New Peugeot 508 PSE Fastback – Engineered to Perfection.
New Peugeot 508 PSE is engineered to perfection.
Peugeot has boasted a flair for quality, style and innovation since the brand’s inception over 200 years ago. Today more than ever, Peugeot channels all its energy into the design of desirable vehicles that provide an experience beyond driving – a feast for all the senses, so to speak. Ergonomics, comfort, connectivity, cutting-edge technology, and durability combine to offer drivers a dynamic driving experience second-to-none. The new Peugeot 508 capitalises on all the stylistic cues taken from Peugeot’s latest concept cars, such as the Peugeot Exalt and Peugeot Instinct, and is available in Fastback and Station Wagon body styles.
New Era of Sportiness.
With its low, dynamic shape, aggressive front end, and steely muscular style, the new Peugeot 508 heralds a new era of sportiness and elegance. Its sculpted lines, finely detailed front grille and new light signature emphasise its sleek, bold and innovative spirit. For decades, three letters adorned Peugeot’s performance models: GTI, but Peugeot has shelved those three letters in favour of a new set of initials for a new age: PSE. The impressively powerful and 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) sits on a new EMP2 platform which has been developed to incorporate an internal combustion engine (ICE) along with two electric motors, whilst preserving space on board, and boot volume too. Particular attention was given to weight reduction and balance to make sure the driving experience is as rewarding as possible. The flagship PSE model from Peugeot’s new performance division has received quite a few mechanical and cosmetic upgrades to set it apart from the rest of the 508 line-up. A menacing bodykit with a deep front splitter, wide side sills with fins protruding out at either end, and a deep rear diffuser add amazing visual drama, while some of the gloss black trim around the car is highlighted by exclusive dayglo-green kryptonite detailing. The 508’s suspension gains adaptive dampers and a reduced ride height, while the front and rear tracks are wider than on the standard car. The stunning 20” alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres house 380mm disc brakes up front, aided by four-piston calipers for exceptional stopping power.
One Engine, Two Motors.
Instead of using a turbocharged straight-six engine like its German rivals, the 508 PSE uses a 1.6-litre PureTech four-cylinder petrol engine in conjunction with a pair of electric motors. One electric motor is positioned on the front axle and the other on the rear axle, enabling the 508 PSE to benefit from the merits of all-wheel-drive for times when the going gets tough. Powering the electric motors is a 11.5kWh battery, which provides the car with an electric driving range of 41kms, and with 360bhp on tap, this is the most powerful Peugeot production car ever.
Striking Good Looks.
While the standard Peugeot 508 Fastback and SW possess striking good looks, the PSE versions are further enhanced by Nera Black door mirror casings, gloss black B and C pillars and aerodynamic deflector trim, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, rear lower bumper in gloss black, model designation badges front and rear, body-colour exterior door handles, dark tinted rear privacy glass, and sporty 20” EXXAR two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels. In the 508 PSE drivers can choose between 5 driving modes – Electric Mode, 4WD Mode, Sport Mode, Hybrid Mode and Comfort Mode, with the latter providing flexibility on damping for greater versatility on the move. Flexible charging options enable the Lithium-ion battery to be fully charged from a regular domestic socket in 7 hours, or from a standard 7.4kWh wall box charger in just 105 minutes, while a public charge point can also be used to charge the battery.
Impressive Space.
The Peugeot 508 PSE features specific technological animations and menus on the touchscreen so that you can easily access all the information needed. Exclusive upholstery in Mistral Nappa leather with Alcantara and Kryptonite stitching provides terrific visual appeal to the 508’s ultra-stylish cabin, while specific HYBRID graphics are available through the New i-Cockpit™ and touchscreen. Additionally, an e-SAVE function allows drivers to save or regenerate all or part of the battery for later use during their journey. Thanks to a 2800mm wheelbase, passenger space within the 508 is impressive, while the Fastback’s standard boot capacity of 487-litres can be expanded to an impressive 1537-litres when the split-folding rear seat backs are dropped. A huge array of comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features come as standard, with key features consisting of full LED headlights with static cornering light functionality, LED front indicators, full LED 3D rear Peugeot signature ‘Claw Effect’ lights with a sequential ‘welcome sequence’ upon unlocking the vehicle, heated seats with a massage function, connected 3D Navigation, wireless smartphone charging plate, electric tailgate, 360-degree HD colour camera system, fully automated parking assistance, Night Vision, active suspension, and a central front armrest with butterfly-wing opening.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a Peugeot 508 Fastback PSE HYBRID 4 (Four-Wheel Drive), which was finished in Selenium Grey for maximum dramatic impact. Fitted with Peugeot’s brilliant 8-speed (e-EAT8) automatic transmission as standard, and producing a thumping 520Nm of torque between 500 and 4760rpm, it is fair to say that the car’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. Throttle response is instantaneous, and the power is delivered in an incredibly smooth and fuss-free manner. There is none of the jerkiness to the power delivery than can afflict some hybrids and this demonstrates where Peugeot’s time and engineering has been focused. Uneven and rutted road surfaces pose no problem to the 508 PSE (even with the car’s standard 20” wheels), while dips and crests in the road are dealt with in a composed and well controlled manner. The cars beefy tyres offer up plenty of grip and are accompanied by an unexpected level of finesse from the chassis when you start to take advantage of the cars terrific driving dynamics. Capable of reaching a top speed of 250km/h when in Sport mode, the 508 PSE can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.2-seconds, and can consume as little as 2.0-litres of petrol for every 100km driven on a combined driving cycle. The beautifully crafted cabin in the 508 PSE is (as in all modern Peugeot’s) a feast for the eyes and the senses, with all controls feeling great to the touch, and easy to use. The car features a configurable 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel and a 10-inch central touchscreen with bespoke graphics, while an 8-speaker MP3 compatible radio, Bluetooth™ telephone facility and 2 USB sockets also feature.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
Overall, the exclusive, distinctive and beautifully crafted high-performance Peugeot 508 PSE is a hugely compelling package in both Fastback and SW guises. Pricing starts at €70,405 for the 508 Fastback PSE and €71,890 (ex-works) for the Station Wagon version, with annual road tax costing just €140. Peugeot’s comprehensive 5-year/100,000km warranty comes as standard.
Visit www.peugeot.ie for further information.
