Start the slideshow

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered -

DR

What is neo-performance?

This cobbled-together term that French manufacturers love means that for the first time outside the world of competition and that of the supercar, hybridization is no longer used only for reducing emissions, but also to considerably boost engine performance. 'a truly sporty car.

Don't look, this is really the first time.

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered - DR

Currently, there is indeed only one plug-in hybrid developing a power comparable to that of the Peugeot: the Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered which, apart from its cannon accelerations, is absolutely nothing sporty.

On the other hand, models as sporty as the French are only found among premium German manufacturers, and none are plug-in hybrid.

The 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered (which we will now call PSE) is indeed the first of its kind.

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered - DR

From concept to reality

The almost final version that we discover is almost identical to the concept presented in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show, which was admittedly not particularly extravagant.

The 508 PSE is slightly lowered, its tracks are widened, and it rests on specific 20 '' rims which, at the front, hide high performance brake discs.

It also receives very expressive bumpers and a grille, a few fins in the lower body with a purely aesthetic role, and touches (air intakes, triple claw, etc.) in "kryptonite" color, a distinctive sign of the Peugeot PSE futures.

Because the 508 will not be left alone.

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered - DR

For the rest, nothing has been changed to the bodywork, proof that the design of the 508 was already particularly dynamic.

Of course, the interior too is entitled to its sporty treatment, again based on kryptonite touches, sporty seats and leather / alcantara coverings in colors reserved for the PSE version.

Believe it: the vibe is there.

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered - DR

360 hp

At PSA, there are two hybrid systems.

The first combines a 1.6 turbo petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic gearbox, all developing up to 225 hp.

The other adds to this a second electric motor on the rear axle, and the system then develops 300 hp, as in the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, among others.

The 508 PSE uses this system, pushed up to 360 hp and 520 Nm. Result: 0-100 km / h in 5.2 seconds, and 250 km / h (electronic limit) at peak.

Note that even if the spirit is sporty, the batteries still allow 42 km in 100% electric mode, and WLTP approval at 2.03 l / 100 km and 46 gCO2 / km.

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered - DR

We tested not one, but two prototypes of the 508 PSE in the final validation phase.

One had the engine as we will have it in concession, the other the chassis.

It's up to us to mix our experiences to find out how the car will be.

Well, she'll be… hot!

Steering, road holding, braking: the chassis is devilishly precise.

Almost too much besides because at this level, we would like a more lively rear axle.

However, an engineer told us that he still hoped to be able to modify some settings in this direction.

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered - DR

As for the engines, they complement and take turns perfectly to create a hyper-responsive car at all speeds.

A test of a 508 PSE finalized from end to end should confirm, but this first contact promises, and already confirms that this is indeed the first plug-in hybrid sedan offering sensations worthy of "classic" sports cars.

Count on us to talk to you about it again.

The Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered will be marketed from October, its price is not yet known at the time of this writing.

Automotive

BMW M3 and M4: purists will love

Automotive

Jeep 4xe test: the Renegade and Compass put the plug

The Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered in a few figures

  • Engine: 4 cyl.

    turbo petrol + 2 mot.

    elec., 1.598cc;

    360hp;

    520 Nm

  • Transmission: to 4 wheels.

  • Gearbox: 8-speed auto

  • L / l / h (mm): 4.750 / 1.906 / 1.404

  • Empty weight (kg): 1.850 kg

  • Boot space (l): NC

  • Tank (l): NC

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 5.2

  • Max speed (km / h): 250

  • Combined consumption (l / 100 km): 2.03

  • CO2 (g / km): 42

  • Price (€): NC

  • Hybrid cars

  • Sports cars

  • Psa

  • Peugeot

  • Car

  • Automotive