There’s something a bit perverse about this facelift of the Peugeot 508 PSE. After all, it is very literally a facelift. There are no changes to the mechanicals of this beefy, plug-in hybrid executive, only stylistic ones - and, let’s be honest, the 508 PSE needed style updates like Google needs more brand awareness. It was really rather stunning.
The good news is that it still is. The whole fascia is new, with ‘three claw’ LED running lights, slimmer headlights and a gloss black grille being chief among the changes. Maybe it’s lost a touch of class with the more overtly aggressive contrast grille, but this is still a stunner and - to our eyes - even better in the SW estate body that we’re testing here.
The most significant news with this refresh is actually inside the 508, where the dated infotainment system has been replaced with a new 10in touchscreen, complete with new menu layout and high-def graphics. More on that in a bit.
Performance still comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and dual electric motors, with the motor up front being integrated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox and the rear motor powering the back axle via reduction gearing. That all adds up to 355bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.2sec. Usefully faster than any of the big VW executive PHEVs, be it Passat or Arteon. It’s a second faster, even, than the BMW 330e xDrive Touring.
So it’s no surprise that there is an inherent brutality to the way the Peugeot 508 goes down the road. It has such a swell of power and torque, and it wants to deliver all of it, all of the time, if you’ll only let it.
Sure, the 508 is also a doddle to drive moderately – damping, body control and steering all gel well and let you relax and get on with your day in peace if that’s what you wish - even while there’s always a lurking sense of impatience. Like a well-trained dog that walks well on a lead but is permanently quivering in anticipation of the moment it can run full pelt at the horizon.
And do you know what? The power delivery in the 508 PSE is an endearing kind of lunacy; a restrained rabidness that’s entirely unique from any other PHEV and, frankly, it’s rather brilliant.
Sure, the 508 isn’t remotely as delicate or tactile to drive as a BMW 330e, yet there’s no doubting the appeal to the scrappy, full-on attitude that comes from a similar school to other delightful nutters like the Ford Focus RS and Nissan GT-R.
Join the debate
Add your comment
I won't be going near a PHEV for as long as possible.
Neighbour has a dead Mercedes C350e - 7 years old with just 35k mileage. High voltage battery needs replacing. Car doesn't move without it. Mercedes have quoted £9k to fix it, on a £15k car with no goodwill contribution from Mercedes.
Seems these environment friendly cars are being designed to just get through the first 3 years of their lives to give low running costs to company and lease buyers - after that they don't give a f**k!
Welcome to the economic write-off, where future cars with minimal mileage and <<10 years old could be written off cos their owners can't afford to repair them. Your £8k car becomes worthless overnight!
You're so right - except this applies not just to PHEVs, but all cars more expensive and complicated than a Dacia. Only yesterday a friend was telling me how he bought a VW Tourag for about £5k. It almost immediately refused to start and the more they looked into it, the more work was needed. He has now got a car that owes him £10k but is only worth about £4k. He feels he has to keep it just to "get his money back" so to speak.
Cars are far too complicated with too much unreliable and apparently unserviceable electronics on board. They are designed for ease of assembly rather than ease of repair and servicing, and spares prices are a rip-off. I always thought that manufacturers jealously guarded their residual values but it looks like they have already gone down the u-bend, judging by how cheap a second hand S Class, say, can be. They will plummet further when more of the public (gradually) catch on that a second hand "premium" or luxury car, even if sold at a bargain price, shouldn't be touched with a barge pole. It's no surprise to see pictures of what look like undamaged, perfectly serviceable, rust-free cars stacked up at vehicle recycling centres - they are just too costly to fix. What a waste of resources and materials!
more reason to lease / pcp - get something with a maintenance contract and you'll be paying for fuel only.
I think its a shame the Volvo S60 T8 doesnt get mentioned as much as it should as a fast plug in hybrid, the Polestar tuned version is a 4.4 seconds to 60 car, has a 50 mile electric range and matches the 508 for looks and comfort if possibly not handling.
I really like the latest generation of the 508,it's a fine car both as a saloon or estate it's elegant and understated, but the PSE version puzzles me it's a lot of money for what it is I'd personally rather prefer a 2litre 4x4 version rather than this. A colour choice of black,grey or white with only the grey being standard. At this price point a sunroof should be standard not an £1100 extra