After several months of announcements and the great anticipation of the automotive public, Peugeot has finally and officially brought back to life one of the most legendary brands in the world of sports compacts – the GTi. This time, however, the iconic three letters come with an “e” prefix, marking a bold leap into an all-electric future. The new Peugeot e-208 GTi is not only the successor to its famous predecessors, but also the French brand’s first all-electric high-performance model, and orders in France are already open.
Range up to 375 kilometers
The heart of this electric athlete is the advanced M4+ electric motor that develops 277 HP (207 kW) and 345 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels and is delivered by the Peugeot Sport division, known for its work on racing programs, including the World Endurance Championship. The result is acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, while the maximum speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. These numbers place it at the very top of the segment.
Power is provided by a battery with a capacity of 54 kWh, which according to the WLTP allows a combined range of up to 375 kilometers. It is interesting that Peugeot states that with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires, which come as standard equipment, the range is reduced to 352 kilometers, which is a fair figure for drivers who plan to use the car’s full potential. When the battery is empty, the 100 kW direct current fast charging support enables charging from 20 to 80 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes.
Improved chassis and distinctive design
To cope with the extra power and provide the driving experience expected of a GTi model, Peugeot Sport has thoroughly refined the chassis. The car has been lowered by 25 millimeters and the wheel track has been widened to improve cornering stability. Unique springs and shock absorbers, a mechanical differential with limited slip and an additional stabilizer on the rear axle are installed, which complements the front one taken from the standard model.
Visually, the e-208 GTi is clearly different from its tamer brethren. As presented by Peugeot, the exterior is more aggressive thanks to a unique front spoiler and a redesigned rear diffuser in gloss black, inside which is integrated a rear fog light inspired by Formula 1. Rounding out the story are flared wheel arches, red accents, 18-inch “perforated” wheels reminiscent of those on the 205 GTi and, of course, the inevitable “208 GTi” badging on the C-pillars. roof.
Interior with a dedication to a famous ancestor
The red theme continues in the interior, where we find red carpets, floor mats, seat belts and contrasting stitching. Special attention is drawn to the sports seats, which are a direct tribute to those from the legendary 205 GTi 1.9 model, while their central red insert and mesh detail evoke memories of the 205 GTi 1.6 version.
The steering wheel is covered in leather and Alcantara, and the instrument panel and multimedia screen also have displays highlighted in red. Ambient lighting is standard red, but the driver can choose from seven other colors. Peugeot also mentions a “sound environment” system that is linked to the vehicle’s speed and can be switched off if desired.
The Peugeot e-208 GTi in the French market starts with a price of 42,900 euros, which is not cheap, but it is quite competitive when you look at the price of its direct rival, the Abarth 600e, which starts with a price of 46,900 euros.