Review - 2023 Peugeot 508

For the latest model year, Peugeot has updated the 508 sedan and wagon ranges with a new, fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain that adds a considerable amount of power while dropping fuel use on the road.

Just how convincing is the latest powertrain addition, then, and how does the Peugoet 508 range hold up against its competitors? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Peugeot 508 Competition

Starting Price: $81,610

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

How Much Does It Cost?

The Peugeot 508 range is priced from $81,610 for the 508 GT Plug-in Hybrid Fastback Automatic, with prices rising to $82,915 for the 508 GT Plug-in Hybrid Wagon.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using our online car buying service, one of our auto experts can assist you in finding the greatest value model for you.

Peugeot 508 (GT PHEV) Specifications

What Features Does the Peugeot 508 Have?

Peugeot’s 508 Fastback & Wagon range comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives LED head & tail lights, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Nappa leather upholstery with heated, massaging front seats, keyless entry & start and eight-way power-adjustable front seats.

On the tech front, the 508 range boasts a semi-automatic parking assistant, a 10-inch infotainment system with 3D sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 10-speaker Focal sound system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging pad and four USB outlets.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• LED head & tail lights 

• Adaptive suspension 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Rear-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors 

• Parking assistant 

• Nappa leather upholstery with heated, massaging front seats 

• 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

• Wireless charging pad 

• 10-speaker Focal sound system

Is the Peugeot 508 Comfortable to Drive?

The Peugeot 508 in both sedan and wagon form offers a great driving experience for buyers looking to move away from the typical SUV suspects while demanding a smooth and comfortable daily driver.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder kicking out 133kW of power and 300Nm of torque which is paired with an electric motor adding 81kW of power and 320Nm of torque to the mix.

The end result is a combined output of 165kW/360Nm, all of which is front to the front wheels via an eight-speed transmission.

On the road, the added electrical assistance gives the 508 far more responsiveness picking up speed off the line, while the power delivery itself is super smooth and offers more than enough power for your daily drive.

Peugeot’s design also allows you to pilot the 508 purely on electrical power for up to 55km thanks to the 11.5kWh battery pack that feeds the electric motor.

The 508 sits far lower to the ground than your typical SUV package, with the key benefit of this lowered stature being added dynamics in the corners, though the 508 far prefers to bumble along smoothly, making for a great commuter option.

The adaptive dampers help to iron out the majority of smaller bumps on the road while adding some more support in the corners with the sports mode engaged, while the lightweight steering rack makes parking and low-speed turns a simple task.

All up, the 508 feels buttery smooth on more civilised roads here in Australia, with the added electrical assistance offering some more poke off the line and, perhaps more importantly, significantly reducing fuel use.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

As you might imagine, Peugeot’s move to add plug-in hybrid tech to the 508 Fastback and Wagon has drastically improved their respective fuel economy figures.

Officially, the 508 range is rated at 1.5L/100km on a combined cycle, though this requires a fully-charged battery pack to help reduce fuel use, which will increase as the battery is depleted and the turbocharged petrol unit is kicked into action more frequently.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Space, practicality and a uniquely premium interior layout are key selling points of larger wagons like the Peugeot 508, and in its latest model year, it does not disappoint on any of these fronts.

Step inside the cabin and you’re treated to a lovely pair of Nappa leather upholstered seats and one of the quirkiest interior layouts of the segment thanks to Peugeot’s unique approach to cabin designs.

There’s a heap of contrasting shapes, textures and design lines that make it a treat for the eyes though, thankfully, these have been matched with some practical touches.

You’ll find, for example, a pair of cup holders, a retractable storage area, a wireless charging pad hiding beneath and a split-fold armrest with added storage all inside the centre console.

Headroom is great in the front of the 508’s cabin, so too is the width of the cabin that makes it feel truly premium and spacious in the front of the cabin.

Move to the second row of the 508’s cabin and things get slightly more cramped for those seated in the rear, though there’s still a decent amount of leg and headroom for adults to get comfortable on a short hop around town.

The Peugeot 508 comes fitted with a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for child seats, while the boot measures in at a very healthy 530L in the wagon, expanding to 1780L with the rear seats folded.

Opting for the 508 Sportback sedan brings boot space figures down to 487L, expanding to 1537L with the rear seats folded, making the wagon by far the best option if you’re lugging around a tonne of gear.

Is it Safe?

The Peugeot 508 has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 96% for adult protection, 87% for child protection, 71% for vulnerable road user protection and 76% for safety assist.

As standard, the Peugoet 508 GT range picks up autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alerts, blind-spot monitoring and a semi-autonomous parking assistant.

Our Verdict: Is the Peugeot 508 Worth it?

While it certainly doesn’t come cheap, the Peugeot 508 GT PHEV remains an impressive car for those looking for a sleek, premium and practical sedan or wagon in favour of the more traditional SUV approach to family motoring.

The addition of Peugeot’s fuel-efficient PHEV engine tech has helped to massively improve fuel economy figures which, more importantly, hasn’t come at any detraction of the buttery-smooth driving experience.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price on your next car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder + electric motor produces 165kW/360Nm

3. 1.5L/100km combined cycle fuel economy (claimed) 

4. 530L boot space in Wagon drops to 487L in Fastback Sedan 

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating