Peugeot 508 SW

FORECOURT PEUGEOT 508 SW

Peugeot has kickstarted its new electric performance division with what’s likely to be a rare sight. Ted Welford tried one for size...

WHAT IS IT?

Peugeot is getting ahead of the electrification curve in the ‘halo’ performance brand sector by launching its ‘Peugeot Sport Engineered’ (PSE) brand. Every model to come from PSE will either be a hybrid or electric.

WHAT’S NEW?

On first impression, you might think the 508 PSE – which is available as both a Fastback or the SW (estate) we’re testing here – is just the standard 508 with a slightly beefier engine and fancy frock. That’s true, in part, with this model being Peugeot’s most powerful road car to date and getting a seriously aggressive design.

But there’s a lot more to it than just outright speed and visuals...

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Peugeot has combined a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors. With one on the front and another on the rear, it also means it’s four-wheel drive.

Yet charge the model’s 11.5kWh battery up – which takes an hour and three-quarters with a 7kW wallbox – and Peugeot claims a 26-mile electric range. Benefit-in-kind is just 13 per cent for company car drivers, bringing welcome savings over the Audi S4 Avant and BMW M340d Touring, which make do with conventional engines.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

When you’re pushing on, you can really feel the traction at the rear axle helping to drive you around the corner. The well-weighted steering has clearly had plenty of recalibration to make it feel more involving than the standard car, while the agility for a 1.9-tonne hybrid estate car is nothing short of remarkable.

You also sit delightfully low in the superb leather and Alcantara sports seats that help to elevate that sporty feel, while the ‘Comfort’ setting makes the 508 PSE a decent cruiser. It’s still pretty firm, though, thanks to Peugeot stiffening up the suspension by 50 per cent and large 20-inch wheels wrapped in low-tyre wall Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

All torque

The turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol and electric motors produce 355bhp and 520Nm.

THE KNOWLEDGE

Peugeot 508 SW PSE Hybrid4 360 e-EAT8 4WD

Price: £55,795 Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol with electric motors

Power: 355bhp

Torque: 520Nm

Max speed:

155mph

O-60mph:

5.0 seconds

MPG (combined):

138.9

Emissions:

46g/km CO2

The looks

The 508 SW is a striking estate. But one of the best-looking cars to buy? Probably.

The cabin is bold and imaginative but the ergonomics won’t suit all.

Inside

look. The PSE can be spotted by its bold grille with larger air intakes, as well as the lashings of ‘Kryptonite’ (the greeny-yellow bits) on the front end, badging and brake callipers. You’ll also notice the fancy aero pieces that stick out on the lower bumpers, along with a fancy rear diffuser. It is – to our eyes at least – one of the best-looking cars you can buy today.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The 508’s interior is bold and imaginative, with a large upfront digital instrument cluster, prominent touchscreen with aircraft-like toggle switches and Peugeot’s now-notorious small steering wheel. Although it all looks the part, the ergonomics won’t suit all, with the seating and steering wheel position requiring plenty of adjustment so you can see the dials properly. The touchscreen is also quite laggy, and not anywhere as good as those found in Audis and BMW at a similar price. More positively, the PSE offers the same large 529-litre boot space as the standard 508SW, while rear-seat space is plentiful for adults.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Peugeot you see here will set you back £55,795. You could save yourself a couple of thousand with the Fastback but it still makes it more expensive than the Audi S4 Avant.

That said, you should consider the lower running costs with the hybrid Peugeot than its petrol and diesel rivals, while standard equipment is especially generous – including ‘Night Vision’ tech that can spot any hazards in the road using an infra-red camera.

The only options you can pick are the colours Nera Black or Pearl White, although we’d be pretty happy to stick with the free Selenium Grey (pictured).

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Top Gear said: ‘We don’t expect to see many of these around, but we’ll salute anyone we do see driving one.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The 508SW PSE is a truly exciting car that showcases that the electrified future is something to really look forward to. It brings innovation and performance, and indicates just how far Peugeot has transformed itself in recent years. Peugeot Sport Engineered’s first car might not make the most rational sense, but it’s a brilliant halo model and one that gets this firm’s new electrified sporty line off to a fantastic start.

TARGET BUYERS:

Company car drivers with a very generous allowance.

THE RIVALS:

BMW M340d Touring Audi S4 Avant Volvo V60 T8

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Futuristic styling. 2.Rare combination of strong performance and low running costs. 3.Brimming with technology.

DEAL CLINCHER:

The rarity factor – you’re unlikely ever to see another 508 PSE.

It brings innovation and performance, and indicates just how far Peugeot has transformed itself.