Can the Peugeot e-308 SW hold relevance with station wagons?

The new SW model expands the regular electric e-308 in terms of space. What does it offer? If you're looking for an electric-powered station wagon, there aren't many choices on the market. There's the MG5 at the cheapest level, and the pricey Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo at the top end of the price segment. But what if you want something in the middle? In that case, Peugeot might have an answer for you with the new e-308 SW. It's based on the regular e-308 hatchback, but adds a little more luggage space, which could make it a more attractive option for drivers who need a little more room in a new car. Fortunately, it also has all the latest technology and features we found in the 'regular' e-308, so it could prove to be the perfect everyday''electric car - that's why we tested it.

What's new?

As you might expect, this versatile version of the 308 is made with an emphasis on practicality. The slightly longer wheelbase means the 308's luggage space has been increased to 548 liters with the seats in place. This is more than in the MG5, where the volume is 479 liters and can be increased to 1,574 liters if the rear seats are folded down. However, the luggage space is smaller than in the petrol or diesel versions of the 308 SW, where 608 liters are offered with the seats in place.

Otherwise, we have a number of useful features such as Peugeot's i-Cockpit system, which offers a compact steering wheel and new 3D digital gauges that can be adjusted by pressing''buttons.

What's under the hood?

At the heart of the e-308 SW is a 51 kWh battery pack that provides a range of 255 miles from a single charge. That's not the greatest range, especially when compared to long-distance models like the Tesla Model Y or BMW i5, but a smaller battery means less weight and improved efficiency. Linked to a 154 hp electric motor, this kit delivers acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 106 mph.

It also has a maximum charging speed of 100kW, which means a charge from 20 to 80 percent can take 28 minutes. Additionally, with an 11-kilowatt built-in charger, connecting the e-308 SW to a 7.4-kW home charging station will take a full 7 hours and 20''308 model, and its isolation from outside noise is really impressive - it's a very quiet electric car. Even at high speeds, wind noise and road noise are minimal, which helps make the whole trip very relaxing.

What does it look like?

We tend to believe that Peugeot is at its peak when it comes to the looks of its latest models. The French company seems to have found its inspiration again, creating cars that stand out from the crowd without being overly ornate. The E-308 SW, as a beveled station wagon, looks even more dramatic than a hatchback, especially in the brighter colors like blue and green that Peugeot offers.

You also get Peugeot's latest 'claw' headlights, which are spectacular''used across the entire lineup, and the company's new "shield" logo is on both the front and back. This is all in an attempt to move the brand into a more premium segment.

What's the interior like?

This premium style continues inside, where a lot of quality materials have been used. Some rougher materials can be found in the lower parts of the cabin, which are often scratched or marked by shoes, so it makes sense to use more durable materials in these areas. The seats in our GT model were comfortable, but oddly, height adjustment is electric, while forward and rearward adjustments are manual.

We've already mentioned the e-308 SW's ample trunk space, while rear passengers get a fair amount of''space, although people with a larger stature may lack headroom. The whole cabin can appear a little dark due to the black seats and black trim pieces, which makes it feel like there's a lack of light.

What are the features?

There's a lot of hardware, including a large home screen with customizable "i-switches" at the bottom. These allow you to customize the features you want for quick access as needed. The i-Cockpit system continues to stir controversy among testers. The compact steering wheel means that our height means we have to lower it much lower to see the main instruments. Put it where we'd like it to be and the gauges are completely hidden - a slightly annoying problem that's present in all''Peugeot. However, it depends entirely on your height, so make sure you test it to see how it works in your case.

Verdict:

One of the best aspects of the e-308 SW is that it behaves "normally". If you're new to electric cars and haven't made the transition to them yet, this could be one of the best cars for you, as the steering, ride and handling feel easy and intuitive. It also has ample range and the charging speed is fast enough for everyday use.

Technical information:

• Model tested: Peugeot E-308 SW
• Motor: Electric motor
• Power: 154 hp
• Torque: 270 Nm
• Maximum''Speed: 106 miles an hour
• Run to 60mph: 9.6 seconds
• Fuel consumption: No data
• Emission: 0 g/km
• Range: 255 miles
• Maximum charging rate: 100 kW