New Peugeot e-408 – The Power of Silence.

New Peugeot e-408 – The Power of Silence.

The recently launched Peugeot e-408 is a fully electric variant of the 408 range, masterfully blending saloon elegance, crossover practicality, and fastback dynamism into one distinctive package. The e-408 represents Peugeot’s bold step into the premium EV market with authentic French character and undeniable style. It cleverly targets discerning buyers seeking style, space, and electric efficiency without the conventional bulk and ubiquity of traditional SUVs.

Established Rivals.

The e-408 competes in a crowded but diverse EV landscape, facing off against established models like the Renault Rafale, Citroen C5 X. Cupra Formentor, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y. What sets the e-408 apart is its unique body style that genuinely blends saloon elegance with crossover practicality. Its French design flair and head-turning style ensure it stands out from the conventional EV crowd, and this will be an important feature for many buyers.

Proven Underpinnings.

As with the regular 408, the e-408 sits on the Stellantis EMP2 platform that also underpins the Opel Astra, and the two cars share many other components under the skin too. Peugeot’s latest offering benefits from a wheelbase that measures in at just under 2.8 metres, and this translates into excellent legroom for all occupants. Boot space comprises of a 471-litre cargo capacity behind the rear seats, and this increases to 1,545-litres when the rear seats are folded.

Impressive Driving Range.

The new  e-408 comes with a driving range of up to 453km from a full battery on a WLTP combined driving cycle, and I managed to achieve a 450km range when I completed a full charge during my time with the car. The potential range can increase to as much as 587km during urban-only driving, with a consumption figure as low as 11.6kWh/100km possible in pure urban driving. The e-408 is available in Allure and GT trim levels, both of which are powered by a Lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 58kWh. With a charging speed of up to 120kW (DC), it is possible to charge the car from 20-80% in as little as 30 minutes at a public fast charging station. However, for drivers who have access to a 7.4kW domestic wallbox charger, the same charge can be achieved in around 7 hours.

Coupe-Like Silhouette.

The e-408’s exterior design commands attention with its striking LED headlights and distinctive gradient grille, creating a sporty, thoroughly modern front end that announces its electric credentials with confidence. The fastback roofline slopes sharply towards the rear, creating an elegant coupe-like silhouette that delivers both style and substance. At the rear, a flick-up spoiler and diffuser-style bumper emphasises the car’s dynamic stance, while the interior adopts Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit layout with its distinctive fighter-jet inspired ambience. The small squared steering wheel, driver-focused digital instrument cluster, and angular dashboard create an immersive driving environment that is unmistakably French. Canin materials are predominantly soft-touch throughout, creating a premium atmosphere that all occupants can enjoy. The cabin delivers genuine family-friendly practicality with thoughtful storage solutions throughout, while the infotainment system’s voice control system is thoroughly intuitive.

Upmarket Cabin.

The new e-408 shares the same high quality cabin design as its hybrid siblings, and it is one of the most interesting cabins you will find in any new car. A pair of touchscreens dominate the dashboard, and a bank of metallic air vents on top of the dash sit in a silver panel that stretches from one side to the other, making the 408’s interior appear wider and roomier. Soft-touch materials and solid metal-effect trim strategically-placed throughout the cabin provide a luxurious look and a premium feel. The stylish touchscreen set-up is very intuitive in its operation and the 10-inch Peugeot i-Cockpit display is angled towards the driver so that it is easy to read in bright sunlight despite its glossy finish. Also included is the Peugeot i-Connect infotainment system with voice control and customisable i-Toggle fast keys, and every 408/e-408 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Test Car.

My test car was a new e-408 GT, which attracted lots of admiring glances in its striking Okenite White metallic paintwork. Standard GT equipment includes 19” ‘Graphite’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, Peugeot Matrix LED headlights with automatic adjustment, full LED 3D ‘claw-effect’ rear lights, ‘Lion’ side monograms, black inner roof lining, aluminium front door sills, aluminium foot pedals, tri-material upholstery with green top stitching, laminated front window, lumbar support on driver’s seat, leather steering wheel, Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D with customisable instrument panel, and a Driver Sport Pack which consists of customisation of the instrument panel, and an amplified and sportier engine sound (which can be deactivated). Also standard is a foot-operated Smart Electric Tailgate with pedestrian detection, and a smartphone wireless charging pad. This is in addition to the comprehensive array of safety, security, comfort, convenience and infotainment features that come as standard in the e-408 Allure trim. The heated front seats and steering wheel that also come as standard are very useful features for the winter months, and the combination of front & rear parking sensors and a 180-degree colour reversing camera take the guesswork out of getting in and out of shopping centre car park spaces. The leather-bound, multi-function steering wheel has a great feel to it, and it features a flat top and bottom design that is super-easy to get used to. The gear selector consists of a toggle switch within easy reach of the driver, and it is simple to operate. Selectable levels of brake regeneration are designed to enhance the braking function, and in its strongest setting, it is similar to using a single pedal, meaning the driver doesn’t have to use the brakes quite so much. This feature makes town driving easy, and the energy lost when slowing down is harnessed and fed into the battery pack in order to enhance driving range. On the road, the car feels sprightly, sporty and thoroughly engaging, and it did feel well planted and poised on the various road surfaces I drove on during my time with the car. The e-408 drives with a level of poise and agility that is genuinely unusual for its size and segment, aided by the multi-adjustable seating position that creates an engaging, sports-car-like connection with the road. The responsive steering provides excellent feedback without being overly heavy, making the car feel nimble through corners, while remaining stable on motorways. The suspension strikes an ideal balance between comfort and control, absorbing bumps and potholes without excessive body roll during spirited driving.

Pricing & Warranty.

The all-new Peugeot e-408 drives and feels like a premium product, and is in keeping with the brand’s push upmarket. Inclusive of current Irish Government EV incentives, the e-408 Allure and GT are priced from just €38,995 and €44,250 respectively. All Peugeot passenger cars are covered by a comprehensive 5-year/100,000km warranty, with the added benefit of an 8-year/160,000km traction battery warranty.

Visit www.peugeot.ie for further information.