Smart and sophisticated, the PEUGEOT 508 has been significantly updated to keep it at the cutting edge of the executive car segment. Featuring major changes in exterior and interior styling, the latest state-of-the-art technological content – plus new cleaner engines – this stunning ‘grand tourer’ embodies the Brand’s move up-market like nothing else.
The PEUGEOT 508 proudly displays a bold new front grille, emblematic of future models, and is fitted with new equipment such as a touch-screen infotainment system with reversing camera and blind spot sensors. It also benefits from economical and efficient Euro 6 engines, such as the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 diesel with six-speed manual transmission. With CO2 emissions of just 109g per km, it’s the class-leading vehicle with this level of engine power in the segment.
Available in three body styles since 2012 – saloon, estate and RXH – the 508 family is growing with the introduction of a new version that will widen the model’s appeal. The RXH will be available with a diesel-only powertrain for the first time. The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 six-speed automatic RXH will join the rest of the 508 range in making its public debut at October’s Paris Motor Show, and will be on sale soon after.
Projecting image and cost-effectiveness
The D-segment of grand tourers is one in which PEUGEOT has been present for many decades. The reputation of the Brand has long been based on the success of the 4 and 5 series models. In Europe, this segment represents close to 1.5m vehicles a year, of which 45% are saloons and 55% estate cars. Available as a Saloon and an SW estate from its launch in early 2011, the PEUGEOT 508 climbed to its position at the head of the mainstream models in the segment. This is a sector traditionally dominated by the premium brands, but nevertheless strongly contested by the mainstream brands which now represent 50% of volumes in Europe.
In 2012, the PEUGEOT 508 RXH HYbrid4 arrived to expand the range. What was still just a niche with the RXH body silhouette is today developing rapidly with the arrival of new models. The PEUGEOT 508 RXH HYbrid4 remains unique for its innovative use of a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain, rugged posture, versatility in use and environmental performance.
The youngest range in PEUGEOT’s history
Topping PEUGEOT’s new ‘8’ range, which now becomes the youngest in its history, the PEUGEOT 508 embodies the Brand’s ambition in moving up-market, its expertise in producing high quality products and the enhancement of its image throughout the world. Built in France and in China, to date more than 370,000 units have been sold since launch. In China, which since 2013 has become the biggest market for the PEUGEOT 508, it represents more than 36% of sales.
More assertive exterior styling for more character
The original styling of the PEUGEOT 508 showcased a robust vehicle with exceptional build quality. PEUGEOT’s designers have built on these qualities to produce something with even more technology, presence and character. The new grille is an essential element of the PEUGEOT 508’s styling; more upright and now including the PEUGEOT Lion at its centre, it is a clear acknowledgement to its illustrious predecessors in the 5 series. It also allows the new PEUGEOT 508 to introduce a corporate style at the front that is more self-assured and which will be deployed on the Brand’s future models.
New proportions to create a new balance
The bonnet has been redesigned to make it more horizontal, giving the 508 a more contemporary look. The Saloon’s rear end is more structured, with a redesigned bumper which is distinct from the boot while enhancing its protective function. This model is now 38mm longer, 16mm of which is in the front overhang (the same for SW) and 22mm in the rear overhang. The integration of the new front end on the PEUGEOT 508 RXH required an increase of 5mm in its front overhang, bringing its length to 4.828m. Boot volumes remain unchanged.
A new lighting signature
On the top-of-the-range versions (RXH, GT & Allure), the front of the vehicle is characterised by new lighting. Headlamps, daytime running lamps, direction indicators and fog lamps are all created completely from hi-tech LEDs. The headlamps are made up of three modules of four LEDs each, to which are added three additional LEDs for the cornering lighting function. This technology allows the lighting to be fine-tuned and also accentuates the vehicle’s feline look. The small size and very structured lenses enhance the distinctive and technological aspects.
