The Peugeot E-308 SW or station wagon to give its full name, is essentially an elongated version of the Peugeot E-308 hatchback we reviewed not long ago. Being only one of few electric estates on the market the e-308 SW positions itself as a strong choice for those looking for a family EV without going all out with an SUV.

Performance

As expected, the E-308 SW exhibits a familiar feel to the hatchback when taken on the road. This is partly because they use an identical powertrain, where a 51kWh battery powers a 115kW electric motor propelling the front wheels. As well as that, the two cars share remarkably similar ride and handling characteristics.

But let's start off with the powertrain, capable of generating a maximum of 156hp and delivering reasonable performance. Officially, it takes just under 10 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h, a sufficient pace for keeping up with traffic. Engaging Sport mode unleashes the car's full power, enhancing accelerator response slightly, yet it never gives the impression of being particularly swift.

The default Normal driving mode limits power to 136hp and 250Nm, whereas Eco mode further reduces it to 108hp and 220Nm. The difference in driving experience will be noticeable, and opting for the less powerful modes can contribute to extending the driving range.

Range and Charging

As expected, the E-308 SW exhibits slightly lower efficiency compared to its hatchback counterpart. However, the variance is minimal, ranging between 392 and 409km on a single charge. In contrast, the E-308 hatch achieves a range of 410 to 413km, highlighting a marginal difference.

There’s no compromise in terms of charging either, when the battery is depleted, E-308 SW owners can benefit from the identical 100kW charging capacity as the hatchback. At maximum charging speed, the Peugeot's battery can be replenished from 20 percent to 80 percent in less than 25 minutes.

Design and Interior

Right from the beginning, the Peugeot E-308 SW was crafted to closely resemble its petrol, diesel, and hybrid counterparts. In their efforts to avoid an over-the-top appearance for the electric model, the design comes with only a couple of minimal distinctions, including E badges on the tailgate and a unique set of 18-inch alloy wheels specific to the E-308.

The i-Cockpit layout incorporates a smaller-than-average steering wheel designed to be operated in a low-down position, allowing for clear visibility of the high-set dials above. While this driving set up may not be suitable for everyone, you will get accustomed to it over time. Nevertheless, we appreciate the 'i-Toggle' controls positioned beneath the central 10.0-inch touchscreen. This control panel features illuminated shortcut icons that can be customised based on individual priorities.

Cost Considerations

Although Irish pricing for the e-308 SW has not been revealed, judging by its hatchback counterpart, it is unlikely to be positioned as a budget-friendly option. But can a generous amount of standard equipment and a commendable driving experience still provide reasonable value?

The Peugeot e-308 SW not only matches the spaciousness of its hatchback counterpart but also exhibits more of an aesthetic appeal and an enhanced driving experience. While it’s set to come with a slightly higher price tag than the hatchback and offers a marginally shorter range, these appear to be modest trade-offs for choosing the SW variant over the conventional model. In return, you gain significantly more cargo capacity and, in our opinion, a slightly more attractive overall package.

Conclusion

Although the Peugeot e-308 SW is essentially an e-308 with added cargo space, it remains a compelling option for those in search of a family-sized electric vehicle that strikes a balance between being not too large and not too small. Stay tuned for updates on pricing and availability in Ireland as soon as we uncover more details.