The new Peugeot 408 is a family vehicle that spans segments and has remarkable practicality, a chic exterior, and practical electric powertrains. Although we’re not sure consumers will be eager to swap in their capable SUVs, the Peugeot 408 undoubtedly has some off-the-wall appeal.
Even if the SUV market is enormous in 2023, there will still be a sizable contingent of purchasers who do not desire vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Range Rover Evoque. You might dislike their appearance, are concerned about the carbon impact of so-called “gas guzzlers,” or prefer to drive a vehicle that is lower to the ground.
In this evaluation, the Peugeot 408 combines many of the finest qualities of an SUV with very few drawbacks. It is essentially a high-riding family vehicle with a coupe roofline, giving it a sportier appearance than a standard SUV and a minor increase in aerodynamics, which should improve the economy. It adopts a strategy similar to the Citroen C5 X, a vehicle we strongly recommend for doing things differently.
One of the main selling points of SUVs is how much interior space they offer. However, compared to a Peugeot 3008, the Peugeot 408 has a bigger footprint and more room between the front and rear wheels. As a result, the inside seems surprisingly roomy, and you still sit higher than you would in a typical family hatch. The trunk is also enormous; however, you may choose the more traditional Skoda Superb Estate if carrying a lot of baggage is required.
It is hardly surprising that the cabin also has a premium vibe since Peugeot positions itself somewhat above mainstream rivals like Ford and Vauxhall. You get the same compact steering wheel as previous Peugeot models, which some drivers believe hinders their ability to see the digital gauges.
Standard equipment includes a 10.0-inch infotainment system with a nice touch screen with programmable ‘i-Toggles’ that function as shortcut buttons for things like your favorite radio station, phone contacts, or temperature control.
The Peugeot 408 has three primary trim levels: Allure, Premium, and top-spec GT. A few of the top-of-the-line Peugeot 408 First Edition cars were also sold. Although the 408 GT is the only model with some of the most desirable driver-assistance features, all trim levels come well-equipped With the swankiest external design features.
The Peugeot 408 Puretech 130 petrol engine and the Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225 plug-in hybrids are the three options available to customers in the first instance. If you have access to a home charging station, we’d suggest one of the PHEVs, as they offer an electric-only range of around 40 miles, allowing you to go shopping or drop the kids off at school without starting the gasoline engine. The electric Peugeot e-408 is anticipated later in 2023 if pure electric power is appealing.
Is the Peugeot 408 proper for you?
The Peugeot 408 could be a fantastic option if you’re searching for a practical family vehicle that certainly isn’t an SUV. It is more fashionable than traditional estate vehicles and valuable than coupe-crossovers like the Renault Arkana and Cupra Formentor. For most purchasers, the absence of a diesel engine won’t be a problem, but if you’re looking for an unconventional electric car, the Peugeot e-408 will be worth waiting for.
Which Peugeot 408 model and engine are the best options?
The entry-level 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine is difficult to ignore. In 2023, you would believe that a vehicle must have hybrid power (at least) to be competitive. Still, the cheapest 408 is sporty enough to drive outside town, while the base automatic transmission allows for comfortable cruising.
However, if you have a home charging station and like driving in silence, consider one of the plug-in hybrid vehicles. We’ve only had a chance to go the Peugeot 408 Hybrid 225 so far, but considering that it’s more reasonably priced, just as efficient, and scarcely any slower than the range-topper, the less potent Hybrid 180 could make more sense.
All Peugeot 408 models come with a decent amount of trim-level equipment. A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital driver’s display, and 360-degree parking cameras are all standard on even the base Peugeot 408 Allure model. The Peugeot 408 GT is the most abundant model in the lineup, featuring a heated steering wheel as standard, an intelligent electric tailgate, customizable ambient lighting, Alcantara and faux-leather trim, and sporty 19-inch alloy wheels. Upgrade to the Allure Premium for additional driver-assist technology (including adaptive cruise control)
What other vehicles compared to the Peugeot 408?
The Citroen C5 X is the Peugeot 408’s lone obvious rival. Its somewhat different segment-spanning strategy is shared with Peugeot, as are its platform and engines. Regarding interior quality (and pricing), the Peugeot is positioned somewhat above the Citroen, but we recommend checking out both to see which one you prefer.
If not, there are a variety of “not the same but similar” rivals. Consider attractive estate vehicles like the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake or the smaller Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake. Additionally, it competes with coupe SUVs like the Renault Arkana and Cupra Formentor and more expensive options like the Audi Q3 Sportback (and larger Audi Q5 Sportback), BMW X2, and Range Rover Evoque.
