Posted by Shereen Shabnam
There is no better way to understand a family SUV than by putting it through a proper UAE road trip. The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi offers the perfect test: long highway stretches, shifting traffic patterns, and enough time behind the wheel to judge comfort, refinement and practicality. The Peugeot 5008 positions itself as a stylish seven-seater blending design flair with everyday usability as it turned a routine highway run into a relaxed and genuinely enjoyable experience while transforming the stretch of E11 into a smooth, stress-free glide between two cities.
Exterior
The Peugeot 5008 immediately stands out in a sea of conventional SUVs. Its frameless front grille, sharp LED headlights with signature “lion fang” daytime running lights, and sculpted bonnet give it a confident presence. Unlike many bulky seven-seaters, the 5008 carries itself with elegance. The floating roof design and strong shoulder lines add dynamism, while the rear features sleek LED tail lamps connected by a gloss-black trim panel, reinforcing its premium aspirations. On the road, it drew second glances not because it shouts, but because it looks refined and distinctive.
Interior
Step inside and the 5008’s cabin is where the French flair truly shines. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design philosophy takes centre stage, with a compact steering wheel positioned below a high-mounted digital instrument cluster. It is a layout that feels unconventional at first but quickly becomes intuitive. Material quality is impressive for the segment. Soft-touch surfaces, textured trims, and subtle ambient lighting elevate the experience. The seats are supportive, making the hour-plus journey to Abu Dhabi comfortable. As a seven-seater, the 5008 offers flexible seating configurations. The third row is best suited for children, but it folds flat when not in use, expanding the boot significantly. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and individual folding seats in the second row, making long drives noticeably more comfortable.
Technology
The digital instrument cluster is crisp and customisable, offering navigation, driving data, and media information in a visually engaging layout. The central touchscreen controls infotainment, climate functions, and connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. On the highway drive, adaptive cruise proved particularly useful, maintaining smooth distances while reducing fatigue. While some controls remain touchscreen-based, overall usability has improved, and the system responds quickly to inputs.
Performance
Under the bonnet, the Peugeot 5008 typically comes with a turbocharged petrol engine paired with a smooth automatic transmission. Acceleration is confident rather than aggressive, perfectly suited for family duties and highway cruising. Powered by a responsive 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 180 horsepower, the Peugeot 5008 delivers confident acceleration paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. With 300Nm of torque available from just 2,000rpm, it offers strong mid-range pull ideal for effortless highway cruising and overtaking.
The real strength lies in ride comfort. The suspension absorbs road imperfections impressively well, delivering a composed and stable ride at highway speeds. Even when overtaking slower traffic, the engine provides sufficient mid-range torque without feeling strained. Steering is light but precise, making city manoeuvres in Dubai easy while remaining stable at higher speeds. Cabin insulation is commendable, with minimal wind or tyre noise intruding into the journey.
Our Verdict
The Peugeot 5008 proves that practicality does not have to be boring. On our drive experiences, it delivered comfort, efficiency, style and thoughtful versatility. It is ideal for families who want space without sacrificing design sophistication. The 5008 certainly wins on character, comfort and everyday usability.
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