Peugeot’s iconic GTi badge has returned after a five-year absence — but this time, it’s attached to an electric car. The name, made famous by the 205 GTi of the 1980s and 1990s, now sits on a high-performance version of the electric e-208. Unveiled just before the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hour, the e-208 GTi marks a major milestone for Peugeot, as it’s the first fully electric model to carry the GTi badge.
Naturally, comparisons to the original 205 GTi are inevitable. Peugeot says the e-208 GTi offers the strongest performance in the electric hot hatch segment, promising 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds. It will go up against rivals like the Abarth 500e, Alpine A290, and Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Electric. The company says its focus is on "driving sensations," hoping to recapture the essence of what made the original 205 GTi so special.
A serious project for Peugeot
The significance of this model isn’t lost on Peugeot. The GTi badge — originally standing for "Grand Tourer Injection" — carries weight. While "injection" no longer applies to an electric vehicle, Peugeot’s engineers were tasked with ensuring the e-208 GTi lives up to four decades of GTi heritage. That said, the decision to continue using the GTi name for an EV will certainly divide opinion.
The Design: Modern but familiar
To give the e-208 GTi a sportier stance, Peugeot has lowered the suspension by 30mm and widened the track — 56mm at the front and 27mm at the rear. The result is a more planted, aggressive look.
The car’s visual cues deliberately reference the 205 GTi. Bulging wheel arches with red pinstripes echo the classic side trims of its predecessor. Though the original’s C-pillar strakes with GTi lettering are absent, this design element appears within the modern LED lighting. A front splitter and rear diffuser improve both aesthetics and aerodynamics, while a black rear panel reinterprets the 205’s fluted rear section.
Unique 18-inch alloy wheels are styled after the 205 GTi 1.9’s famous design, with cooling holes that aid brake ventilation. The upgraded braking system includes 355mm discs and four-piston calipers.
Inside, the red detailing continues. The cabin features red carpets, mats, and seatbelts, while the seats themselves reflect the split design of the 205 GTi 1.9, with modern touches like red mesh inserts. The dashboard carries a central red trim, further reinforcing the sporty atmosphere.
Performance: Built for enthusiasts
The e-208 GTi isn’t just about looks. Peugeot’s Sport division — currently competing in the World Endurance Championship — had a hand in tuning the car’s chassis and powertrain.
While the standard e-208 uses a 50 or 51kWh battery, the GTi version upgrades to 54kWh, paired with enhanced cooling systems designed to handle spirited driving. Peugeot claims a range of 217 miles (based on official WLTP testing), though real-world performance driving will naturally reduce this.
The 278bhp electric motor produces 345Nm of torque, enabling rapid acceleration — 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds — with an electronically limited top speed of 112mph. Peugeot says it offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class at 5.7kg per horsepower, though official weight figures have not yet been released.
A limited-slip differential optimises cornering performance, while revised suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and a stiffer anti-roll bar help keep the car composed under pressure. Steering has also been sharpened compared to the standard e-208.
For track use, a dedicated ‘Sport’ driving mode disables driver assistance systems to maximise driver engagement.
Pricing and availability
Official pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but the e-208 GTi is expected to start between £35,000 and £40,000 in the UK. For comparison, the most expensive standard e-208 costs £34,800. Key rivals include the Alpine A290, priced from £33,500 to £38,000 depending on specification.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
Charging and tech details
Using a 7kW home charger, the e-208 GTi can fully recharge in 4 hours 40 minutes. With a 100kW rapid charger, 20-80% charge can be achieved in under 30 minutes. It also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing you to power external devices directly from the car.
Production will likely take place alongside standard e-208 models at Peugeot’s Zaragoza plant in Spain. The electric motor is manufactured at Peugeot’s upgraded facility in Trémery, France.
Despite its performance focus, the e-208 GTi comes with the same eight-year/100,000-mile warranty as Peugeot’s mainstream EV models.
Peugeot CEO Alain Favey described the car as a “ground-breaking next chapter in an iconic GTi story,” adding that it merges Peugeot’s heritage with cutting-edge technology to set new standards for electric hot hatches.
Looking back: Why the 205 GTi became a legend
The original Peugeot 205 GTi launched in 1984, entering a hot hatch segment that had already fallen for the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It quickly made its mark, blending lightweight design with excellent handling that many still consider the benchmark even today.
Initially offered with a 1.6-litre engine producing 105bhp (later upgraded to 115bhp), the 205 GTi delivered lively performance thanks to its low 848kg curb weight. In 1986, the 1.9-litre version arrived, producing 130bhp and trimming the 0-60mph time to just 7.8 seconds.
Both variants developed loyal followings — some preferred the rev-happy 1.6; others favoured the 1.9’s extra torque. Either way, both earned reputations as some of the best-handling cars of their era.
The 205 GTi stayed on sale until 1994 but eventually became a victim of high insurance costs and a surge in thefts. For years, it was just another ageing hot hatch — but from the late 2000s, appreciation for its brilliance returned. Media figures like Jeremy Clarkson helped spark renewed interest, and prices began to climb sharply.
Today, values have soared. Hagerty values a ‘good’ condition 1989 1.9 GTi at around £15,000 — a huge jump from the £3,000 price these cars fetched just 15 years ago. Top examples now sell for £20,000–£30,000.
