The new Peugeot 508 SW is full of ambitions to become a typical representative of the D segment with an above-standard level of comfort, safety and technology. The SW variant has ambitions perhaps a little higher and emphasizes its advantages in every personal contact.
The Peugeot 508 sedan and SW are very important projects for the carmaker. The public is indicating that the French are also interested in customers who have so far preferred German premium cars, and the new 508 represents a vision of the design of the complete model portfolio in the near future. The SW variant, which cannot be described otherwise as magnificent, can be safely considered a very real threat to BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Where does Peugeot get so much courage?
The Peugeot 508 SW is a majestic car at first glance, which proves its sophistication primarily through its sophisticated design. The automaker paid great attention to this, because it has the potential to appeal to people who have previously avoided French cars. The sophisticated design of the headlights, the attractive profile, the graceful curves of the body and the reasonable amount of chrome accessories used, which complete the premium character of the vehicle, are striking.
The new 508 model (sedan and SW) will boast advanced technology, which confirms the automaker's interest in entering the premium category. The interest of the more technically savvy public is primarily focused on efficient power units that comply with the Euro 6 standard, a parking camera connected to a large touch screen on the center console in the interior, and also the blind spot monitoring function. It is precisely such details that make the difference between a standard and a really good car.
The innovations in the exterior of the car are obvious at first glance and can be noticed even by a less experienced eye, but it still adheres to the major rebranding of the brand and its models introduced a few years ago. The front and rear lights are new (the front now also has full LED technology), the radiator grille with the carmaker's logo in the middle, the front bonnet is more horizontal, and the bumpers have also changed slightly. In short, the 508 model has undergone significant changes, but it still retains its true character. The brand identification is also still straightforward and you will definitely not confuse Peugeot with other cars.
The interior of the new product, which reached the first owners in September, does not give much indication of who the automaker wants to attract. The Germans have serious competition, because the Peugeot interior is at a very high level, and this applies not only to the materials used and the fit of individual elements, but also to the technological equipment and overall driving ergonomics. In the 508 model, the automaker did not apply the i-Cockpit concept, which it successfully uses in smaller cars to save space, because there is plenty of it here. The robust center tunnel and the entire console in the middle, which is now the carrier of up to a 7-inch touch screen, are impressive. The large armrest traditionally hides a large storage space and in front of it are the controls on the front with a high speed lever. In this detail, Peugeot goes against the trend of minimization. The transmission will be a 6-speed manual as standard, with a 6-speed EAT6 automatic available in higher trim levels.
In front of the steering wheel we find classic needle indicators in an elegant design and between them a color display informing about the vehicle status, current driving and providing basic navigation instructions. Cars move into the world of premiumness and increased comfort thanks to advanced equipment for an additional fee. In the case of the Peugeot 508, these are functions such as keyless entry and start, 4-zone automatic air conditioning, Full LED headlights, automatic parking brake or an advanced multimedia, communication and service system in the on-board computer.
Dealers will offer petrol and diesel power units. The Euro 6 petrol engine 1.6 THP 165 S & S with 165 horsepower and the 2-liter BlueHDi 150 BVM6 diesel, as well as the more powerful BlueHDi 180 variant with an EAT6 automatic transmission, are particularly noteworthy.
Erik Striz