Karmactive Team
After a five-year hiatus, Peugeot has brought back its legendary GTi badge – this time attached to an all-electric model. The new e-208 GTi marks a significant evolution for the French brand, combining classic hot hatch DNA with modern electric power.
Unveiled at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, the e-208 GTi brings impressive performance credentials. Its electric motor delivers 276 horsepower (280 PS) and 345 Nm of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 5.7 seconds – making it significantly quicker than previous GTi models. The last petrol-powered 208 GTi produced 205 horsepower and reached 62 mph in about 6.5 seconds.
The visual transformation is equally striking. The e-208 GTi sits 30mm lower than the standard e-208, with tracks widened by 56mm at the front and 27mm at the rear. These changes give it a more aggressive stance, complemented by 18-inch “Hole” wheels that pay homage to the design of the legendary 205 GTi from the 1980s.
“The new Peugeot e-208 GTi is a ground-breaking next chapter in our Peugeot GTi story,” says Alain Favey, CEO of Peugeot. “This model represents a fusion of our rich heritage with cutting-edge technology.”
Inside, traditional GTi cues remain, with red seatbelts, red stitching on the dashboard, and distinctive red seat stripes reminiscent of the original 205 GTi. The modern i-Cockpit layout features a 10-inch central touchscreen and digital driver display with GTi-specific graphics.
Peugeot Sport, the company’s motorsport division, developed the chassis. Modifications include specific springs and dampers with hydraulic bump stops, a limited-slip differential, retuned steering, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The front brakes feature substantial 355mm discs with four-piston calipers.
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For all its sporting pretensions, this remains an electric vehicle. The 54 kWh battery provides a WLTP range of up to 217 miles (350 km), though real-world driving will likely yield closer to 160-170 miles. The e-208 GTi supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW, allowing a 20-80% charge in under 30 minutes.
While previous petrol GTi models like the 208 GTi achieved around 47-52 mpg according to official figures, the new electric version offers the equivalent efficiency of a much higher figure, albeit with the range limitations typical of current EVs.
Price-wise, though not officially confirmed, industry experts expect the e-208 GTi to cost around £40,000 (€45,000) when it goes on sale in late 2025, with deliveries beginning in early 2026. This positions it at a premium compared to the previous 208 GTi, which started at around £20,000, reflecting both its advanced technology and the broader industry shift toward higher-priced electric models.
The e-208 GTi enters a nascent electric hot hatch segment, competing with the Alpine A290, Mini John Cooper Works Electric, and its Stellantis stablemate, the Abarth 600e. Unlike many competitors, Peugeot has emphasized handling and driver engagement, not just straight-line speed.
Jean Marc Finot, Senior VP of Stellantis Motorsport, claims the e-208 GTi captures “the typical Peugeot GTi agility and steering feeling” despite its electric powertrain. Whether it truly recaptures the magic of the original 205 GTi – still revered as one of the greatest hot hatches ever made – remains to be seen when it reaches drivers’ hands next year.
