Peugeot 508
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Peugeot 508 is a mid-size/large family car manufactured by the French brand Peugeot starting in 2010, with the estate version known as the 508 SW debuting in 2011. From 2012 onward, it has been positioned as Peugeot's premier model, ranking above the 208 and 308 in the lineup.
Replacing both the 407 and 607, the 508 unified these two ranges under a single designation without introducing direct successors. Its platform and most engine options are shared with the second-generation Citroën C5, and production takes place at PSA’s Rennes facility in France as well as in Wuhan, China to serve the local market.
Overview
The saloon version of the 508 measures , whereas the estate variant, called the 508 SW, extends to . When compared with the Peugeot 407, the 508 presents a reduced front overhang alongside an elongated rear cabin space.
Before official announcements, early spy photographs emerged, followed by leaks of images and specifications on 12 July 2010. Peugeot released additional details on 6 September 2010. The model was formally introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. In China, production is carried out through a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor, with local sales commencing on 10 August 2011.
In 2011, Peugeot anticipated that China would become the largest market for the 508, potentially doubling its sales figures relative to France. This represented a notable strategic pivot, marking the first occasion where a Peugeot model would register higher sales outside Europe than within France.
The facelift in 2015 brought a new vertical grille adorned with the Peugeot lion, a redesigned front fascia, full LED headlamps, updated engine options, and front-wheel drive for the RXH model. The 508 has garnered several international accolades such as Spain’s Car of the Year 2011, Next Green Car, and Best Large Family Car 2011. Reviews highlighted its roomy interior, superior build quality, and exceptional fuel efficiency (notably the 1.6 e HDi variant emitting just 109g CO2/km). It also won Auto Zeitung readers’ choice for Best Imported Family Car 2011.
Technical highlights
For European markets, Peugeot equipped the 508 with HDI common rail diesel engines. The 1.6-litre HDI 112 variant incorporates the e HDI 'micro hybrid' technology coupled with an electronically managed automatic transmission, achieving fuel consumption of and carbon dioxide emissions limited to 109 g/km.
This performance is comparable to that of the Volkswagen Passat Bluemotion, but with a slightly larger fuel tank allowing an extended driving range of approximately 1637 kilometres (1017 miles). Between 2011 and 2012, two versions of e HDI engines were offered, improving emissions from 114 g/km down to 109 g/km thanks to an optimized air intake system.
Additionally, PSA provided a HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid powertrain option for the 508 lineup, which further decreased fuel use to and CO2 emissions to just 99 g/km.
The flagship GT trim is powered by a , 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission featuring manual paddle shifters.
Safety
In safety assessments conducted by Euro NCAP in 2011, the Peugeot 508 achieved a five-star rating, excelling in categories including adult occupant protection, child safety, pedestrian impact mitigation, and safety assistance systems.
508 RXH
Peugeot introduced the 508 RXH at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, presenting a hybrid-electric crossover estate variant characterized by pronounced wheel arches and a grille matching the body color, featuring three LED daytime running lights on each side.
The vehicle’s Hybrid4 drivetrain combines a 120 kW (163 hp) 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine with a 27 kW (37 hp) electric motor, resulting in fuel consumption rated at 4.2 L/100 km. This system provides four selectable driving modes:
- AUTO: focuses on maximizing fuel efficiency by shifting gears early and frequently engaging zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mode.
- SPORT: delivers a total output of 150 kW (200 hp) and 450 Nm torque up to speeds of 120 km/h, with enhanced throttle responsiveness.
- 4WD: ensures permanent four-wheel drive and battery charging capability up to 120 km/h.
- ZEV: allows for electric-only travel at speeds up to approximately 60 km/h, covering a range near 3 km.
The engine automatically switches off during coasting or when stopped below 30 km/h, restarting as necessary for power demands, battery recharging, or climate control functions. The battery pack is composed of 42 groups of four D-size SANYO cells (nominal voltage of 201.6V), with management systems designed to extend battery life by restricting charge levels to between 30% and 90%.
