Tag Archives: Peugeot

The Peugeot 408 Refuses to Pick a Lane—and That’s Exactly the Point

Peugeot has never been particularly interested in doing what everyone else is doing, but the new 408 doubles down on that contrarian streak. Is it a fastback? A lifted sedan? A coupe-SUV thing? Yes. And no. And that’s precisely why it works.

Sitting near the top of Europe’s fiercely competitive C-segment, the 408 doesn’t try to out-Volkswagen the Golf or out-SUV the 3008. Instead, it breaks ranks entirely, carving out a shape—and an identity—that feels refreshingly self-confident. Built in Mulhouse and designed to turn heads from Paris to Seoul, the 408 may be Peugeot’s most globally expressive model yet.

Design That Knows It’s Being Watched

The 408’s fastback silhouette is sharp, assertive, and unapologetically dramatic. Its surfacing is busy but intentional, with crisp creases and muscular haunches that give the car a planted, almost feline stance. At 1.48 meters tall, it stays low enough to feel sporty, even as its elevated seating position nods toward crossover practicality.

Peugeot’s lighting designers clearly had fun here. Up front, the brand’s trademark three-claw signature is rendered as slim, slanted LED blades that double as scrolling indicators. They’re visually connected by a full-width light bar that floats above the illuminated Peugeot badge on higher trims. The actual headlights—Matrix LED units on GT models—are tucked discreetly lower in the bumper, nearly invisible when switched off. It’s a neat trick, and one that gives the 408 a piercing, almost predatory stare.

Around back, the 408 becomes the first Peugeot to spell out its name in illuminated letters, framed by a gloss-black strip and flanked by—what else—three glowing claws on either side. Subtle? No. Memorable? Absolutely.

Add in the new Flare Green paint, which shifts from yellowish highlights in sunlight to deep green in shade, and the 408 starts to look less like a safe corporate product and more like a design statement on wheels.

Inside: Tech-Forward Without Losing the Plot

Step inside and you’ll find Peugeot’s latest interpretation of the i-Cockpit, a setup that continues to polarize—and delight. The small, squared-off steering wheel still sits low, with the digital instrument cluster positioned high in the driver’s line of sight. It works better than it sounds, especially here, where the graphics are crisp, customizable, and optionally rendered in eye-catching 3D.

A 10-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment duties, angled slightly toward the driver, while Peugeot’s configurable i-Toggles act as digital shortcut keys for navigation, climate, media, or whatever else you use most. Once set up, they’re genuinely intuitive.

Material quality takes a noticeable step up, especially in GT and GT Exclusive trims, where Alcantara, genuine aluminum, and optional Nappa leather make the cabin feel more premium than you might expect from a C-segment car. Ambient lighting—available in eight colors—adds a lounge-like vibe, while the Focal premium audio system delivers enough clarity and punch to shame plenty of so-called luxury competitors.

Comfort and Space: Quietly Class-Leading

Peugeot doesn’t shout about it, but the 408 is seriously roomy. Thanks to its long 2.79-meter wheelbase, rear-seat passengers get an impressive 183 mm of knee room—more than any other Peugeot currently on sale. The seats themselves are AGR-certified for ergonomics and can be optioned with heating, massage, and extensive electric adjustment.

The cargo area is equally generous: 536 liters with the seats up and a van-like 1,611 liters when they’re folded. That fastback roofline doesn’t penalize practicality nearly as much as you’d expect.

Powertrains: Pick Your Flavor of Electrification

Peugeot’s electrification strategy with the 408 is refreshingly broad. There’s no single “right” answer—just options.

At the top of the tech tree sits the fully electric E-408, producing 213 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque. Thanks to careful aerodynamic work (SCx of 0.66), it manages a respectable 456 km of WLTP range from its 58.2-kWh usable battery, while consuming just 14.7 kWh/100 km. Fast charging at up to 120 kW gets you from 20 to 80 percent in about half an hour—coffee break territory.

Prefer a hybrid middle ground? The plug-in hybrid 408 combines a 180-hp gasoline engine with a 92-kW electric motor for a total of 240 horsepower. It can travel up to 85 km on electricity alone—more than enough for daily commuting—yet still stretch its legs on longer trips.

For those who want electrification without plugging in, the 145-hp mild hybrid quietly does its thing, operating in electric mode for up to half of urban driving while sipping fuel at an impressive 5.0 L/100 km.

How It Drives: Calm, Confident, and Surprisingly Agile

Wide tracks, a low center of gravity, and Peugeot’s typically well-sorted chassis give the 408 a confident feel on the road. It’s not a hot hatch in disguise, but it turns in eagerly, feels stable at speed, and remains easy to maneuver in tight urban environments thanks to an 11.2-meter turning circle.

