The Peugeot E-2008 is a supremely stylish all-electric SUV that is now available with a larger 54 kWh battery pack, giving it a longer electric range than its predecessor. While the upgrades are appreciated, it’s still hard to outright recommend considering the alternatives that are available on the market.
When it comes to audio, the E-2008 comes with a six-speaker setup as standard across the trim range; unlike other vehicles offered by Peugeot, the E-2008 does not benefit from having the Focal Hi-Fi option available.
Click here to read the full Peugeot e-2008 review
Peugeot E-2008 audio setup
To tinker with the vehicle’s audio settings, one has to navigate to the appropriate menu on the 10″ infotainment system. Alongside the call volume and the ability to enable or disable touch tones, you’ll find a three-band equaliser; here are our optimal settings:
- Ambience Sound: Neutral
- Treble: +1
- Mid: +1
- Bass: +2
- Balance & fader: Centre
To connect to the vehicle’s system, you can opt for a wired or wireless connection, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. Over Bluetooth, the system supports the lowest-quality SBC codec only.
As for media controls, they can be accessed through the display or via the steering wheel; you’ll find volume buttons on the left and a rubber wheel on the right that allows for track changes.
Read next: New Hyundai Kona Electric audio review: Did Bose get it right?
Peugeot E-2008 audio performance
For a demo of the Peugeot E-2008’s audio system head on over to our YouTube channel.
The e-2008 has six speakers in total, which consists of two tweeters at the front (one in each of the A-pillars), and woofers within each of the vehicle’s four doors. Wattage claims have not been provided by the manufacturer.
Surprisingly, there are blocked-out tweeter grilles within each of the rear doors; this could mean that there was an upgrade planned for it or that it might be available in different territories. At the time of writing and in the UK, no upgrade is available and indeed the Focal system isn’t present whatsoever – the Focal configuration used to be an option in the older-generation petrol-powered 2008, however, it’s no longer feasible with the new-generation ICE models.
Despite not housing a subwoofer in the boot, the Peugeot’s low-end response is surprisingly impressive. In T.I. Ft Usher’s song titled ‘My Life Your Entertainment’ the six-speaker system repeatedly delivers a hearty low-end response; granted the sub-bass tones do not extend and are cut short, but the mid-bass slams can be felt no matter where you are sat within the cabin. The inclusion of a subwoofer would have elevated the bass experience for those listening to bass-orientated tracks.
The mids are a little recessed and could do with a bit of an EQ. Unfortunately, adding more than one notch to this frequency band will taint the mid-range response. One should accept that the E-2008’s system has a V-shaped dip, meaning that both male and female vocals are pushed back.
Buy a car phone mount on Amazon (Affiliate)
As for the highs, they extend well without sounding sibilant at the top end. Crank up ‘No Angels’ by Justin Timberlake for example, and you’ll be treated with a lively experience. It’s slightly disappointing not to find tweeters mounted at the back for rear occupants, but this is often the case with stock audio systems.
The lack of extra drivers at the rear also becomes apparent when listening out for instrument separation. There’s a lack of cohesion at the rear, and it’s a stark difference from the front of the cabin, where the system manages to provide better engagement. An upgrade option would have been appreciated in this department, as it would have greatly elevated the experience for audiophiles.
Finally, onto cabin noise, the new E-2008 does an excellent job at keeping exterior noise down to a minimum; it’s among one of the quietest cabins we’ve tested to date, which is surprising for a vehicle of its class and price category. Using a sound meter we recorded, 35-36 dBA at a standstill; 52-56 dBA while driving at 20-30mph; 55-59 dBA at 40mph; and a stupendously low 60-64 dBA at 70mph.
Read next: BMW iX1 (BMW X1) audio review: Harman Kardon upgrade?
TotallyEV’s verdict on the Peugeot E-2008’s audio system
On the whole, the Peugeot E-2008’s stock six-speaker configuration does a valiant job across the sound frequency range, and will provide enough excitement across the sound frequency range to the average consumer. As a result, the stock system receives TotallyEV’s Approved audio award.
Find the best Peugeot e-2008 deals
However, it’s a shame that the French automaker hasn’t catered for audiophiles by providing the option to upgrade the system. As such, if you’re not set on the E-2008 and don’t want to look at aftermarket solutions, you might want to look at a different vehicle altogether to get that elevated listening experience.
What do you make of the Peugeot E-2008’s audio system? Let us know in the comments section or via social media; we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