Boasting an increased ground clearance of 184 mm—30 mm higher than standard versions—the RXH was initially released in early 2012 as a premium limited edition before expanding its range. It directly rivals vehicles such as the Audi A4 Allroad, Volvo XC70, Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, and BMW 3 Series XDrive.
508 coupé by Peugeot
The Peugeot SR1, a concept car showcasing "hybrid power" technology and previewing the future design of the 508 coupé, was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Production was anticipated to commence in 2012.
In China, the Peugeot 508 is equipped with a 1.8 THP engine that produces power at 5,500 rpm and torque within the range of 1,400 to 4,000 rpm.
Gallery
Pre-facelift styling
Post facelift styling
Second generation (R83; 2018)
Revealed in February and showcased at the March 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the second-generation Peugeot 508 introduced a streamlined fastback silhouette inspired by the Instinct shooting brake concept from the previous year’s Geneva Motor Show. The estate version was later presented at the October 2018 Paris Motor Show. This generation earned the accolade "Most Beautiful Car of The Year 2018" at the International Automobile Festival.
Available powertrains include two turbocharged PureTech petrol engines, three diesel turbocharged variants, along with a plug-in hybrid model unveiled in September 2019. This iteration marks Peugeot’s first passenger car built on an extended EMP2 platform. Transmission advancements feature an eight-speed Aisin EAT8 automatic gearbox replacing the former EAT6 unit.
In May 2019, the model debuted in the Middle East market retaining the carryover 165 hp 1.6-litre engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
A facelift introduced in February 2023 refreshed the front fascia with Peugeot’s updated logo and enhanced infotainment technology.
508L (China)
The Peugeot 508L made its debut at the 2018 Guangzhou Auto Show in China. Compared to its European counterpart, this China-exclusive version has a longer wheelbase measuring , extending overall length to .
Unlike the European five-door liftback design, the 508L features a classic four-door sedan body style with a traditional trunk. Additionally, framed doors replace the frameless doors found on the European model.
This variant underwent a mid-2023 facelift update.
Engines
| Model | Configuration | Power and Torque at rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (s) | Maximum speed | Gearbox | CO2 emissions (g/km) | Production years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 PureTech (130PS) | 1,199 cubic centimetres (73.2 cu in) Inline 3-cylinder | 130 metric horsepower (96 kW) at 5500 rpm, 230 newton-metres (170 lbf⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 10.0 | 204 kilometres per hour (127 mph) | 8-speed EAT8 automatic | 133 | 2021 onwards |
| 1.6 PureTech (182PS) | 1,598 cubic centimetres (97.5 cu in) Inline 4-cylinder | 180 metric horsepower (130 kW) at 5500 rpm, 250 newton-metres (180 lbf⋅ft) at 1650 rpm | 7.9 | 229 kilometres per hour (142 mph) | 8-speed EAT8 automatic | 123–131 | 2018 to 2021 |
| 1.6 PureTech (225PS) | 1,598 cubic centimetres (97.5 cu in) Inline 4-cylinder | 225 metric horsepower (165 kW) at 5500 rpm, 300 newton-metres (220 lbf⋅ft) at 1900 rpm | 7.3 | 250 kilometres per hour (160 mph) | 8-speed EAT8 automatic | 130–132 | 2018 to 2021 |
| Model | Configuration | Power and Torque at rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (s) | Top speed | Transmission type | CO2 emissions (g/km) | Years available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 PureTech EP6FDT (180PS) | 1,598 cubic centimetres (97.5 cu in) Inline 4-cylinder plus electric motor | 180 metric horsepower (130 kW) at 5500 rpm, 250 newton-metres (180 lbf⋅ft) at 1650 rpm | 7.9 | 229 kilometres per hour (142 mph) | 8-speed EAT8 automatic | 123–127 | From 2019 |
