New Peugeot E-208: third generation delayed until 2027

Initially scheduled for 2026, the third-generation Peugeot 208 has had its launch pushed back to 2027. That delay has not, however, slowed development of the new model.

The prototypes we spotted during dynamic testing demonstrate exactly that, while already offering clues about some of the directions Peugeot is taking with its next-generation supermini.

The new E-208 will, it is worth remembering, be among the first Peugeots of a new era. It is expected not only to introduce a new platform, but also to embrace electrification entirely. With so much at stake, we examined the prototypes seen so far particularly closely to identify what is set to change.

More than 500 km of range? It is possible

The forthcoming Peugeot 208 will be more than simply a new generation. It will also become the first model from the brand to debut a new technological architecture, with the most significant innovations concealed beneath its bodywork.

Everything indicates that the French supermini will be the first Peugeot to use the new STLA One platform, developed by Stellantis for B-, C- and D-segment models.

This multi-energy platform is intended to deliver improved efficiency, over-the-air updates and a greater emphasis on software. According to some rumours, electric versions fitted with the largest batteries could exceed 500 km of range between charges.

For the time being, though, the arrival of the third-generation 208 will not mean the current generation disappears. Instead, Peugeot intends to continue selling the combustion-engined 208 alongside the new electric generation.

Alain Favey, chief executive of the lion-brand, confirmed the plan. Speaking to Autocar, he explained that the approach would allow Peugeot to continue “meeting the needs of the part of the market that is not yet ready for electric cars and will continue to require combustion or hybrid solutions”.

The end of the steering wheel as we know it

The future 208 is also expected to introduce several solutions previewed by the Peugeot Polygon Concept, with steer-by-wire likely to be among them. This system removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels.

On the subject of the steering wheel, something entirely new should appear here too. The Polygon Concept did not feature a conventional round wheel, instead using what Peugeot calls Hypersquare: a rectangular steering wheel that challenges more than a century of convention.

Although it appeared highly futuristic, it will make production, and the 208 should be the first model to receive it. While it is difficult to make out every detail, a close look at the interior of the prototype we spotted is enough to show that its steering wheel is more rectangular than usual.

Styling inspired by the Polygon

Despite the heavy camouflage, several details of the future E-208 can already be anticipated. At the front, based on what is currently visible, the new E-208 should separate the headlamps from the light signature. The latter is expected to retain the horizontal “three claws” and will probably extend across the full width of the model.

At the rear, there are further design elements previewed by the concept, particularly the rectangular rear lights. These should be linked by a black panel, while the roofline is set to slope downwards beyond the C-pillar.

Little is known about the interior at this stage. Beyond the steering wheel shape and the possible adoption of the steer-by-wire system, Peugeot is keeping the E-208 cabin under wraps.

Even so, it would not be surprising if it adopted some further Polygon Concept solutions, including the use of recycled materials.

It is nearly here

As mentioned at the outset, the third-generation Peugeot E-208 was due to be unveiled in 2026, but Peugeot has postponed its reveal until 2027. Its market launch, in turn, is only expected to take place in 2028.

It is still too early to put forward specific prices. Nevertheless, it is expected to be close to the approximately €34,000 currently charged for the entry-level E-208.