SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 15, 2025 – Peugeot has officially opened orders for the E-208 GTi, the brand's first fully electric hot hatch, following its reveal at the 24 Hours of Le Mans — a venue the French automaker chose deliberately, marking 100 years since it first raced there. Starting from €42,900 in France, the E-208 GTi packs a 281 hp electric motor developed by Peugeot Sport, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and offers a WLTP range of up to 375 km. For fans of the legendary 205 GTi lineage, this isn't just a new car — it's a statement that the GTi spirit can survive the electric transition.
The GTi Name Means Something — And Peugeot Knows It
Four decades of GTi history is a lot to carry, and Peugeot has made no attempt to downplay that weight. The E-208 GTi is deliberately positioned as the direct heir to the 205 GTi launched in the 1980s, and everything from the red brake calipers to the perforated 18-inch wheels referencing the original "holed" rims has been chosen with that lineage in mind. What's striking is how little the production car deviates from the 2025 concept — which itself generated enough fan enthusiasm that Peugeot decided not to tone things down. The result is a car that looks like a GTi should look, without needing to shout about it.
Peugeot Sport Did the Hard Work
The technical development was handed entirely to Peugeot Sport, the motorsport division behind the 9X8 hypercar competing in WEC. That's not a marketing detail — it shaped real decisions. The M4+ electric motor's electronic management software is derived directly from motorsport applications, and the battery thermal management system was designed to prevent the power derating that affects some rival electric performance cars. Project Manager Christophe Auriault put it plainly:
"One of our main priorities was performance durability. We did not want to reduce this exceptional power to protect the battery from derating, something seen on some electric performance cars. For example, if a customer is driving up a mountain pass, they should be able to stay in 'Sport mode' for the duration. It is the GTi spirit, performance should be constant."
The 54 kWh gross battery (51 kWh usable) is the same unit found in the standard E-208, but cooling management has been substantially revised. Drivers can hold Sport mode through demanding conditions without the car quietly pulling back power — something that matters enormously on a mountain road or a track day.
The Numbers That Back It Up
The E-208 GTi's performance credentials are specific and verifiable. The 281 hp motor delivers 345 Nm of torque, and the 0–100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds is actually 0.2 seconds quicker than originally planned. The best power-to-weight ratio in its B-segment class (5.5 kg/hp) underpins that acceleration, along with a 1,000-metre standing start of 25.8 seconds and an 80–120 km/h overtaking run of 3.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h. For everyday use, two tyre options shape the range: up to 375 km with Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 (a no-cost option) or 352 km with the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
A Chassis Built Around Driving
The suspension changes go well beyond springs and dampers. The body is lowered 25 mm, the front track widened by 56 mm and rear by 28 mm. A mechanical limited-slip differential is integrated into the reduction gearbox. The front brake discs measure 355 mm with fixed four-piston calipers, and the hydraulic bump stop dampers are borrowed from Peugeot Sport's WEC programme. The rear anti-roll bar addition — the key handling change according to Auriault — gives the car a front-rear balance that Peugeot's 9X8 racing drivers reportedly signed off without wanting a single change.
Inside: GTi Atmosphere, Modern Tech
Red carpets, red seatbelts, red stitching on the dashboard and doors — the interior pays conscious tribute to the 205 GTi 1.9, while the Peugeot i-Cockpit digital setup adds GTi-specific performance pages and selectable engine-sound ambience linked to motor speed. Seats are highly supportive with integrated headrests, and the compact steering wheel uses perforated leather with Alcantara at top and bottom. Seven body colours are available, several named in reference to classic 205 GTi shades.
Ownership and Charging
Charging from 20–80% takes under 30 minutes on a 100 kW DC charger; a 7.4 kW wallbox completes a full charge in 4 hours 40 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality is included, as is the Free2Move Charge Pass giving access to nearly one million charging points across Europe. The PEUGEOT Care warranty covers both the vehicle and battery for up to 8 years or 160,000 km.
Mini FAQ
Q: Is the Peugeot E-208 GTi available to order now? A: Yes — orders are open in France from €42,900 including taxes, following the announcement at Le Mans.
Q: Does the electric powertrain limit performance in demanding conditions? A: No. Peugeot Sport's battery cooling management is specifically designed to maintain full power output regardless of driving conditions, including sustained Sport mode use.
Q: How close is the production car to the original concept? A: Very close. Peugeot states the production E-208 GTi remains "incredibly close" to the 2025 concept, which itself was developed in response to the enthusiastic reception from GTi fans and customers.
Q: What warranty does the E-208 GTi come with? A: PEUGEOT Care covers both the vehicle and battery for up to 8 years or 160,000 km — described by Peugeot as the best coverage in Europe.
Find full specs, colour options, and order information for the Peugeot E-208 GTi at Peugeot.