We recommend the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Karoq, or Mazda CX-5 as innovative (and valuable) family SUVs.
interior comfort and design
“Regarding perceived quality, the Peugeot 408 is a notch above the mainstream competition. Inside, it has a delightfully upscale air, and the angular dashboard and cutting-edge infotainment system provide some wow.
The inside of the Peugeot 408 is stylish and comfortable, making good use of premium materials and avoiding too-shiny, fingerprint-attracting finishes. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune on one of the priciest trim options to have the most comfortable interior for your 408. The base-level Peugeot 408 Allure has a 10-inch navigation system that supports voice recognition and automatic updates over the air, leather-effect seat upholstery, manual lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, and various other convenient features. Ambient lighting (connected to whatever driving mode you’re in) and these features.
But if you find a top-spec Peugeot 408 GT, you’ll receive the same amenities you anticipate in a comparable model from a well-known luxury manufacturer. These include part-Alcantara seats, a frameless rearview mirror, plush carpet mats, vanity mirrors with LED illumination in the sun visors, and ambient lighting that may be adjusted to your preferences.
With a substantially higher sitting position than you’d find in a traditional estate vehicle like the Volkswagen Passat (or the smaller Peugeot 308 hatchback, for that matter), we had no trouble getting comfortable in our Peugeot 408 test car. But you won’t be peering down at other drivers; it requires a “proper” SUV like the Volvo XC40.
One minor criticism of the Peugeot 408’s interior is that heated front seats are only available with the pricey Driver and Passenger Seat Pack, which includes electronic adjustment and an excellent extra massaging option. This is only offered on the Peugeot 408 GT, so you’ll have to settle for a frigid behind if you purchase a vehicle with fewer features.
Quality and finish
Stellantis, a supergroup that owns brands like Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Citroen, wants Peugeot to move higher to set itself apart from its more popular brands. That shows in the interior of the Peugeot 408. Everything you touch feels well-made, and the doors close with a satisfying “thud.” We have no question that it will still look good in a few years, thanks to surfaces that are easy for families to clean and hard plastics where needed, like in the footwells.
The Peugeot 408’s infotainment system has a touchscreen, USB, navigation, and a radio.
The positioning of the infotainment screen is one of the many ways the Peugeot 408 defies trends. The Peugeot 408 features what the manufacturer refers to as a “high vent” design, in contrast to the growing trend of digital screens situated on top of the dashboard like an afterthought (albeit admittedly in an excellent location for following sat-nav instructions). That indicates that the vents are positioned above the navigation screen and are pointed toward the heads of the passengers.
The 10-inch navigation display, standard throughout the Peugeot 408 lineup, is nicely integrated into the dashboard, set back a little, and slanted in the driver’s direction to minimize glare and simplify it. It’s a sleek system, and your favorite phone applications are available via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is a touchscreen panel with programmable shortcuts below the main display. Even though it functions well and is manageable to use while moving, we still prefer a bank of conventional buttons.
A digital display behind the steering wheel seems quite visible, although top-of-the-line Peugeot 408 GT vehicles have a 3D impression. Compared to the conventional screen, we found this difficult to concentrate on. Perhaps it was just our tester’s eyes.
Peugeot 408 boot space
It’s essential to consider Peugeot 408’s proportions while attempting to categorize it. Its dimensions are 4687mm long, 2062mm wide, and 1478mm high. The distance between its front and rear wheels, or wheelbase, is 2787mm. To put it into perspective, the Peugeot 408 is shorter than a Skoda Superb Estate but somewhat longer in all dimensions than the Peugeot 308 SW.
The fact that the automobile is so long is helpful for the passenger compartment. While adults should be somewhat comfortable in the rear (although headroom slightly suffers from the sloping roofline), you won’t find the front seats particularly cramped. The back seats aren’t unique; they don’t slide or recline, and youngsters will fight over who can occupy the little middle seat.
Up to 536 liters of baggage may fit in the boot, although some space is beneath the floor. Because their batteries add additional storage space, plug-in hybrid Peugeot 408 models aren’t nearly as roomy.
The rear seats may be lowered using levers in the trunk if you need additional space. They divide 60:40; when dropped, there are up to 1611 liters of baggage space (1545 in hybrid versions). Although the cargo is easy to access, a family SUV like the Skoda Kodiaq might be preferable if you want a lot of interior room.
Ride quality:
Although it seems somewhat sportier than the Citroen C5 X, the Peugeot 408 errs on the comfort side. We wonder how much of it is attributable to the tiny steering wheel’s quick responses to even the smallest inputs.
The Peugeot 408 should, in principle, achieve the ideal mix between comfort and sportiness. You won’t feel every bump on the road because of its higher ride height and soft suspension, and it won’t lurch through corners thanks to its lower roofline and lower center of gravity.
