If you like the idea of owning a wagon with electric power you’re not short of options in 2025 – at least in Europe. The Audi A6 e-tron Avant, BMW i5 Touring and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo heading our money-no-object list. Rewind three years, and Peugeot’s E-308 SW was one of only a couple of options, but now with middle age approaching the affordable electric wagon pioneer is getting a makeover.

Spied parked up in a Stellantis R&D facility, this SW – Peugeot says the letters stand for Station Wagon – has the automaker’s trademark crystal-effect camouflage wrap on its nose and tail. And it’s irritatingly good at its job, keeping the details of the styling tweaks mostly safe from prying eyes.

Related: The First Electric GTI Isn’t From VW, It’s From Peuegot

But we can see that the fenders, hood and headlight shape don’t appear to have changed, and it’s just possible to make out the new grille, which consists of a series of upright bars, just like on the facelifted 2008 SUV. It’s possible that the 308 could adopt a similar DRL claw arrangement to the 2008, swapping the current car’s single downward swipe for three.

It looks like the rear changes could be even more discrete, the contours of the bodywork beneath the camouflage suggesting tweaks will be limited to new rear light signatures and possibly a new profile for the section of lower bumper located between the fog and reverse lights.

Potential Powertrain Upgrades

But those minimal styling updates might be hiding some more substantial changes under the skin. Right now the only powertrain setup available in the E-308 is a single 154 h (156 PS) / 115 kW) electric motor that’s pulls its charge from a small 54 kWh battery that gives a range of around 254 miles (409 km).

But since the E-308 was launched we’ve been introduced to several newer single-motor Stellantis EVs built on the same E-CMP platform with far more power. Peugeot’s own E-208 GTI, for example has 276 hp (280 PS / 206 kW), so it’s possible the E-308 SW could get the option of that powertrain – potentially with GTI branding. And the E-208 GTI’s Abarth’s 600e cousin additionally offers a 237 hp (240 PS / 177 kW) motor that could also work in the 308.

A Facelift for the Entire Family

Whatever new goodies the E-308 adopts, you can expect them to be shared with its hatchback sibling. The design updates, meanwhile, will likely make their way to the combustion 308 as well, with an expected rollout in early 2026.

Baldauf

VW has promised to put its legendary GTI badge on a production EV before the end of the decade, but one of its biggest hot hatch rivals, a brand with its own back catalog of GTI heroes, has only gone and beaten it to the punch.

Peugeot revealed the E-208 GTI at this year’s Le Mans 24H in France, bringing the GTI badge back to its lineup after a six-year absence and using it on an electric car for the first time. The regular 208 is available with petrol or ICE power, so Peugeot has hinted that it could also create a 208 GTI with a combustion engine in the future, but for now, it’s going all-in on electric.

Related: Peugeot E-3008 And E-5008 Gaining New Performance Variant

The 208/e-208 is built around a version of the e-CMP Stellantis platform used on cars like the Fiat 600 and Alfa Romeo Junior, and so it comes as no surprise that the e-208 GTI shares much with the hot electric version of those cars, the Abarth 600e Scorpionissima and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.

It gets the same single electric motor that sends 276 hp (280 PS / 206 kW) and 255 lb-ft (345 Nm) to the front wheels, though Peugeot claims a small performance advantage, saying the GTI gets to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 5.7 seconds, rather than the 5.9 seconds it takes the Alfa and Abarth.

Outmoves the Mini JCW

That makes the E-208 GTI Peugeot’s quickest accelerating GTI ever, and quicker than all three electric Mini Coopers. The punchiest of those, the 258 hp (262 PS / 192 kW) JCW  is 0.2 seconds slower to 62 mph, though it will pull clear of the Pug at the top end, reaching 124 mph (200 kmh), rather than 112 mph (180 km) before a limiter stops the fun.

Peugeot

Both have 54 kWh (gross) batteries, but the JCW does more with it, stretching a charge up to 226-250 WLTP miles (364-402 km) while the Pug is reaching for the plug at just 217 miles (350 km). Charge speeds are nothing special, Peugeot claiming a 20-80 percent fill takes “less than” 30 minutes, which is on a par with the JCW, though the 208 proves faster in AC hook-up situations and is the only one to offer standard V2L.

