A Sculpted Exterior Signifying Peugeot's New Direction

The 508 succeeds the 407 in the upper-middle segment, offered in both sedan and station wagon (SW) variants. Two trims are available: the entry-level 'Allure,' equipped with black fabric seats and 16-inch alloy wheels, and the 'Griffe,' featuring black leather seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The first element to capture attention is the newly reimagined exterior. From the body design, which appears sculpted from a solid block, to the dynamic long hood and the 'floating grille' where the compact front grille seems to levitate, these features are inherited from the 'SR1' concept car unveiled last year to commemorate Peugeot's 200th anniversary. The lion emblem, a hallmark of Peugeot vehicles, positioned above the grille, has also been updated.

Compared to the 407 (2.2-liter model), the body dimensions have increased by 105mm in length (40mm for the SW), 15mm in width, and 90mm in wheelbase, resulting in dimensions of 4,790mm (SW: 4,815mm) in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,455mm (SW: 1,505mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,815mm. Rear legroom has expanded by 53mm compared to the 407, achieving one of the most spacious interiors in its class. Trunk capacity has also increased by over 100 liters for both the sedan (515 liters) and SW (565 liters) compared to the 407. For the SW, folding the rear seats expands capacity to 1,598 liters, enhancing practicality.

SW

Inside, the cabin features a retractable color head-up display positioned behind the instrument panel visor. Essential driving information, such as speed and cruise control settings, is projected onto a transparent polycarbonate smoked panel.

The steering wheel incorporates controls for audio and cruise control, along with a speed limiter. The vehicle also debuts a four-zone independent automatic climate control system designed to minimize energy loss and an HDD navigation system, both new to the Peugeot lineup.

Powertrain Refreshed with Downsizing

Alongside the exterior, the powertrain has undergone a significant overhaul. The previous 3.2-liter and 2.2-liter engines have been replaced by a downsized 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC engine with a turbocharger. It delivers a robust performance with a maximum output of 115kW (156ps) at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 240Nm (24.5kgm) from 1,400 to 3,500 rpm.

The transmission is an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic, engineered to reduce shift shock and provide the smooth driving feel expected of a flagship model. Furthermore, the front suspension utilizes a newly developed MacPherson strut system, offering excellent vibration damping and road-holding capabilities, enhancing Peugeot's traditional supple ride quality to an even more refined level.

Thanks to the downsized engine and other optimizations, the weight has been reduced by 40kg for the sedan (to 1,520kg) and 70kg for the SW (to 1,560kg). Fuel economy, measured under the 10-15 mode, achieves 11.0 km/l for the sedan and 10.8 km/l for the SW, meeting the European 'Euro5' emissions standard. CO2 emissions are rated at 144g/km for the sedan and 145g/km for the SW (CO2 emissions based on European data).

In terms of safety, the latest generation 'ESP8.1' vehicle stability control program has been implemented, contributing to the car achieving the highest possible rating of 5 stars in the European NCAP crash safety assessment.

Additionally, the 'Intelligent Traction Control' system is standard, which finely controls each drive wheel to ensure superior traction on slippery surfaces such as snow. The vehicle also includes 'Hill Start Assist,' which maintains braking force for two seconds when releasing the brake pedal on inclines of 3% or more, and rear parking sensors.

Pricing is set at 3.74 million yen for the 508 Allure, 4.14 million yen for the 508 Griffe, 3.94 million yen for the 508SW Allure, and 4.34 million yen for the 508SW Griffe.

The 508 arrives with a completely redesigned exterior and powertrain, replacing the 407. It represents an epoch-making model that signals Peugeot's new direction.

PEUGEOT 508 / 508SW
Body Size (Sedan) | Length 4,790 x Width 1,855 x Height 1,455mm
Body Size (SW) | Length 4,815 x Width 1,855 x Height 1,505mm
Wheelbase | 2,815mm
Engine | 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Max Output | 115kW (156ps) / 6,000rpm
Max Torque | 240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,400-3,500rpm
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy | 11.0 km/l (Sedan), 10.8 km/l (SW)
CO2 Emissions | 144g/km (Sedan), 145g/km (SW)
Seating Capacity | 5 people
Steering | Right
Price | 508 Allure: 3.74 million yen
508 Griffe: 4.14 million yen
508SW Allure: 3.94 million yen
508SW Griffe: 4.37 million yen