New Peugeot 3008 revealed as coupe-style SUV

PARIS -- Peugeot’s next-generation 3008 compact SUV, perhaps the Stellantis brand’s most important launch in years, will have fastback styling and a radical new dashboard with a single widescreen in front of the driver.

Peugeot released photos of the 3008, which will be launched as a full-electric model first with internal-combustion versions to follow, on Friday, ahead of the formal reveal on Tuesday at the brand’s historic factory in Sochaux, eastern France.

The e-3008, as it will be known, will be the first model on the new "electric by design" STLA Medium platform, which will have up to 700 km (434 miles) of range. 

The compact SUV segment is Europe’s second largest -- and one of its most profitable. The first full-electric models are starting to enter the segment. The current 3008, which was launched in 2016, has been a hit for Peugeot, consistently topping the sales charts. Earlier 3008 models were minivans. 

One new rival for the e-3008 will be the Renault Scenic E-Tech, launched this week at the Munich auto show. Like the 3008, the Scenic’s previous generations were compact minivans, but the new model is positioned as an SUV. It will have a range of 620 km, Renault has said.

The new 3008 takes its styling cues from several Peugeots. The front end and overall proportions -- as well as rear “wings” near the roof -- are related to the new 408, a midsize fastback sedan. The short rear overhang and high-positioned taillights are similar to features found on the 2008 small SUV.

Other styling touches include Peugeot’s familiar lion-claw shaped running lights and a two-tone roof. Unlike a number of new models, the 3008 will still have traditional rearview mirrors rather than small side cameras.

Inside, the 3008 uses a new version of the brand’s i-Cockpit dashboard arrangement, with a small steering wheel set below to provide an unobstructed view of the instrument panel. “Piano key” switches control key functions. Images released Friday showed that the 3008 will have a single horizontally oriented screen that “floats” in front of the driver that includes infotainment, rather than a separate, large central screen.

A small screen set midway in the dashboard includes vital functions such as climate and telephone controls. The feature debuted on the DS 4 compact hatchback.

The interior will have broad, sculpted fabric-covered surfaces on the door panels and ahead of the instrument panel, with an asymmetric center console, also covered in the same material. Driving functions on the console are on the driver’s side, while cupholders and an induction phone charger are on the passenger’s side.