Peugeot Introduces Sleek Electric GTI Before Volkswagen Does
Peugeot unveiled its new E-208 GTi last Friday at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, bringing back a name synonymous with sportiness the French carmaker hadn't used in six years and one that dates back to the 205 GTi from 1984.
It’s Peugeot's first fully electric GTi, and it arrives about two years before Volkswagen launches its future electric Golf GTI—if all goes according to plan.
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In GTi trim, the battery-powered variant of the little 208 boasts best-in-class performance, Peugeot insists, with 276 hp and 0-100 km/h sprints in just 5.7 seconds. That’s two tenths of a second quicker than the Fiat 600e Abarth Scorpionissima and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce (both of which also ride on a version of Stellantis' e-CMP platform) as well as the new electric MINI John Cooper Works.
The single motor sends its power along with 255 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels exclusively. As for the CATL battery with a gross capacity of 54 kWh, it’s said to offer a range of 350 km according to the WLTP standard (which is a little more optimistic than ours) and can be charged from 20-80 percent in less than 30 minutes at a 100kW DC charging station.
Stunning Looks
Beyond its performance, the Peugeot E-208 GTi impresses with a striking exterior design. The firmer suspension lowers the car by 30 mm, while the tracks are widened by 56 mm at the front and 27 mm at the rear, giving it a more athletic stance. At the same time, the fenders are flared and adorned with an elegant red line as a nod to the 205 GTi.
The PEUGEOT GTi-branded 18-inch wheels underneath are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Their perforated structure is a tribute to the iconic ‘Speedline’ wheels of the 205 GTi while also helping optimize brake cooling. By the way, the front brakes feature four-piston fixed calipers and 355mm discs.
The red accent colour is carried through to the interior of the E-208 GTi. The bright red carpets, floor mats and seat belts immediately create a sporty atmosphere in the cabin. Ambient lighting is also red by default.
As for seating, the sporty and elegant front buckets with integrated headrests pay homage to the design of the 205 GTi 1.9 seats with a central red trim that extends across the seat and backrest, not to mention the red mesh on the right side of the seats recalling that of the 205 GTi 1.6.
The Peugeot E-208 GTi will go on sale in Europe later in 2025. Yeah, we’re jealous.