With a new design direction, an updated logo and bullish electrification plans, Peugeot is undergoing a significant revamp as of late. This year, the 508 large hatchback and its SW estate sibling have come under the knife for a round of updates to keep them competitive until potential all-electric replacements arrive from the second half of the decade.
The styling changes are very much evolutionary, with a front end that takes inspiration from the 408 fastback. Peugeot’s new crest logo is front and centre within a new radiator grille, which blends into the bodywork and headlights. The latter are matrix LED units, with three fang-like running light strips extending into the bumper.
New 18-inch alloys wheels have been fitted too, and the tail-lights have been restyled with a claw-like design. Subtle tweaks – including a new Peugeot script at the back, which replaces the previous lion badge – lift the exterior, but the updated 508 is familiar.
Customers can choose from seven exterior paint finishes for the facelifted car – including three new colours – and Peugeot has upgraded the infotainment inside. There’s still a 10-inch screen mounted in the dashboard, but it now runs the company’s newest i-Connect Advanced software.
The interface is customisable with widgets and shortcuts, and includes a TomTom connected navigation system and an “Okay Peugeot” voice assistant. The set-up is supported by over-the-air updates to improve functionality over time, too.
The general cabin architecture is unchanged from the previous 508, with a set of piano-style short-cut keys beneath the screen. The centre console has been decluttered with a smaller gear selector, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout is still present. There’s a small steering wheel set below a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, which offers new configurable displays for navigation, media and powertrain energy flow readouts in plug-in hybrid models.
The 508 also offers AGR-certified front seats, which can be optioned with an electric memory function, seat heating and a pneumatic massaging system. New fabric and Alcantara upholstery options are standard as part of the updates, with nappa leather trim available as an option. A punchier 10-speaker Focal sound system can be installed, too.
When it comes to practicality, the new 508 and 508 SW estate match their predecessors with boot capacities of 487 and 530 litres respectively. Folding the rear seats in the 508 SW boosts this to a cavernous 1,780 litres.
Peugeot has simplified the model line-up for the facelifted 508, which launches in Allure, GT or Peugeot Sport Engineered specifications. As before, the high-performance PSE adopts a 355bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain built around a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
This combines with an electric in the gearbox and one on the rear axle to provide 355bhp and four-wheel drive, with the electric element powered by a 12.4kWh battery pack. Using a 7.4kW charger, the battery can be topped up in one hour and 40 minutes.
For Allure and GT versions of the 508, engine options consist of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid units. Petrol power comes in the form of a 1.2-litre unit, while the diesel is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor. Both produce 129bhp.
Alongside the outgoing car’s 222bhp 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid unit, the new 508 will be sold with a less potent 178bhp variant of this powertrain for the first time, lowering the entry point for electrified versions. All engines are equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
To alter the 508’s behaviour on the move, a range of drive modes can be selected from Eco to Sport, while optional adaptive dampers can be switched between Comfort, Normal and Sport settings.
In tandem with its extra power, the PSE gets a lower ride height with wider tracks (24mm and 12mm front and rear, respectively) for improved handling, along with uprated brakes and 20-inch alloys. These are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
To improve safety, an array of driver assist systems are available with the facelifted 508 including blind spot monitoring, night vision, parking cameras and adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function.
Prices for the new 508 have not yet been outlined by Peugeot, but expect a small increase over the outgoing car’s £33,945 starting price when it goes on sale later this year.
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