Peugeot has launched the updated 508 in the UK, featuring a design overhaul and revised powertrain line-up. The new model range starts at £34,020 and is available in three specification options – Allure, GT and Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE). The PSE model is the range-topping variant, offering a 200bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain with four-wheel drive and an energy management system from the Peugeot 9X8 hypercar. The PSE variant is slightly larger than the standard car and features 380mm front brakes, 20in wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres as standard. The updated 508 is equipped with a night vision camera that can detect cyclists, animals and pedestrians, along with level two semi-autonomous capability, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, parking sensors, a reversing camera and an automatic high beam.
Design Overhaul
The updated Peugeot 508 features an updated version of Peugeot’s sabre-tooth lighting system, with a three-spoke “claw” design. The model’s front-end design update is completed with a new grille, similar to that of the latest Peugeot 408, featuring gloss and textured black features and the new Peugeot emblem. The saloon and SW estate variants measure 1.86m wide, while the saloon is 4.75m long and the estate 4.79m. Luggage capacity is 487 litres in the saloon, or 1537 litres with the seats folded down. This increases to 530 litres and 1780 litres in the estate.
Technology and Assistance Equipment
Inside, the 508 receives much of the technology seen elsewhere in the Peugeot line-up, with a redesigned dashboard and centre console. It gains a 10.0in central infotainment display partnered with Peugeot’s 12.0in i-Cockpit system and a compact steering wheel. As well as voice recognition, sat-nav, a motorised boot, two USB sockets and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 508 benefits from a night vision camera that can detect cyclists, animals and pedestrians. Assistance equipment is vast and includes level two semi-autonomous capability, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, parking sensors, a reversing camera and an automatic high beam.
Powertrain Line-up
Peugeot’s entry-level offering includes a three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol PureTech engine with 130bhp on tap. A 130bhp 1.5-litre diesel is also available. The new 508’s plug-in hybrid powertrains are all supported by a 12.4kWh battery, a 109bhp electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 150bhp PureTech engine opens the hybrid range, followed by a more powerful 180bhp unit. Charging takes around one hour 40 minutes using a 7.4kW charger. Hybrid variants can also be equipped with either a 7.4kW or 3.7kW onboard charger.
Range-Topping Peugeot Sport Engineered Model
The range-topping Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) model offers a 200bhp powertrain with four-wheel drive and an energy management system from the Peugeot 9X8 hypercar. The PSE variant is slightly larger than the standard car, measuring 22mm wider at the front and 12mm at the rear. It gains 380mm front brakes, 20in wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres as standard, along with variable damping with Comfort, Hybrid and Sport driving modes. Prices for the range-topping trim level start from £53,825 and UK deliveries of the updated 508 begin in September 2023.
Conclusion
The updated Peugeot 508 offers a design overhaul and revised powertrain line-up, with the range-topping Peugeot Sport Engineered model offering a 200bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain with four-wheel drive and an energy management system from the Peugeot 9X8 hypercar. The updated 508 is equipped with a night vision camera that can detect cyclists, animals and pedestrians, along with level two semi-autonomous capability, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, parking sensors, a reversing camera and an automatic high beam. The new model range starts at £34,020 and is available in three specification options – Allure, GT and Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE).