2024 Peugeot 508 - Delightfull French Coupe!

Thanks: MGS Auto

Peugeot 508 review

“A big French hatch might be an oddball choice, but the 508 looks bold, feels good and drives (mostly) well”

Good stuff
Looks great in and out, more engaging to drive than you might expect, simple engine/trim line-up

Bad stuff
Ride’s a bit busy in town, PHEV not the smoothest, rear space isn’t great

What is it?

This is the Peugeot 508, a biggish family car that harbours secret hopes that it can get competitive with the posh Germans over the way.

It's a proper low-slung fastback (or estate, but more on that here), now in its second generation and facelifted in early 2023. If you want a bit of extra space via a higher roof, or some crossover-y ruggedness, then the new 408 is worth a look.

REMIND ME OF THE RIVALS?
The opposition from Germany comes in the shape of the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, but in reality they attract a different kind of buyer. Think Skoda Superb or VW Arteon and you're more in the ballpark.

Other rivals have fallen by the way: no Ford Mondeo, Lexus IS, Vauxhall Insignia or VW Passat (in saloon guise at least, the estate is still on sale). The Jaguar XE's death is foretold. The Volvo S60 has gone. Saloons aren't the force they were.

Diesel sales are wilting too, so for the facelift the powertrain range drops to just three petrols: a plucky little three-cylinder petrol, a FWD plug-in hybrid and a sporty Peugeot Sport Engineered one which adds electric drive for the rear wheels too. We review that PSE version separately here.

GOOD LOOKING THING, ISN'T IT?

The 508 is undoubtedly very striking. There are some neatly designed saloons in this size class, but they're all very conservative. The 508, a fast-tailed hatchback, isn't trying to look reserved or German.

The facelift brought changes to bumpers, grille and lights (note the updated three-claw LED daytime running lights), but nothing revolutionary. Inside, the centre screen software is usefully updated, and there's freshened upholstery.

You get in via frameless doors, which allow a lower roof without compromising the size of the hole through which you're climbing. Indoors, it's even more distinct from its rivals, because it adopts the company's i-Cockpit twin-screen design, using a small, low-mounted steering wheel so you view the instruments over its rim.

OK, LET'S GET MOVING. HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

The 508 sits on Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, as used by countless biggish Peugeots, Citroens, DSs and Vauxhalls. It's relatively light for its size, but doesn't feel fragile or floppy. This is the most sophisticated version of the platform, with multi-link rear suspension. There's also the option of adaptive dampers, but it doesn't need them.

You don’t get much steering feel, and your relationship with the car is defined by that tiny steering wheel, which means you can use small arm movements. Then you find keen and level cornering. The ride can be a bit firm and niggly around town, but it settles down on more expansive roads.

The base 1.2 engine is sweet enough and saves 300kg over the plug-in hybrid, so isn't much slower. That PHEV is 1.6 litres with a total combined petrol and electric output of 225bhp, but the handoff between petrol and electric is jerky if you're accelerating through tight bends or roundabouts. All get an eight-speed auto 'box.

WHAT WILL IT SET ME BACK?

Prices start from £34,170 for the base pure petrol, with the PHEV about £10k more. Of course, depreciation is the age-old enemy of big French barges, but Peugeot has got a better grip on it now. Good news for lease rates.

[Hllnbck]

what an awesome car. thanks for the review

[FretkaDraveN]

It's so sad Peugeot is retiring 408 and 508 series. The world don't deserve these marvelous sedans!

[jaromor]

this is the very first iteration of that strange headlight design that i actually love 👍👍👍

[will_crisfer]

I bought a 2012 last month, in the future, maybe 3 years I intend to switch to this one. its is an excellent Car.

[EdwinRodriguez-ny]

Wait a second is that a scrath left side in the lower bumper? 😮

[lorenzocambiaso]

Non ci posso credere!!! Il paraurto anteriore, a dx, è ammaccato e rigato!!! Fateci caso, ad inizio video...😂😂😂

[boonswithbenedictions]

some dreams never come true wish it did but too late luxury sedan car de La France .

[olegmolchanov]

Обожаю пежо и ситроен, в мире современных одинаковых игрушек, только они остаются самобытными, почет вам и уважение господа французы

[NukeXplosive]

Looks way better than the accord and camry. This is a beautiful design especially how the headlights sit with the grill

[kidam]

Une superbe voiture, un plaisir de conduite mais surtout un échec commercial. Dommage! Je la trouve magnifique et à conduire, c’est du pur bonheur.❤

[will]

0:29 They're presenting a damaged car lol

[osamaibrahim]

That's the real superior sport car

[burakk]

Ön tampondaki vuruğa detay cekim yapmasaydin bence

[coolI]

Why are they putting a little button for changing gears?? I much prefer the bmw gears stick it makes you feel much better holding to one of them instead of little button.

[amergazaagazaa]

سيارات بيجو لها خصوصية وتاريخ لكن صناعتها تراجعت جدا كسيارات اعتمادية

[halefibrahimoglu]

Maşallah çok güzel araba🧿 yanlız sanki tamponun sol alt tarafı bir yere sürtmüş gibi geldi bana

[DawnDrifterAU]

Piano gloss near centre consoles should not be used. Scratch easy and reflect light into driver. Besides that front of car and other interior of this car look brilliant. Really nice modern design

[kouetipacome]

Peugeot commence à avoir de bonnes idées au niveau des désignes.Jolie

[Techjunkiero]

Hate the front Changan grill. What’s with the front bumper and fender? Misalignment galore. Otherwise gorgeous model.

[dab]

Enfin quelque chose d'esthétique, ça nous change de ces dégueulasses SUV, bravo Peugeot ! 🥰