Each car’s visual signature – a curve on the Saloon and the SW, claws on the RXH – is created by the daytime running lamps built into the bumper as standard. The direction indicators comprise four LEDs following the form of the daytime running lamps. The front foglamps – standard on Allure models – are installed in the ends of the front bumper in a chrome insert. In total, there are no less than 44 LEDs making up the look of the new PEUGEOT 508.
For Active models, the new PEUGEOT 508 introduces halogen headlamps with excellent photometric performance. The other lamps – daytime running lamps, direction indicators and side lamps – are identical to the top-of-the-range versions (RXH, GT & Allure). Entirely LED, they provide the same lighting signature.
The rear lamps on the Saloon have also been redesigned to make them more horizontal than before, whether viewed from the side or from directly behind. Each contains 36 LEDs arranged in three claws and their opalescent red layout provides a lighting signature that is strongly identifiable and technological.
With their lighting signature in the form of a curve, the rear lamps on SW and RXH remain unchanged.
Higher technology content for greater modernity
The interior of the PEUGEOT 508 has been significantly enhanced during this mid-life refresh. The dashboard now includes, as standard from the entry trim level, a seven-inch touch-screen grouping together most of the vehicle’s functions in an intuitive way. Shortcut buttons for the main menus – navigation, air conditioning, radio, connectivity, etc – are accessible at all times in the dashboard central panel. Integrating this new technology has allowed the central area to be redesigned to include fewer buttons and a new closed storage box.
Positioned in front of the driver, the instrument panel is backed up by a colour Head-Up Display (RXH & GT models) of driving and navigation information. It is viewed on a retractable smoked screen.
Additional features include Peugeot Open&Go Keyless Entry and Start, automatic electric parking brake, automatic headlamp dipping, electro-chrome interior mirror, tyre pressure warning, front and rear parking sensors, quad-zone automatic air conditioning and JBL-badged audio system. To this comprehensive list of equipment can be added two new systems: Blind Spot Detectors and the reversing camera, providing a colour image in the touch-screen.
Enhanced driving pleasure for more dynamism and efficiency
The suspension system on the PEUGEOT 508 offers a dynamic yet exceptionally comfortable ride. Comprised of a front pseudo-MacPherson strut or double wishbone decoupled hub (on the more powerful diesel versions) and a multi-link set-up at the rear, the car continues to offer a remarkably composed performance.
Exceptional diesel range expanded further by BlueHDi technology
Several of the 508’s existing Euro 5 engines are carried over, with the addition of new Euro 6 units.
The following versions remain part of the range:
- 1.6-litre e-HDi 115, available with a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed electronically controlled manual ETG6 gearbox. Very economical, it has official CO2 emissions as low as 104g /km.
- 2.0-litre HDi 140, with a six-speed manual gearbox.
- 2.0-litre HDi 163, available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
- 2.2-litre HDi 200, with a six-speed automatic gearbox. An offer specific to GT versions, this latest generation of the 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers a high specific output (above 93hp per litre). It has a single turbocharger with a turbine made of aluminium titanate, allowing particularly agile pick-up due to its low inertia.
New to the 508 range is the Euro 6 BlueHDi technology, represented by two efficient versions available from launch:
- 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 six-speed manual, which has CO2 emissions of just 109g/km for the Saloon and 110g/km for the SW. These make it the best offer in the segment for this level of engine power.
- 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 Automatic EAT6. This version has CO2 emissions of just 119g/km for the RXH, constituting one of the best compromises between power and fuel consumption in the segment.
The latter of these powertrains will be available in the RXH body style from November 2014. It will meet the growing demand in the segment for all-road vehicle, and will have CO2 emissions of 119g/km and combined fuel consumption of 61.4mpg.
A unique proposition in the segment, the HYbrid4 technology is carried over to the new PEUGEOT 508 Saloon and the RXH version. It provides customers with the best environmental performance in the segment. As a result of its extended availability on the PEUGEOT 3008, 508 and 508 RXH, the Brand can claim 2nd place in the sale of hybrid vehicles in Europe.
Source: Peugeot