The compact steering wheel adds to the sensation of agility, even if it still takes a drive or two to fully acclimate.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond design and drivetrain choices, the 408 makes a compelling case with its long-term ownership story. Over-the-air updates, connected navigation with AI integration, advanced driver monitoring, and Peugeot’s eight-year/160,000-km warranty (including the battery on EV models) all contribute to a sense of polish and reassurance.

Add features like Plug & Charge compatibility, battery pre-conditioning, Vehicle-to-Load capability, and a genuinely useful trip planner, and it’s clear Peugeot has thought hard about real-world usability—not just brochure bragging rights.

The Peugeot 408 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s exactly why it stands out. It’s stylish without being impractical, tech-forward without being gimmicky, and electrified without forcing you into a single solution.

In a segment crowded with safe choices and familiar shapes, the 408 dares to look different, feel different, and drive its own road. And in today’s automotive landscape, that might be its biggest strength.

Source: Peugeot

Peugeot Goes All-In for 2026

Peugeot doesn’t tiptoe into the new year. It kicks the door open. When the 102nd Brussels Motor Show fires up from January 9 to 18, 2026, the French brand arrives with a lineup that’s less about quiet corporate transition and more about reminding everyone that enthusiasm and electrification don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

This year’s stand reads like a mission statement made metal: French design flair, multi-energy flexibility, and a renewed obsession with making cars feel good to drive—even when electrons are doing the work.

A Brand Still Chasing Pleasure

Peugeot’s messaging is blunt and refreshingly old-school: driving should be enjoyable. Not merely efficient. Not just sustainable. Enjoyable. The company leans heavily on its heritage—more than two centuries of engineering and design—while pairing it with current-gen tech like panoramic digital cockpits, dual-motor AWD EVs, and long-range battery packs.

The result is a portfolio that spans combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles without forcing buyers into a single technological lane. Peugeot isn’t betting everything on one drivetrain. It’s betting on choice.

The Headliners: 408 and an Electric GTi

The biggest reveal in Brussels is the new Peugeot 408, a saloon that leans hard into drama. It’s expressive, unexpected, and intentionally a little provocative. Peugeot wants a “wow” reaction, and judging by the design language—fastback proportions, sharp surfacing, and unapologetic French panache—that’s exactly what it’s aiming for. The 408 positions itself as a visual counterpunch to conservative midsize sedans, and Peugeot clearly expects it to act as a design ambassador for the brand.

Peugeot 408

But the real emotional hook is the new Peugeot E-208 GTi. Yes, GTi is back—and no, it doesn’t run on gasoline. This is a fully electric take on Peugeot’s most iconic badge, and Brussels will mark its first-ever appearance in Belgium. Peugeot calls it “pure driving pleasure,” and while the spec sheet matters, the symbolism matters more: the GTi name survives the EV transition intact, performance-focused, and unashamedly fun.

Core Models, Sharpened

The familiar faces are here, too—updated, refined, and increasingly tech-forward.

The Peugeot 208 remains the brand’s style leader in the compact segment, with a sporty stance and a cabin dominated by the small steering wheel, 3D digital instruments, a 10-inch HD touchscreen, and piano-key toggles that somehow still feel special in a world of touch sliders.

Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 2008 continues to blur the line between compact crossover and design object. New lighting signatures, revised alloy wheels, and a wider grille give it more visual muscle without sacrificing agility.

Then there’s the new Peugeot 308, a compact saloon that quietly does everything well. It combines restrained elegance with modern tech and real-world usability. The electric E-308 backs that up with a 361-liter trunk—proof that EV packaging doesn’t have to come at the expense of practicality.

Peugeot 308

Even more niche—and more interesting—is the E-308 SW, one of the very few electric estate cars on the market. With up to 1,402 liters of cargo space, a clever 40/20/40 folding rear seat, and details like Magic Handles that let you drop the seats from the trunk, it’s a reminder that wagons still make sense—especially when electrified.

Adventure and Utility

Peugeot hasn’t forgotten buyers who want space and versatility over sharp turn-in.

The Rifter returns in force, offering electric range up to 343 km WLTP while also making a notable comeback with petrol and diesel options thanks to its multi-energy platform. It’s rugged, modular, and unapologetically practical.

Peugeot E-3008

On the SUV front, the Peugeot 3008 steals attention with its fastback profile and the striking Panoramic i-Cockpit, dominated by a 21-inch curved display. The Brussels show highlights the E-3008 Dual Motor, pairing a 213-hp front motor with a 112-hp rear unit for a combined 325 hp and all-wheel drive. Range? Up to 497 km WLTP—strong numbers for a performance-oriented electric SUV.

