish.

What Peugeot hasn’t changed is the styling, which, depending on your view of the regular 408, may not be a bad thing. The standard 408 was already a handsome machine, with a chiselled front end and an unusual half-coupe, half-SUV profile. The E-408 gets the same claw-like daytime-running lights, a body-coloured grille, and a practical hatchback boot opening. Peugeot’s designers haven’t fiddled with the interior either – it still features the i-Cockpit dashboard layout with an optional 3D display and a mixture of fabric, mesh and Alcantara upholstery.

How much does the Peugeot E-408 cost and when can I buy one?

UK pricing for the Peugeot E-408 hasn’t been announced yet, but we’d expect an uplift over the current range-topping 408 plug-in hybrid. That model costs from around £41,000, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the E-408 commands closer to £45,000. UK customers will be able to place an order before the end of the year, with initial deliveries expected in early 2025.
You can find out more about our favourite electric family cars here…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range ups the ante with 436-mile range
Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
News
8 Oct 2024

New Tesla Model 3 Long Range ups the ante with 436-mile range

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

The 10 cheapest electric cars you can buy today
Cheapest electric cars
Best cars
7 Oct 2024

The 10 cheapest electric cars you can buy today

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024