Peugeot 508Edit
The Peugeot 508 is Peugeot’s flagship mid-size model, engineered to blend European refinement with practical performance. Introduced in 2010 as the successor to the Peugeot 407, the 508 marked a deliberate shift for the brand toward a more contemporary, design-led approach to the D-segment. In its original form, the 508 offered a sedan-fastback silhouette that emphasized aerodynamics, cabin comfort, and efficient powertrains. A second-generation model, unveiled in 2018, refined that formula into a more premium-feeling, technology-forward package that Peugeot positioned as a counterpoint to more traditional German competitors in the same class. The 508 sits in the D-segment, where buyers look for a balance of driving dynamics, interior quality, and total cost of ownership. Peugeot D-segment fastback plug-in hybrid.
Since its inception, the 508 has served as a showcase for Peugeot’s evolving design language and engineering capabilities. The car has been offered with a range of gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and it has grown into a broader family that includes the practical 508 SW estate variant. The model also represents Peugeot’s push to combine sporty styling with everyday usability, a combination that has helped the brand appeal to buyers who want a car with presence but without sacrificing efficiency or comfort. PureTech engines, BlueHDi diesels, and later electric-assisted variants have kept the 508 competitive in a market increasingly oriented toward electrification. i-Cockpit.
Design and engineering
The first-generation 508 rode on PSA’s mid-size underpinnings and established a distinctive design ethos for the brand: a sculpted, coupe-like silhouette paired with a spacious interior and a driver-centric cockpit. The original 508 emphasized aerodynamics and styling over a traditional three-box sedan look, a choice that aligned with Peugeot’s desire to stand out in a crowded field. The model also introduced or popularized Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit—a compact steering wheel, raised driver position, and a prominent instrument cluster—designed to improve perceived driver visibility and interior ergonomics. Powertrains ranged from efficient 1.6-liter PureTech petrol engines to BlueHDi diesels, with manual and automatic transmissions depending on market. Peugeot 407.
The second-generation 508, introduced for 2018, shifted to a more upscale execution while preserving the fastback form. It adopted the EMP2 platform, which underpinned a broad set of PSA vehicles and enabled more electrified options. The styling was even more assertive, with a low, flowing roofline, slim LED headlamps, and a broad grille that reinforced the car’s premium stance. Inside, the cabin continued Peugeot’s focus on driver engagement and tactile controls, but broadened the technology suite with larger touchscreens, enhanced connectivity, and the refined i-Cockpit layout. Engines were carried over and expanded to include plug-in hybrid variants, aligning with Europe’s tightening emissions targets and buyers’ growing appetite for near-zero-emission daily driving. EMP2 platform plug-in hybrid.
The 508’s drivetrain lineup has included petrol, diesel, and hybrid configurations. The plug-in hybrid variants typically combine a turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors to deliver strong off-boost torque and the ability to run in zero-emission mode for short urban trips. The high-performance Peugeot Sport Engineered version, the 508 PSE, adds a performance-oriented hybrid setup with increased horsepower and four-wheel drive to deliver a more spirited driving experience while preserving the efficiency of electrified propulsion. These offerings allow the 508 to compete in a market where buyers increasingly want both efficiency and driving enjoyment. Peugeot Sport Engineered.
In terms of everyday use, the 508 has remained a confident handling choice in its class. It emphasizes a composed ride, tidy body control, and precise steering, with a cabin that prioritizes comfort and quietness on long drives. The fastback silhouette contributes to a trunk opening that is practical for a car of this size, and the 508 SW estate variant expands cargo capacity for families or business use, illustrating Peugeot’s aim to cover both executive and practical needs within a single model family. fastback 508 SW.
Technology and safety
Across its generations, the 508 has integrated Peugeot’s evolving technology strategy. The i-Cockpit remains a core feature, offering a compact steering wheel, a high driving position, and a digital instrument display designed to minimize visual clutter and maximize the driver’s awareness of key information. Central infotainment systems have grown more capable over time, with large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist that align with contemporary expectations for safety and convenience. i-Cockpit.
The vehicle’s powertrains emphasize modern efficiency, with plug-in hybrids offering the option to shuttle locally on electric propulsion while preserving the range and flexibility of an internal-combustion engine for longer journeys. This dual approach addresses both the desire for lower running costs in urban use and the practical realities of charging infrastructure in many markets. Plug-in hybrid.
Variants and market presence
First generation (2010–2018): A distinctive midsize sedan-fastback that kicked off Peugeot’s current design-led approach to the segment. It offered a range of PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines and, in some markets, manual as well as automatic transmissions. Peugeot 407.
Second generation (2018–present): A more premium-feeling fastback with the EMP2 platform, improved interior technology, and expanded electrified options, including plug-in hybrids and the high-performance PSE version. The 508 remained available in multiple powertrains to meet European emissions standards and consumer demand for efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment. EMP2 platform Peugeot 508 PSE.
508 SW: The estate variant designed to maximize cargo space while retaining the 508’s styling and technology. This variant broadens the model’s appeal to customers who need practicality alongside a premium European sedan experience. 508 SW.
Reception and contemporary debates
The 508 has been praised for its styling, interior design, and on-road refinement. Critics and buyers alike have noted that the car offers a compelling alternative to rivals in the European D-segment, balancing form and function with a certain French flair. From a market-oriented perspective, the 508’s continued refinement—especially the inclusion of plug-in hybrid options—reflects a prudent response to tightening emissions rules and a consumer base that seeks fuel economy without sacrificing performance or luxury feel. D-segment Volkswagen Passat Opel Insignia.
Controversies and debates surrounding the broader auto industry—more than specific to the 508—often revolve around the pace and direction of electrification, government policy, and the economics of transition. Critics of aggressive subsidies or mandates argue that consumer choice and competitive pressure should drive adoption, not top-down fiat. They contend that hybrid and internal-combustion options still have a role, particularly in regions with limited charging networks or where total ownership costs remain a key consideration for families and small businesses. Proponents counter that electrification and advanced hybrids are essential for meeting climate targets and improving urban air quality, and that the automotive industry benefits from clear, predictable policy signals. The debate is ongoing in Brussels, national capitals, and boardrooms across Stellantis and the broader European automotive ecosystem. Diesel Hybrid electric vehicle.
In this context, the 508’s strategy—continuing refinement of a design-led family car with multiple powertrains—reads as a pragmatic approach to a rapidly changing market. It seeks to maintain European automotive leadership through quality engineering, efficient propulsion, and a distinctive user experience that aligns with a mature, value-conscious buyer base. Peugeot Stellantis.