Overview

The Peugeot e-408 is a fully electric fastback crossover that sits between traditional hatchbacks and family SUVs. Built on an evolution of Stellantis's EMP2 platform, it targets buyers looking for a stylish alternative to the Polestar 4, Cupra Tavascan, and Kia EV4 Fastback. Combining an elevated ride height with a swept-back roofline, the e-408 delivers a distinctive, modern presence in the C-segment EV market, prioritizing long-distance cruising and striking visual appeal over outright performance.

Design

Featuring a dramatic fastback silhouette, the e-408 incorporates Peugeot's latest design language with sharp body creases, prominent rear haunches, and dark body cladding around the lower skirts and wheel arches. The front is dominated by a body-coloured grille with vertical strakes, framed by ultra-slim LED matrix headlights and integrated claw-like LED daytime running light signatures. Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by a gently sloping roofline that stops at twin roof spoilers and a clean rear tail-light cluster and illuminated lettering. Standard paint options feature eye-catching shades such as Flare Green, while large 19-inch geometric alloy wheels fill the arches to reinforce its planted stance.

Interior

Inside, the cabin features Peugeot's signature i-Cockpit layout, centered around a compact, flattened steering wheel and a high-set 10-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable 3D graphics. The central dashboard houses a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system angled towards the driver, supplemented by customizable touch-sensitive i-Toggle shortcut keys for rapid navigation between primary functions. Build quality is impressive, using soft-touch surfaces, ambient LED lighting, and optional Alcantara or Nappa leather upholstery on higher trims. While ergonomics require brief adjustment to the unique steering wheel positioning, the cabin feels futuristic, driver-focused, and exceptionally well-insulated against road and wind noise.

Performance & Powertrains

Power is supplied by a single front-mounted synchronous electric motor producing 210 bhp and 343 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–62 mph acceleration time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. The motor is paired with a 58kWh NMC battery pack, delivering a range of up to 283 miles. DC fast charging peaks at 120 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in approximately 30 minutes. Steering-wheel-mounted paddles to adjust regenerative braking intensity across three distinct levels are fitted as standard. On the road, the suspension is tuned for high-speed stability and ride comfort rather than aggressive cornering, absorbing road imperfections composedly.

Practicality

Despite the sweeping fastback roofline, rear-passenger legroom is generous thanks to a long 2,787 mm wheelbase shared with larger platform siblings. Headroom in the outer rear seats remains adequate for tall adults, though the central seat is narrower and best suited for short trips or children. The boot offers 471 litres of cargo volume with the rear seats upright, which expands to 1,545 litres when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat. Storage within the passenger cabin includes a deep central armrest cubby, a dedicated wireless smartphone charging tray, spacious door pockets, and multiple USB-C ports for both front and rear occupants.

Buying

Pricing for the Peugeot e-408 starts from £32,695 for the entry-level Allure trim, moving up to £35,095 for the mid-tier GT, and topping out at £37,595 for the flagship GT Premium grade. Standard equipment on the Allure includes keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and a reversing camera. Upgrading to GT adds full LED matrix headlights, hands-free power tailgate, and ambient interior lighting, while GT Premium introduces a heat pump, 360-degree parking cameras, heated electric seats with massage functions, and a Focal premium audio system. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the mid-spec e-408 GT, which strikes the ideal balance of advanced lighting technology, exterior styling enhancements, and overall value for money without requiring the price jump to the flagship trim.