Development of the next-generation Peugeot 3008 is progressing as the first camouflaged prototype of the SUV made its spy debut wearing the production body.
This is the first time we get to see Peugeot’s replacement for one of its best-selling models wearing the final production body, as the company used a Citroen C5 Aircross-bodied mule a few months ago for early testing.
Read: 2023 Peugeot 3008 Coming To Reclaim The Compact SUV Crown
At the front, the SUV gets slimmer headlights and is expected to feature a new take of Peugeot’s signature fangs on the front bumper. The grille is fully covered, with a large lower bumper intake left responsible for cooling. The wheels look quite small for the size of the body but we suspect they will be replaced by higher-diameter alloys in the final product – at least in high-spec trims.
The most radical change compared to the outgoing 3008 is the heavily inclined tailgate glass. Peugeot tried to hide this feature by adding a big chunk of fake bodywork at the back, but the actual roofline is clear from the shut lines of the tailgate. We can also see a portion of the high-mounted taillights featuring LED graphics similar to the ones on the 308 hatchback and the 408.
Technical details of the next Peugeot 3008 are still unknown. The SUV is expected to sit on an upgraded version of the EMP2 platform, which is widely used by an array of Stellantis models, however, we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of the more modern STLA Medium architecture. In any case, the 3008 will be offered in mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric forms. The latter will be called E-3008 as with Peugeot’s new naming strategy.
The current second-gen Peugeot 3008 debuted back in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020. Last month, the French automaker announced an expansion of the SUV’s powertrain lineup with a new mild-hybrid engine that will likely find its way under the bonnet of the new model. Judging from all the above, the third-gen Peugeot 3008 will likely make its debut in late 2023 or 2024.