Peugeot e-2008 and Citroën ë-C4 get new battery and more range

Peugeot’s smallest SUV is given a slight mid-life update, with a facelift taking cues straight from its recently updated sister sedan, the 508. Not only is the 2008’s skin tighter, but the electric version also gets a more powerful motor and a new, larger battery, which increases the range. Sister company Citroën does precisely the same with the ë-C4 and ë-C4 X.

There comes a point where a model that led to changes in a brand must be updated as all of its brothers and sisters have caught up. That time has come for Peugeot 2008.

Launched in 2019, the French brand’s smallest crossover sits easily on the podium of the best-selling B-segment SUVs, with nearly 700 000 units produced. More impressive still, the electric version – aptly named e-2008 – accounted for 17,4% of all electric B-SUV sales in 2022.

Lion’s claw

Peugeot hasn’t reinvented the wheel with its updated 2008, nor have we asked it to. Instead, changes are mainly concentrated at the front, where the small SUV gets a whole new facia.

A new grill sits proudly between two new headlamp units. Gone are the walrus fangs of the LED light signature, replaced by three vertical lines. As was the case on the recently updated Peugeot 508, these are supposed to represent lion’s claws. In addition, the lights have been updated at the back, and the Peugeot logo is gone.

It’ll be hard to pinpoint any noticeable difference inside without reading the press release first. However, a new gear selector sits on the center console, and the infotainment’s 10-inch screen is now standard-fit on all grades.

More power and more range

While powertrains remain primarily unchanged for all the Peugeot 2008 range, the electric variant gets a significant upgrade. The e-2008 receives the same new electric motor as its sister e-308. However, it’ll sharpen the performance with 154 hp and 260 Nm of torque.

However, it’s not the most significant upgrade. That award goes to the new, larger, 54 kWh battery. Only 4 kWh larger doesn’t seem that big of a difference, but the cell chemistry has also changed, allowing for more range. On paper, the e-2008 offers a max range of 406 km, 60 kilometers more than before.

Citroën ë-C4 (X)

When Stellantis bakes a cake, every family member gets a slice. Therefore, after the e-308, the DS 3 E-Tense, the Opel Mokka-e, and this e-2008, Citroën receives its share.

The same combo of 154 hp electric motor and 54 kWh battery is transplanted in the electric ë-C4 and ë-C4 X. Thanks to better aerodynamics, the range is more extensive than the Peugeot, with a maximum of 421 km with the ‘Extended Range’ mode activated. That is a giant leap from the 360 km from the previous battery.