While Volkswagen has spent years teasing the idea of an electric GTI, Peugeot went ahead and built one. In a surprise reveal at Le Mans 24 Hours, the French automaker lifted the wraps off the E-208 GTI, marking the first time the iconic GTI badge has officially graced an EV — and leaving VW to play catch-up.
And this isn’t a tame little city car either. Packing 280 horsepower and 346 Nm of torque, the front-wheel-drive E-208 GTI rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. That makes it the fastest-accelerating GTI Peugeot has ever made, EV or not. It’s a clear challenge to rivals like the Mini Cooper JCW EV and its Stellantis cousins — the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce — outpacing all of them in the sprint stakes.
The E-208 GTI isn’t just about straight-line speed. A 54 kWh battery pack promises up to 350 km on a charge, with rapid charging capabilities from 20–80% in under 30 minutes. Peugeot also included a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, letting drivers use the car as a mobile power source for external gadgets — a clever touch for road trips and track days.
Visually, Peugeot leans hard into nostalgia, with clear nods to the legendary 205 GTI. Think a lower, wider stance, 18-inch multi-hole wheels, red brake calipers, and plenty of subtle red detailing throughout. Inside, red ambient lighting, striped sports seats, and throwback materials complete the retro-futuristic vibe.
Set to go on sale later this year at around €42,000, it’s no longer the ultra-affordable hot hatch of the past, but it’s shaping up to be one of the most desirable EVs in its class. For now, Peugeot holds the bragging rights — and VW’s long-awaited electric GTI is officially on notice.