Retro design cues

A 30 mm (1.2 inches) suspension drop and a track widened by 56 mm (2.2 inches) at the front and 27 mm (1.06 inches) at the rear give Peugeot’s latest GTI the kind of square stance that made the classic 205 GTI 1.9 a visual knockout. The 18-inch wheels even pay homage to the 1.9’s rims with their multi-hole design and a center badge whose red GTI letters look like the ones on the badge fitted to the 205’s C-pillar.

There’s more red on the stretched arch flares, the outer portions of the grille, the headlights, and on the four-piston brake callipers, which grab 355-mm rotors. And the red-fest continues inside with red ambient lighting and digital displays (both can be changed to other colors), red floor mats and seatbelts, red stitching on the dashboard and also on the sports seats whose central red stripe again riffs on the design 205 1.9’s half-leather chairs, while the mesh-effect pattern tips a hat to the 1.6 versions’s cloth seats.

With all those nods to Peugeot’s greatest ever hot hatch, let’s hope the driving experience lives up to the promise when the GTI goes on sale later this year, probably priced around £36,000. Besides the better brakes, the GTI package includes retuned springs and dampers, a new rear anti-roll bar, track-friendly Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, and reworked steering assistance, so the signs are good. But the proof is going to be in the driving. How do you rate the E-208’s chances of going down in history as another GTI icon?

Peugeot

There’s still life in the hot hatch world, and Peugeot isn’t letting electrification dull its edge. The brand is bringing back the GTi badge, and this time, it’s going on an EV.

Peugeot has confirmed it will launch a GTi version of the all-electric E-208, marking the return of its storied performance line. The new hot hatch is set to make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13, and it could pave the way for future GTi variants across the French automaker’s lineup.

The E-208 GTI will be the automaker’s first performance-focused electric vehicle and targets buyers who want something engaging to drive. Peugeot boss Alain Favey said relaunching the GTi brand will help it “reconnect” with its past and history while also establishing a link between its road cars and its involvement in the World Endurance Championship.

More: VW Promises A Whole Family Of ‘Mind-Blowing’ GTIs, But There’s A Catch

“I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the E-208 as soon as possible,” Favey told Autocar. “We’ve made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced. We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car.”

The return of the GTi will effectively replace the short-lived Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) badge. The latter was only applied on the 508 in sedan and SW forms, despite initial plans of an entire lineup of electrified performance variants.

The GTi version of the E-208 could borrow powertrain components from the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and the upcoming Opel Mokka GSE. The mechanically-related SUVs generate from 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) up to 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) from a single electric motor. Power is transmitted to the front wheels with the help of a limited-slip differential.

More: Stellantis Turns Small SUV Into An Electric Rally Weapon

Given that the Peugeot E-208 is a bit smaller and lighter, it should be pretty nippy, perhaps capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 6 seconds. The model will most likely benefit from styling and chassis upgrades, communicating its sporty character.

Favey added that, apart from the E-208, Peugeot will consider launching a new combustion-engined GTi if that’s what customers want.

“We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well,” he said. “We don’t exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there’s absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”

Thanos Pappas contributed to this story.

Stellantis isn’t just a car company; it’s a continent-spanning brand collective with a habit of churning out crossovers like a bakery pumps out croissants. With names from Italy, France, Germany, and the US under its belt, it’s no surprise that many of its mainstream models share bones beneath the surface. That includes its latest crop of compact SUVs, which use common underpinnings while each clings to its own visual identity in a crowded, hyper-competitive segment.

More: Which European Car Should Stellantis Import Or Rebadge For America?

Among these mechanically-linked cousins, Jeep, Citroen, Opel, and Peugeot each toss their hat into the ring with subtly different flavors, all aiming for the same buyers and the same wallets. On paper, they have more in common than not, but visually there’s enough variation to make a side-by-side design comparison worthwhile.

Thus, we lined them up and now it’s your turn to tell us which one you’d actually want in your driveway. Even if it’s theoretical since most of you won’t get the chance, as Europe is the only region where all of them are currently on sale.

The Compact Contenders

The contenders include the newly revealed Jeep Compass, Citroen C5 Aircross, Opel Grandland, and the Peugeot 3008 and 5008. In the future, they should be joined by the DS No7, which will replace the current DS7. While earlier generations of the European models rode on the PSA-era EMP2 platform, the Jeep is the newcomer to this shared architecture, having recently moved from its old FCA roots to the STLA Medium platform.

