We Tested the New Peugeot 308 Electric: Find Out Its Most Impressive Improvement!

Peugeot has been one of the early adopters in electrifying its lineup. Today, the French brand’s electric range is complete, from the small e-208 to the e-5008, which we had the opportunity to test. Between these two models sits the e-308, launched in 2023. This model represents a significant evolution for the compact car, which is, for the record, one of the company’s top sellers in its internal combustion versions. It even topped sales charts in France in 2025 and was the 6th best-selling car in its segment across Europe, across all types of powertrains.

Having driven the 100% electric version at its launch, it now benefits from a mid-life facelift. This update is far from trivial, as it radically changes the car’s style. More than that, it brings several improvements under the hood. Thus, this new version addresses one of the main drawbacks of the electric compact: its range. But we will delve deeper into this aspect later in our review.

As a competitor to the Renault Mégane E-Tech, one of the best-selling electric cars in France, the e-308 has its work cut out to catch up. This model did not even make it into the top 20 zero-emission vehicles in France as of October. Could this change? We were eager to find out by getting behind the wheel. Discover our detailed review of this drastically evolved model.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Technical Specifications

This test was conducted during a press trip organized by the brand.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Design: Significant Evolutions

Recall, it was in 2021 that the current and 3rd generation of the Peugeot 308 was unveiled to the public, initially in its internal combustion version. It was only two years later that the compact model finally got an electric variant. Unlike some manufacturers, who offer two distinct ranges, the vehicles from this French firm are identical, regardless of their powertrain. Thus, the 308 has some distinct elements in its 100% electric variant.

The facelift is particularly noticeable. The manufacturer has revamped the entire front end of the 308, making it even more aggressive. However, the style is far from being caricatured, and this new design is indeed very successful. We see a brand new front bumper, featuring a grille made of multiple facets that match the body color. This is surrounded by newly enlarged air intakes, giving a more dynamic style to the car.

The vertical fangs have now disappeared and are replaced by a light signature incorporating small strips that extend into the black band connecting the lights. We see the new brand logo, which is now backlit—a first for the French manufacturer. From the side, the sedan retains an unchanged silhouette but now features new 17 and 18-inch wheels depending on the trim selected. A new Ingaro Blue color also makes its debut in the catalog.

The drag coefficient (Cx) is announced at 0.27, which is not as good as the 0.219 of its competitor, the Tesla Model 3. However, this remains average for the market. At the rear, the new Peugeot e-308 restyled model shows much more subtle changes than at the front. In fact, we simply see the light signature from the top trims now standard on all versions. The bumper is retained, with its faux exhaust tips to give it a more dynamic style.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Habitability: No Changes to Report

While there are numerous changes on the exterior of the car, it’s a completely different story inside. Because, quite simply, there are absolutely no changes to the driving position of the electric compact. And truthfully, this isn’t really a problem, as the layout is already well thought out. We thus quickly find our bearings inside the restyled 308, although a brief adjustment period will be necessary for newcomers.

Indeed, the overall ergonomics are a step back compared to the 2nd generation, in our opinion. You will need to dig through the screen to find all the settings, but we’ll discuss this more below. Regardless, this cabin still looks very high-quality. Identical across all versions, it is the polar opposite of what Tesla offers. Where the American firm opts for minimalism, Peugeot aims to provide a more traditional presentation. And the result is convincing, with materials that are pleasing to both look at and touch.

It’s possible to enjoy aluminum and Alcantara depending on the trim selected, while the seats are cloth-covered. These offer excellent lateral support and now feature a new TEP upholstery, reserved for the Allure and GT trims. Note that they are manually adjustable, except on the GT Exclusive version, which tops the range. Of course, the i-Cockpit is also retained, with a small steering wheel and its instrument cluster placed high up.

While it has been thoroughly tested over the years, it continues to impress and remains very convincing. We also appreciate the storage options, particularly on the central console, which make the car very practical for everyday use.

The car retains the same 2.67-meter wheelbase, for a total length of 4.36 meters. Five people can sit inside, and the habitability remains average for the segment. The trunk volume is announced at 361 liters. It’s a pity that the compact lacks a frunk at the front.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Infotainment: A Few Small Improvements

As mentioned earlier, the driver’s position in the new Peugeot e-308 has not changed at all from the previous iteration. We thus also find the same infotainment system, and do not lose our bearings.

Thus, customers can still benefit from a 10-inch touchscreen, very well integrated into the dashboard. It remains compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and wirelessly. Additionally, it includes a route planner, which the conditions of the test did not allow us to try.

