Peugeot Beats VW to the Punch with Electric E-208 GTI: A Hot Hatch for the EV Era

While Volkswagen continues to tease the world with the idea of an electric GTI, Peugeot has gone ahead and made it a reality. In a surprise unveiling at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the French automaker debuted the all-new Peugeot E-208 GTI — officially the first electric GTI from either of the legendary European rivals.

The E-208 GTI brings serious performance to the compact EV segment. With a single electric motor driving the front wheels, it delivers 280 hp and 346 Nm of torque, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds — making it the fastest GTI in Peugeot’s history.

Underpinned by the Stellantis e-CMP platform, it’s related to the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, yet manages to outpace them both. It even out-accelerates the electric Mini JCW, Peugeot's closest competitor in the hot hatch EV space.

Equipped with a 54 kWh battery, the E-208 GTI claims a range of up to 350 km. Charging is fast and convenient, with a 20-80% top-up taking under 30 minutes. It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) tech, allowing it to power devices on the go.

Design-wise, the E-208 GTI is a modern homage to the iconic 205 GTI. It sits lower by 30mm, has a wider track, and rolls on 18-inch wheels inspired by the 205 GTI 1.9. Red accents, four-piston calipers, and 355mm rotors round off the aggressive exterior, while inside, you’ll find red stitching, retro-inspired upholstery, and sporty seating that echoes its legendary predecessor.

Set to launch later this year with an expected price of €42,000, the Peugeot E-208 GTI is redefining the hot hatch for a new generation — though it may not carry the same budget-friendly charm of past GTIs.