Scoop: The redesigned 508 will inaugurate the new Peugeot face!
The flagship of the range could have given up and headed to the death of a segment overwhelmed by SUVs. No, the Peugeot 508 will offer an ultimate last stand in 2023. Heralding style, multimedia, motorization, hybridization Discover now how she wants to end her career and, moreover, close a line with style!
Ending with panache, this will be the leitmotif of the restyled Peugeot 508! The second generation of the family saloon, launched in autumn 2018, nevertheless took every opportunity to be successful in a declining segment. Hatchback coupe line and frameless doors to stand and hope to tickle premium competitors, a hatchback carefully concealed in a dynamic profile so as not to sacrifice practicality on the altar of beauty: all to the greatest number delight. The most observant will even have spotted a few nods here and there to its ancestor, the Peugeot 504, lending it legitimacy when needed. On board, the iCockpit surface adapted to the low architecture of a sedan guarantees a sporty and technological atmosphere. The 508 was clearly off the beaten path.
The redesigned 508 extends its claws … in trio
Over time, the Peugeot 508 has been able to adapt its range of engines to the electrification of the market. Specifically, it has reduced its diesel offerings to, on the contrary, expand its portfolio of rechargeable hybrids. Now, midway through her career, she’s not reaping the rewards of all those efforts. Shame. The Peugeot 508 couldn’t reverse the course of events. The commercial results are disappointing, in the first half of 2022 1,989 units were sold, ie 57% less than in the previous year when 8,507 customers were acquired. What has to be done now ? Throw in the towel like its rival, the Renault Talisman, who discreetly left the scene Or try one last stand before the curtain is finally lowered? The lion men have a reputation for being tenacious, and they’ll prove it with this 508 2 Phase 2. He is expected in 2023 and will do everything to impress. Starting with a muzzle featuring the brand’s new light signature, namely a trio of claws that make each headlight stand out. A charismatic cosmetic gimmick brought out by the Peugeot 9×8 race car. For reference, there are worse.
That’s it, Renault no longer has a road car!
A strategy that is part of the continuity for the Peugeot 508, which, recall, was the first in the range to have glowing fangs. Strong graphic elements applied to most of the models since then: 208, 3008 and 5008 redesigned, then 308 and 408. As I’m sure you understood, the Peugeot 508 is the one that paves the way. Normal for the flagship. Between each of its clearly identifiable light sources, the grille will find its rest with an evanescent border to the shield. Pretentious chrome contours are a thing of the past.
On board, the Peugeot 508 will be updated, adopting the three-dimensional holographic instrumentation inaugurated by the 208, in front of the driver and configurable iToggle touch buttons introduced by the new 308 under the central screen. Between the seats, the Cobra-type gear selector introduced in 2016 on the current Peugeot 3008 dates back a little to the 508 today. This imposing lever gives way to a slider control that saves space, allowing for a more storage layout. This means that the Peugeot 508 will no longer suffer from “unfair” competition from its little sisters, the 308 and 408, it will be contemporary.
New under the hood for the redesigned 508!
Of course, nothing is too bad for the facelift of the 508, which also has something new to offer under its hood. He will nibble off the 308 and 408, a 180 hp plug-in variant, in order to democratize battery hybrid technology. Enough for the Hybrid 225 variant to be able to increase to 250 hp, power already offered by the DS9 cousin, and to have a larger capacity battery that allows it to have a greater radius of action in 100% electric mode (about 75 km ). Something that should become popular again with corporate fleet managers. For their part, private customers who have not yet completely turned their backs on the 508 will be more likely to consider the entry-level class. Equipped with the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engine, It will get the reinforcement of a 48V micro-hybridization and dual-clutch transmission developed in collaboration with Punch Powertrain.
The latter contains an electric motor with a power of 20 kW. An architecture that does not allow 100% electric driving, but instead increases total power to 150 hp and reduces CO2 emissions. Two more questions remain. What about the 508 PSE (photo above), the sporty plug-in hybrid version with a total power of 360 hp, sold at 2,000 units, sedans and station wagons together? And the BlueHDi 130 diesel engines? Will they still be part of the journey after the restyling? Nothing is less safe. Whatever the case, the redesigned 508 will lack for nothing, it will be its last chance to impress… or not.
The Peugeot 508 PSE crosses a symbolic bar