This is now installed for free on the electric compact, as we had announced in a previous article. Named e-Routes, it is included for a duration of 10 years, just like the E-Commands service. The latter takes the form of a smartphone app, which allows remote access to certain car settings. It is thus possible to preheat the cabin or manage charging without starting it. The touchscreen remains generally well thought out and practical, especially since it is paired with shortcuts located just below.

Called i-Toggles, these are customizable and easily accessible. It’s a shame, however, that the climate control settings are not constantly displayed on the screen and that you have to change the display each time. Another disappointment is the screen’s responsiveness, which remains below what some competitors offer. The graphics are contemporary, nothing more. The driver can also enjoy a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, positioned above the steering wheel. This is standard on all trims and features 3D processing on the most premium versions.

Note that it features new graphics with the facelift to slightly modernize its appearance. It remains always comprehensive and customizable. However, the car lacks a head-up display, which is a bit disappointing at this price point. It does, however, feature a wireless smartphone charger as well as several USB-C ports, both at the front and rear. Note that, like the previous model, the new Peugeot 308 is equipped with the Clean Cabin function on the GT Exclusive trim. This allows the cabin air to be purified, thanks to integrated particle sensors.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Driving Aids: A Comprehensive Offering

The restyled new Peugeot e-308 has slightly revised its lineup, with the introduction of new trims. Now, the entry-level version is embodied by the Style trim, which makes the compact more accessible. This still comes with a quite generous technological package.

Thus, the car comes standard with the Drive Assist pack, which includes adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, as well as keyless start, rear parking aid, both graphic and audible – the rearview camera does not come until the next level up – and LED headlights with automatic illumination.

Under the GSR2 standard, imposed by the European Union, the car is fitted with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and overspeed alerts. The car is also capable of monitoring the driver’s attention. While all these aids are activated from the start of the car, it is possible to deactivate them if they are too intrusive. And this is done with a button, which you simply need to press and hold for three seconds. A system similar to what Renault offers, which proves to be particularly practical.

But that’s not all, as the range now also features a new trim topping the catalog. This is called GT Exclusive and it packs a full suite of driving aids, in addition to those offered on other versions. Notable features include the VisioPark 360° system with four cameras, as well as rear traffic detection, and even level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

Unfortunately, our route did not allow us to test this during our brief hands-on. However, some colleagues have reported a system still in need of improvement, sometimes struggling to properly adjust its speed. But without going up to this trim, which is not necessarily within everyone’s budget, the Allure version is already an excellent compromise. It notably brings the HD rearview camera. For the record, this is the 2nd trim level, after the Style.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Driving: A Versatile Character, but Lacking Dynamism

The new Peugeot 308 retains the EMP2 platform from the previous version and subtly evolves its range. And for a good reason, we remember that the pre-facelift variant had two power levels, namely 136 and 156 horsepower. Now, this new iteration eliminates the less powerful option.

Thus, the range is more limited than before, while Peugeot adopts a radically opposite strategy to some of its rivals. For example, Tesla, which offers a wide choice of versions for its Model 3.

But the lion-brand primarily relies on its multi-energy offerings to attract customers. The electric motor of the French compact is thus shared with other models from the Stellantis group, including the Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600e, among others. Its torque has increased by 10 Nm to reach 270 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. It’s clear that the compact is far from sporty, and this is felt in driving. Even though we know that torque is delivered instantly, thanks to the electric motor.

The maximum speed is limited to 170 km/h. Truthfully, the new Peugeot e-308 is somewhat disappointing in terms of dynamism, which is less pronounced compared to the previous generation. However, this is particularly true for the electric version, probably due to its high weight. For the record, the compact weighs no less than 1.7 tons, which is quite heavy. Certainly, the battery installed under the floor lowers the center of gravity, but the handling still lacks character.

Especially since the suspension is quite soft, as requested by the customers. The car is then comfortable and very versatile, but we would have liked a bit more dynamism. The steering could also be a bit more informative, although it remains adequate overall. Several driving modes are offered, and we notably opted for the Sport setting. This primarily improves throttle response and makes the car a bit more sporty, without completely transforming it.

Peugeot e-308 (2025)Range, Battery, and Charging: There’s Improvement

As we’ve seen earlier, the Peugeot e-308 mainly evolves aesthetically with this facelift. However, the technical part sees a welcome evolution. If you remember, we had lamented that the range of the compact was a bit too low on the previous iteration, with 410 kilometers in mixed WLTP cycle. This is equivalent to what the Renault 5 E-Tech offers, which is a car mainly intended for city use. Because the 308 had to make do with a battery showing a gross capacity of 54 kWh (of which 51 kWh were usable).

But now the manufacturer brings a significant improvement to its car, as it now features a pack of 58.3 kWh gross (55.4 kWh usable)Similar Posts

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Maya Singh

Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.