| 1.6 PSE EP6FDT (360 PS) | '1,598 cubic centimetres (97.5 cu in)' Inline 4-cylinder with dual electric motors (front and rear) | '360 metric horsepower (260 kW)' at 5500 rpm, '520 newton-metres (380 lbf⋅ft)' at 1650 rpm | '5.2' | '255 kilometres per hour (158 mph)' | '8-speed EAT8 automatic' |
'Since 2021' |
| Model | Configuration | Power and Torque at rpm | 0–100 km/h acceleration (s) | Maximum velocity | Transmission | CO2 emissions (g/km) | Production span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| '1.5 BlueHDI (130PS)' | '1499 cc' Inline 4-cylinder | '130 PS' at 3750 rpm, '300 Nm' at 1750 rpm | '9.7' | '208 km/h' (electronically limited) | '6-speed manual' | '101' | '2018 to 2020' |
| '1.5 BlueHDI (130PS)' | '1499 cc' Inline 4-cylinder | '130 PS' at 3750 rpm, '300 Nm' at 1750 rpm | '10.0' | '208 km/h' (electronically limited) | '8-speed EAT8 automatic' | '98' | '2018 through 2024' |
| '2.0 BlueHDI (160PS)' | '1997 cc' Inline 4-cylinder | '160 PS' at 3750 rpm, '400 Nm' at 2000 rpm | '8.4' | '230 km/h' | '8-speed EAT8 automatic' | '118–122' | '2018 to 2020' |
| '2.0 BlueHDI (180PS)' | '1997 cc' Inline 4-cylinder | '180 PS' at 3750 rpm, '400 Nm' at 2000 rpm | '8.3' | '235 km/h' | '8-speed EAT8 automatic' | '124–125' | '2018 to 2020' |
Safety
In the year 2018, the Peugeot 508 was awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP, achieving exceptional marks in adult occupant protection with a score of 96%, child occupant safety at 86%, pedestrian protection rated at 71%, and an overall safety system effectiveness of 79%.
Driving features
The Peugeot 508 includes a suite of advanced driver assistance and safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring with corrective steering input, and Traffic-sign recognition for detecting speed limits and road signs. Its front-facing camera enables functions like Active Lane Keeping Assistance, Road Edge Detection, Lane Positioning Assist to maintain lane centering, alongside driver attentiveness monitoring.
An optional Safety Plus Pack enhances blind spot detection via additional sensors that provide LED alerts. Parking support ranges from basic front and rear proximity sensors to fully automated parking systems capable of handling parallel and perpendicular maneuvers independently.
508 PSE
Peugeot introduced the 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) in February 2020, offered in both liftback and estate versions. Despite its dynamic design, the PSE variant has underperformed relative to expectations, accounting for merely 5–6% of overall 508 sales. By April 2022, cumulative production totaled approximately 2,000 units. Production of the pre-facelift 508 PSE ceased in February 2023.
508 Sport Engineered Concept
Revealed in February 2019 and presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, this concept represents a high-performance plug-in hybrid iteration of the 508.
It combines a petrol engine with a front electric motor and an additional rear electric motor, delivering a combined peak output of and torque. Although the individual power sources amount to roughly 500 hp collectively, the system’s effective maximum output in practical use is near 400 hp.
The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of . Its 11.8 kWh battery pack supports an electric-only driving range of up to . CO2 emissions are rated at 49 g/km (WLTP). Enhanced aerodynamics are achieved through a sportier bodykit. This concept served as the foundation for the production version of the 508 PSE, launched as both saloon and estate models from mid-2020.
Sales and production
| Year | Global Production | Global Sales | Remarks |
| 2010 | 6,400 | 1,400 | |
| 2011 | 131,658 | 124,150 | Total production of the 508 reached 138,043 units. |
| 2012 | 116,400 | 124,150 | Total production volume hit 121,700 units. |