Peugeot 5008 - Interior, design & technology
Striking exterior design is complemented by a stunning, driver-focused and tech-centric interior
Until now, the Peugeot 5008 has always been, in effect, a stretched, seven-seat version of the Peugeot 3008. However the two cars have diverged slightly, with the 3008 adopting a sloped, coupe-esque roofline, while the 5008 has stuck with a boxier shape to provide maximum cabin space.
What is the Peugeot 5008 like inside?
The 5008 might be a family SUV, but the interior is all about the driver. It features the latest evolution of Peugeot’s often divisive i-Cockpit cabin design, with a heavily curved 21-inch panoramic screen. There’s also a separate display of shortcut buttons that’s angled towards the driver, and a smattering of other switches on the spine connecting the dashboard and centre console. As a result, all the controls fall easily to hand. Meanwhile, the swathes of grey fabric, and large pools of ambient lighting across the dashboard, make the cabin feel quite special and cosy.
The driving position is a little unconventional and requires the driver to look over a small, slightly squared-off steering wheel in order to read the instrument display. This can make for an awkward and uncomfortable driving position, but this latest evolution of the i-Cockpit feels far more natural. We recommend taking the 5008 for a test drive to make sure you can get along with it before signing on the dotted line.
What is the interior quality like?
On the whole, interior quality of the 5008 is very good. The cabin feels well put together, the top section of the dashboard is covered in squidgy material, and the armrests are nicely padded for your elbows. But it’s not hard to find cheaper-feeling black plastics, and the textured fabric material across the dashboard and other surfaces is just a very thin layer used to cover up more, hard plastics.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
The floating 21-inch screen is incredibly clear, but the built-in infotainment system isn’t the snappiest we’ve ever tested, nor is it as intuitive as the latest software from Renault or Hyundai. Thankfully, it’s easy to bypass using the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with these systems filling the half of the display used for media and navigation nicely.
Meanwhile the ‘i-Toggles’ panel below offers a handy bank of customisable shortcut buttons for the various menus, but you still have to use the touchscreen to adjust the cabin temperature or driver safety systems.
