Peugeot has always had a very close relationship with sedans. The French have always had a good hand with this type of vehicle, and today, although their sales have fallen, the attraction is still alive. The Peugeot 508 He is currently the only representative of segment D of the French house. A sedan that has a long history of successes and changes behind it.
We have tested this car:
Test Peugeot 508 PSE (Sport Engineered) 360 hpTest Peugeot 508 SW 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT LineTest Peugeot 508 GT Line 1.5 BlueHDi 130 CV Auto (video)To date the origins of the 508, we must go back to 1968, the year of launch of the already historic Peugeot 504.. It could be considered as the grandfather of the current model. A sedan of compact dimensions designed by Pininfarina that stood out for its impressive resistance. Today there are still models in circulation. That model was in force until 1987, when its production was ceased.
The current Peugeot 508 has emerged after the disappearance of the first generation, launched on the market in 2011. Its commercial journey starts at the end of 2018 and at the beginning of 2023 it receives a facelift corresponding to the middle of its business cycle. Said facelift also materializes in the Peugeot 508 SW, the family version with extended bodywork.
Technical characteristics of the Peugeot 508
The Peugeot 508 is the third model of the French firm that for its development has Employed the modern and flexible modular platform EMP2. This is an architecture that is widely used in the house, since it is the same that we can see in other models of the PSA Group, such as the Peugeot 3008, Opel Grandland X, DS 7 Crossback or Citroen C4 SpaceTourer, among others.
In this case, the platform is perfectly adapted to the dimensions required in segment D, leaving us with a sedan whose external measurements reach 4,75 meters long, 1,86 meters wide and 1,4 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,79 meters that allows it to offer a cabin for five passengers, and a volume of minimum luggage compartment of 487 liters capacity.
The family body, the 508 SW it is slightly larger in size given its more practical and spacious approach. External measures lead us to the 4,79 meters long, 1,86 meters wide and 1,42 meters high. The wheelbase is the same, but the load capacity is increased by the extension of the body. Show a minimum luggage compartment of 530 liters, expandable to 1.780 liters if the second row of seats is folded down completely.
Mechanical range and Peugeot 508 gearboxes
When Peugeot developed the new generation of the 508, it did so with an eye to the future. The EMP2 platform allows offering a multitude of mechanics, of all types, as required by the latest European emissions regulations. The 2023 range is completely revised and from then on the 508 will only be offered in plug-in hybrid versions. labeled ZERO. The entire range comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
At a first level of performance we find the 508 Hybrid with 180 horses, 360 Nm of torque and a certified electric range of 63 kilometers. Below is the 508 Hybrid 225 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. In this case, the increase in performance does not mean losing autonomy. The official figure is 64 kilometers.
Above all is the Peugeot 508 PES with a plug-in hybrid engine with a dual electric motor with 360 horsepower, 520 Nm of torque and an electric range of 52 kilometers. All electrified units have the same lithium-ion battery with a net capacity of 11,3 kWh.
Equipment of the Peugeot 508
For some time now, Peugeot wants to be considered an excellent general firm. For this it has increased the quality of its interiors. The Peugeot 508 is the flagship of the sedans, it offers a well presented interior with the already famous interior concept of the French house. Good materials and correct adjustments that give the occupants a feeling of high perceived quality. At the moment, the equipment package of the 508 2023 has not been communicated.
As is customary in the house, various levels of equipment are offered. From lowest to highest endowment we find: Allure and PSE. In each of them, not only the load of technology is improved, but other aspects such as the mechanical range or the design are also modified. Being able to go from a base finish to a very sporty one signed by the acronym PSE, which has exclusive details for itself such as larger wheels.
As far as equipment is concerned, the Peugeot 508 offers all the systems one could expect in a sedan of this type. There are many elements to refer to, but they should be highlighted: full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, digital instrument panel, multimedia system with 10-inch touch screen, 360-degree camera, connectivity for mobile devices, electric seats, and a wide deployment of driving assistants.
Test of the Peugeot 508 in video
The Peugeot 508 according to Euro NCAP
On the occasion of the launch of its second generation, the Peugeot 508 underwent harsh Euro NCAP impact tests, remaining certified as a five star safety model. The results by sections were as follows: 96 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 86 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 71 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 79 out of 100 in operation of driving assistants. These results are shared by the family body, the 508 SW. These valuations remain in force after the 2023 renewal.
The Peugeot 508 of Km 0 and second hand
Due to the veteran of the current Peugeot 508, and the decline in sales suffered by segment D, the French sedan is one of the least sold in its segment. However, this does not prevent it from being the best-selling car in the past, leading to a high number of second-hand and zero-mile units on the market. In these alternative markets an average depreciation of 30% is contemplated, a fact that has been reduced with the appearance of the second generation.
If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that the cheapest available units date back to the first generation. Prices start in amounts close to 4.500 euros for vehicles with diesel mechanics and more than 300.000 kilometers. The current generation is more expensive, being offered from a minimum price of approximately 20.000 euros. As the 508 2023 is so recent, the offer of vehicles in the 0 km market is not very large, but there are units available, some of them with interesting discounts.
Peugeot 508 rivals
The D segment is no longer what it was. Sedans have lost a lot of ground to SUVs. The movement has caused the extinction of some rival units of the Peugeot 508. Despite this, it continues to maintain a long list of natural enemies that will not make things easy for it. Models as relevant as: Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport, Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW Serie 3, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, Audi A4, Kia Optima, Hyundai i40 o Renault talisman. They are all similar in size, features, and bodywork. In terms of price, the French is one of the cheapest.
Highlight
- dynamic behavior
- Technological and security equipment
- Sports driving position
To improve
- Price compared to its predecessor
- finishing details
- Absence of access gasoline versions
Peugeot 508 prices
At checkout, the 508 proves that you don't always have to pay a lot to get a lot. Its price-product ratio is one of the best in the segment. The starting price of the Peugeot 508 is 47.610 euros, without offers or promotions. This price corresponds to a saloon model with Allure finish and 180 horsepower PHEV system. On the opposite side of the price table is the Peugeot 508 PSE SW with 360 horsepower and automatic transmission. Its offer is advertised from 67.760 euros, without offers or promotions.
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