More: This Stellantis Brand Is Working On A Spicy SUV With An Electric Twist

As mentioned, none of these SUVs are currently sold in the US. The Compass might eventually cross the Atlantic, but Jeep is still “assessing the situation,” which is just a polite way of saying “we’re waiting to see how messy the trade tariffs get” as the company has paused work at the Canadian plant it was supposed to build the North American version.

As mentioned, none of these SUVs are currently offered in the US. The Compass has the best shot at making the jump, but Jeep is still “assessing the situation” – which is the polite way of saying they’re waiting to see just how messy the trade tariffs get. In the meantime, the company has paused work at the Canadian plant that was originally set to build the North American version.

Same Platform, Different Personalities

All five SUVs ride on the same platform but feature different bodywork. The Peugeot 3008 and 5008 are the only ones that look like twins from the front, while the others keep their sheet metal to themselves. That gave designers enough freedom to inject some brand DNA, even if the proportions are dictated by the shared architecture.

Front-end design is where the Jeep leans hard into its off-road roots, with a squared-up face, seven-slot grille, and thick plastic cladding. The Citroen goes the other way, aiming for futuristic with split headlights and decorative intakes that do more looking than actually breathing.

More: DS No8 Breaks Cover As The New French Electric Flagship

Peugeot’s models take the sporty route, wearing slim headlights and sharp LED “claws” that stretch into the grille. Opel’s Grandland plays it conservative, wearing the brand’s “Vizor” face that’s more subtle, though definitely modern.

Side profiles offer more variety. Jeep stays on-brand with boxy fenders and trapezoidal arches, giving it the most “adventure-ready” stance. Peugeot gives the 3008 a coupe-style roofline, making it the swoopier of the bunch, while the 5008 keeps it upright for max cargo space. The Citroen C5 Aircross adds curves and quirky details, staying true to its contrarian reputation, while Opel again plays it safe. The Grandland’s shark-fin D-pillar is its one standout flourish.

Size Matters (Kind Of)

When it comes to dimensions, the Peugeot 5008 is the big boy of this comparison, measuring 4,791 mm (188.6 inches), placing it in Europe’s (mid-size) D-SUV territory with rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota RAV4.

Citroen’s C5 Aircross and the Opel Grandland are nearly the same length, at around 4,652 mm (183.1 inches), which positions them squarely in the upper end of the C-SUV segment, roomy enough for families but still city-friendly. Bringing up the rear in length are the Compass and 3008, clocking in at 4,550 mm (179.1 inches) and 4,540 mm (178.7 inches) respectively. They’re compact, but not cramped.

Rear Design and Cabin Differences

From the back, the Citroen arguably stands out the most, thanks to LED taillights that jut out like sci-fi fins. The Peugeot 3008, again, plays the sporty card with a sloping roof and spoiler, and it shares its sharp taillights with the taller, boxier 5008.

Interestingly, the Grandland’s rear design is arguably its strongest angle, as was the case with the previous generation. And Jeep? The latest Compass finally brings something modern to the table, improving significantly on its outdated predecessor.

More: Citroen Just Put The Biggest Screen Ever In A Stellantis Model

That brings us to the interior design, where things get surprisingly varied. Each SUV takes a different approach to the digital cockpit, offering its own interpretation of modern tech. The most distinctive setup belongs to Peugeot’s iCockpit, featuring a curved display, a compact steering wheel, and center console details that lean into a light sci-fi aesthetic.

Citroen claims the title for largest screen in any Stellantis vehicle, with a 13-inch portrait touchscreen perched on the dash, flanked by their signature plush “Advanced Comfort” seats. Opel’s cabin is similarly spacious, though the design is more reserved. Jeep adds some flair with metallic trim and unique textures, but keeps the layout simple and user-friendly.

Under the Hood: Shared DNA

All five SUVs share the same foundation, so there’s no need to dig too deep. They’re all built on the STLA Medium architecture and offer a range of powertrains for European buyers, including mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric options.

Entry-level versions come with a mild-hybrid setup built around a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrids step things up with a larger 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack. Fully electric models offer either single- or dual-motor configurations, along with two battery choices depending on range and performance needs.

Your Move, Stellantis Fans

So which one does it best? Which compact SUV nails the styling, and which one should actually make the jump across the Atlantic? Cast your vote and let us know what you think.

Stellantis