We like the Peugeot 508 but with so many excellent rivals to choose from, plus the ever-present threat from the SUV sector, Peugeot has wisely given its large hatchback and SW estate variant a facelift to keep it competitive.
Peugeot has undergone a bit of a revolution in recent times. There’s a new badge, fresh design language and plans for electrification have been laid out. The firm’s entry into the World Endurance Championship has also bolstered its Peugeot Sport Engineered performance sub brand. Peugeot fans will be hoping to see some of this start to filter down into road cars, like the updated Peugeot 508.
To stand out from rivals like the incoming next-generation Volkswagen Passat and Alfa Romeo Giulia. The exterior of the 508 has been thoroughly gone over. The front end 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. Matrix LED units, with three fang-like running light strips extending into the bumper, ape the units found on the 9X8 Le Mans car.
On the standard 508, 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. An optional 10-speaker Focal sound system is available, which has been upgraded to include a front-optimised mode for front occupants.
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. The 508 also feature a hands-free function to open the boot.
Peugeot has simplified the model line-up for the facelifted 508, which launches in Allure (which replaces Allure Premium), GT or Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) specifications, removing GT Premium from the range. As before, the high-performance PSE adopts a 355bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain built around a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, providing competition to the likes of the Volkswagen Arteon R and BMW M340i.
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. 0-62mph stands at 5.2 seconds. Using a 7.4kW charger, the battery can be topped up in one hour and 40 minutes. Peugeot claims this powertrain can allow for a 26-mile electric only range.
Engine options consist of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid units. Petrol power comes in the form of a 1.2-litre unit three-cylinder, 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 petrol 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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