The production-ready Peugeot e-208 GTi will be unveiled this week
The 276bhp electric hot hatch is also confirmed to very closely resemble last year’s concept...
On sale Autumn 2026 Price from £35,000 (est)
In the famous Japanese media franchise, Pokémon, each character has a final evolutionary form which represents it at its highest potency. For the Peugeot e-208 range, that final evolution is this: the e-208 GTi.
Announced last year as a fizzy all-electric hot hatch to take on the likes of the Alpine A290 and the Mini Cooper Electric JCW, Peugeot has confirmed the official launch will take place this Friday at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. We’ve also been told that the final production-ready car will remain “extremely faithful” to the concept revealed last summer, which is music to the ears of enthusiasts.
It means the powerful front-mounted electric motor – shared with the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce and the Vauxhall Corsa GSe as part of the Stellantis group – is expected to produce between 276bhp and 280bhp. As for acceleration, rumours point towards 0-62mph of just 5.7sec; quicker than both a top-spec A290 GTS (6.4sec) and the Cooper Electric JCW (5.9sec).
Elsewhere, the GTi’s 54kWh (total capacity) battery is targeting 217 miles of range in theory, though our real-world EV range tests show you’re unlikely to get that far in practice. Even still, most rivals boast higher official figures: the A290 can travel up to 236 miles, the Smart #1 Brabus manages 248 miles, and the Cooper JCW returns as much as 250 miles between trips to the plug.
It’ll take just under eight hours for the e-208 GTi to recharge from a 7.4kW home charger. When you’re out and about, it can charge at speeds of up to 100kW at a public charger, allowing for a 20-80% top-up in less than 30 minutes. The Cupra Raval (125kW) is one of several rivals that can regain its electrons quicker, though.
The e-208 GTi also benefits from vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which allows you to charge up external devices using the car’s battery. But to be able to do that, you’ll need to opt for an additional adaptor.
Having been taken off sale in 2019, the old 208 GTi produced slightly less power but was still fun to drive. For this second-coming, Peugeot says it is taking driving pleasure "more seriously than ever", which means it should take the two main traits of a dinky yet deft hot hatch very seriously: handling and agility.
To help with this, Peugeot has re-engineered the Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes specifically for the GTi. In Sport mode, for instance, the regenerative braking system is completely switched off so you get a more natural braking feel from the mechanical brakes. The steering weight and accelerator response are enhanced, too.
On the outside, the e-208 GTi gets some subtle design changes from the regular model, including a lowered body, which means you’ll be riding 30mm closer to the ground, larger 18in alloy wheels with GTi badging, and a splitter added to the bottom of the front bumper. It’s also available exclusively in a unique red colour, which is designed to draw on the popular red paint of the well-loved 205 GTi model from the 1980s.
That red theme continues inside onto the carpets, floor mats and seat belts. The front seats get red detailing alongside new higher-quality fabrics. We've had the chance to sit inside the e-208 GTi and found the seats to be comfortable and tightly bolstered, so they should hug you firmly in place when cornering at speed.
The e-208 GTi gets the same infotainment system as in the regular e-208, with a digital instrument cluster alongside a sharp 10in infotainment touchscreen complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as an integrated 3D sat-nav.
What’s different is the red theme across both screens and the fact that you can also view performance information specific to the GTi. Red ambient lighting comes as the default, but you can change it to one of seven other colours.
Interior quality is generally very good, with plush faux suede Alcantara furnishing the steering wheel and centre console, with the latter providing extra cushioning for your knees when cornering (this area is hard plastic on the regular car). You also get some thicker floor mats which should hopefully stand the test of time.
The Peugeot e-208 GTi is set to arrive in showrooms later this year, with the pricing structure to be revealed during Friday's launch. We're expecting it to start between £35,000 and £40,000, which would prove competitive with the Alpine A290 GTS (£36,225) and the Mini Cooper Electric JCW (£34,905), but cheaper than than the Smart #1 Brabus (£44,960).
Read more: Best hot hatches
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
