Better late than never it would appear in the case of the 2023 Peugeot e-2008. Having been scheduled for arrival in Q4 of 2022, the fully electric version of the Peugeot 2008 has finally made its way here at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 but will supposedly only launch in Q4 of 2023.

You can blame pricing uncertainties and the usual supply chain issues for the delayed arrival here. Regardless, it looks like it will finally be here before the year comes to an end although pricing has yet to be finalised.

Prior to this, the e-2008 was just previewed at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023 last month.

As the name suggests, the 2023 e-2008 is the EV version of the French carmaker’s entry-level B-segment 2008 SUV.

It’s based on the very same platform CMP platform as the petrol-powered 2008 but distinguishes itself with an eCMP name instead though the platforms are largely identical.

Power comes from an electric motor driving the front wheels, delivering 136 PS and 260 Nm of torque from the 50 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Based on the WLTP cycle, the e-2008 carries a range of up to 345 km. The 2019 e-2008 had a slightly lower range of 310 km.

While the battery capacity remains unchanged, the extra range was clawed out courtesy of a gearbox ratio, low rolling resistance tyres and a new heat pump with an interior humidity sensor. The pump serves to more accurately regulate air recirculation in the cabin to reduce temperature fluctuations to minimise energy consumption by the air-conditioning system.

Capable of DC fast charging up to 100 kW, the e-2008’s battery will go from 0 - 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

Regular AC charging however with a 7.4 kW or 11 kW wallbox charger will hit 80 percent in 8 hours and 5 hours, respectively.

Unlike other carmakers that apply plenty of cosmetic changes to distinguish the EV versions of a model from the regular petrol-powered variants, Peugeot’s been a little more discreet.

Only the eagle-eyed will catch the body-coloured grille housing active grille shutters, aero-optimised wheels and the obligatory “e” badging. Bear in mind that the active grille shutters and wheels are standard on all 2008 models, including a streamlined underbody.

Inside, the e-2008 gets a Greval Grey Alcantara trim as well as Peugeot’s configurable i-Cockpit 3D and that questionable compact steering wheel. Driving data is projected as a hologram onto the 3D digital dash. Infotainment is via a 10-inch HD capacitive touchscreen.

Safety comprises 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, hill-start assist, stability control, TPMS, a blind-spot indicator, driver attention alert and low-speed pedestrian audible signal. ADAS includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, lane-keep assist and autonomous braking with low-light pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Under Bermaz stewardship, the e-2008 is Peugeot’s first EV in the country and when it does arrive here, will complete the distributor’s trifecta of EV offerings in its portfolio following the Mazda MX-30 and Kia EV6.

if you're interested in getting some electrfying French flair in your driveway, Bermaz will only be importing (CBU) limited units of the e-2008 in the country from the Stellantis Vigo Plant in Spain as the Galician factory is the only one churning out the electric e-2008.

When it does reach here, it'll be sold alongside its petrol-powered brethren, the Peugeot 2008 Allure, that sells here for RM 134,103.

Being on the small side, the e-2008 will likely have buyers tossing it up against the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and the aforementioned Mazda MX-30. No news on pricing yet but it should fall in line with the Kona and MX-30.

If you want to have a look at the e-2008, the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is ongoing at MAEPS in Serdang and concludes on 7th May.