It is kind of the case, but we wouldn’t claim it is as entertaining to drive as a Cupra Formentor. Although it seems elegant, the steering is too mild to be enjoyable. In addition, hybrid vehicles are bulky because of their enormous battery packs, so if you attempt to accelerate in one, you quickly realize the 408’s heaviness.
While plenty of gear is available to ease the strain of daily driving (see our safety section below for the complete breakdown), visibility is enough whether navigating local streets or changing lanes on a busy highway.
We advise searching for a petrol 408 if you’re looking for a vehicle that prioritizes comfort, particularly one with the smaller alloy wheels used on lower-spec cars. Or, for the best option, choose the Citroen C5 X.
engine and transmissions
A Peugeot 408 may be purchased with either gasoline or plug-in hybrid power, and an all-electric Peugeot e-408 will soon follow.
The popular 1.2-liter Puretech engine, which sounds a touch weedy in a vehicle of this size, is used in the petrol Peugeot 408. If you’re accustomed to a torquey turbodiesel, its 130 PS output may seem unimpressive, but it outperforms its peers. Officially, it can reach 62 mph in 10.4 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission, standard equipment, changes gears without stuttering forward motion. The Peugeot 408 cannot be purchased with a manual transmission, which, in our view, is not harmful.
The Peugeot 408 offers two distinct plug-in hybrids as options as well. Both vehicles employ a 12.4-kWh battery pack, an electric motor, and a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. While the Peugeot 408 Hybrid 225 packs, you guessed it, 225 PS, the Hybrid 180 delivers 180 PS. The former accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the latter needs 7.8 seconds—not much faster when considering the latter’s greater power output and higher price.
The Peugeot 408 Hybrid 225, which has more power, is swift enough but not very sporty in its handling. The Hybrid 225, like most PHEVs, performs best with a fully charged battery when commuting in urban areas. If you apply too much power, you’ll feel a tiny delay when the gasoline engine roars to life. You may want to wait for the Peugeot e-408 if you have access to a home charging station and aren’t totally against all-electric cars.
How secure is the Peugeot 408?
Any safety rating below five stars from Euro NCAP would draw attention, so, remarkably, the Peugeot 408 received just four stars when crash-tested by the organization in 2022. Although it is not inherently dangerous, it received fewer points than the smaller Peugeot 308 due to the ineffectiveness of its automated emergency braking system.
However, you do at least come with many safety and driver-assist technologies. A driver attention warning system will let you know when to take a break, while a lane-keep assist function will gently push the steering if you start to stray from your lane unintentionally. Hybrid vehicles also include radar systems functioning as a second set of eyes, and an enhanced emergency braking system employs cameras to detect and minimize possible collisions. The Drive Assist Pack, which includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic warning, comes standard on Peugeot 408 Allure Premium vehicles.
Trim levels and standard accessories
The new Peugeot 408 is offered in four trim levels at launch: Allure, Premium, GT, and First Edition.
The Peugeot 408 Allure has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with ‘Smartbeam’ aid, and a front grille with horizontal chrome elements. The 408 Allure’s interior has fabric seats with leather-effect accents and ambient lighting. Rear parking sensors, a 180-degree color reversing camera, and linked navigation are all included with the Allure. Extended traffic sign recognition is standard, as well as advanced emergency braking.
With a Peugeot 408 Allure Premium upgrade, you may obtain alloy wheels with a 19-inch diamond-cut diameter. The Advanced Emergency Braking system, video camera, radar technologies, and keyless entry are standard. The Drive Assist Pack includes long-range blind spot recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and rear cross-traffic warning, now available on Allure Premium and front parking sensors.
The Peugeot 408 GT, the top model, has distinctive “Graphite” diamond-cut alloy wheels, and the brand’s Lion shield is shown on the front doors. The front grille is also unique, with versatile highlights that are body color. Aluminum door and boot sill trims are standard on GT versions, and ambient lighting with eight color options is included.
Comfort and style are enhanced with a heated leather steering wheel with green stitching and “GT” badging. The 10-inch 3D instrument panel display is one example of technological advances, while the air quality is improved with “Clean Cabin” Technology. With the addition of a Driver Sport Pack, the steering, throttle, and transmission modes improve responsiveness and input, and the engine sound may also be digitally enhanced. Safety and driving convenience are enhanced with Peugeot SOS & assistance and lane positioning assistance.
In addition to the enhanced 7.4kW on-board charger and 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels painted in matte onyx black, the limited edition Peugeot 408 First Edition cars are now sold out. Peugeot’s “Seat Pack,” which adds an AGR-certified 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat for maximum comfort, is included inside First Edition vehicles. The front passenger seat has been changed to a six-way electrically adjustable seat, with heated and massaging features for both the driver and the front passenger.