The larger Peugeot 5008 follows the same philosophy, offering five- or seven-seat layouts and an expanded electric lineup. Buyers can choose between a standard electric version (up to 502 km), a Dual Motor AWD variant (up to 473 km), or a long-range configuration stretching to an impressive 668 km.

Peugeot E-5008

Vans That Mean Business

Commercial vehicles get their own spotlight at the ProOne stand. The Partner and Expert are engineered for urban reality: tight parking, low noise, and zero-emission access where regulations demand it. The E-Partner and E-Expert underline Peugeot’s strategy of treating professionals as first-class EV customers, not an afterthought.

Connected, for a Decade

Peugeot is also making a notable move in connected services. Buyers of electric models now receive e-ROUTES by Free2move Charge and E-Remote Control as part of the Connect ONE Pack—for 10 years, with no subscription required.

That means optimized EV navigation with real-time charging planning, plus remote access via the MyPeugeot app to manage charging, set battery limits, pre-condition the cabin, and even pre-heat the battery on select models like the E-3008 and E-5008. It’s a rare example of a brand simplifying ownership rather than nickel-and-diming it.

Aggressive Offers, Clear Intent

Peugeot isn’t shy about using the Brussels Motor Show to move metal. Show-specific incentives include hefty trade-in bonuses, extended warranties up to eight years or 160,000 km, 0% financing options, and generous recycling premiums—particularly relevant with stricter low-emission zone rules arriving in Brussels in 2026.

Layered on top is Peugeot’s Electric Promise: long-term vehicle and battery warranties, a free home wallbox, and access to over one million charging points across Europe.

The Takeaway

Peugeot’s Brussels presence isn’t about a single car or a single technology. It’s about momentum. The brand is leaning into electrification without abandoning personality, offering EVs that aim to excite rather than merely comply.

In a market crowded with safe bets and cautious redesigns, Peugeot shows up swinging—reviving GTi, doubling down on design, and making a credible case that the future of driving can still be fun.

And really, that’s a message worth hearing at the start of any automotive year.

Source: Peugeot

Peugeot Hints at Estate Car Revival as Brand Looks Beyond SUVs

Peugeot may not be finished with estate cars just yet. Despite pulling the plug on the 508 in early 2025, the French manufacturer is openly considering a return to the segment as it reassesses what comes next beyond its increasingly SUV-heavy line-up.

The Peugeot 508 was introduced in 2010 as the brand’s mid-sized executive contender, taking on established rivals such as the Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb and Volvo S60/V60. Offered as both a four-door fastback and a more practically minded estate, it quickly became clear that the latter was the stronger seller, particularly in European markets.

Two generations later, however, the writing was on the wall. Slow demand, especially in the UK, ultimately sealed the 508’s fate. Fewer than 7,000 examples of the second-generation model were sold locally, leading Peugeot to withdraw it from sale at the end of 2024. Production officially ended in spring 2025, and with no third-generation replacement planned, it appeared to mark the end of Peugeot’s long-standing presence in the estate car market.

Yet that may not be the final chapter. Speaking about the brand’s future direction, Peugeot CEO Alain Favey suggested that the company is actively evaluating alternatives to the current dominance of SUVs and crossovers.

“Everybody, us included, is bringing into the market very nice SUVs of all shapes and forms,” Favey said. “You feel that something else has to come in the future. I think every manufacturer is thinking about it and having plans for that.”

When asked directly whether that “something else” could include a return to estates—a body style Peugeot has offered continuously since 1950—Favey was notably open-minded.

“Why not?” he replied. “We had to stop the 508 because there was not enough demand to justify it remaining in the market. Now, we are exploring what’s next after the SUVs. Maybe there will be something that will make sense, even in that part of the market, later on.”

Crucially, Favey acknowledged that any future model would need to be more than a simple 508 revival. “Will it be a station wagon, or will it be something different? I don’t know. But we’re not excluding anything. If we find the right recipe for the future—which clearly was not the 508, otherwise we would have kept it—then of course we will come back.”

The estate market today is undeniably smaller than it was when the original 508 launched, squeezed by the relentless rise of SUVs. However, recent entries such as the BYD Seal 6, Toyota bZ4X Touring and Subaru E-Outback suggest there is still life in the segment, particularly as electrification reshapes traditional body styles.

If Peugeot does return, it’s likely the formula will look very different from before—potentially electric, more lifestyle-oriented, and positioned as a credible alternative to yet another crossover. For now, nothing is confirmed, but one thing is clear: Peugeot isn’t ruling out a comeback for one of its most historically important body styles.

For estate car enthusiasts, that alone is reason to pay attention.

Source: Autocar