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While waiting for 100% electric vehicles to offer you a really substantial range or for charging stations to be installed everywhere. The rechargeable hybrid remains the best choice. Peugeot has understood this very well, which is why the manufacturer has decided to electrify its range of vehicles. Today, we propose you to discover one of them, the Peugeot 508 hybrid.
How does the Peugeot 508 hybrid compare to its rivals ?
Today, the SUV is the best-selling vehicle category in the global automotive market. While more and more manufacturers are introducing hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs in an effort to reduce CO2 emissions, there are very few sedans available with this type of engine.
Despite the fact that this segment is in full decline, manufacturers like Peugeot continue to offer increasingly exclusive sedans.
This is the case of the Peugeot 508 hybrid. Indeed, this model of the lion brand is one of the best-selling cars in Europe. However, the car is not lacking in competitors. The Volkswagen Passat GTE, for example, is offered at a higher price.
The Skoda Octavia RS PHEV, which has a combustion engine and an electric motor delivering a combined power of 245 hp, or the BMW 330e.
Peugeot hybrid 508: Peugeot’s top-of-the-line sedan
It all started at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, when Peugeot unveiled the 5 concept car. Indeed, it was time to find a replacement for the 407 and 607 models offered by the manufacturer. And it was the concept 5 that was chosen. The objective was very simple.
It was necessary to maintain the success of the brand on a segment which was in full crisis. All this, by offering a versatile vehicle that had the best in terms of technology.
French production
The production of the 508 is therefore launched in the Peugeot factory in Rennes next to the Citroën c5 with which it shares many elements. After a somewhat tumultuous start, the Peugeot hybrid 508 is very successful.
Moreover, thanks to its manufacturing quality, it is compared to many German cars. Note that the car will win several titles including the car of the year in Spain. As you can imagine, different engines are offered on the 508.
Indeed, you had the choice between gasoline and diesel blocks. It is only much later that the plug-in hybrid model that combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor will be unveiled.
One of the particularities of the Peugeot hybrid 508 is that it is built on the EMP2 platform. This platform allows the manufacturer to offer a wide range of engines for its car, without reducing the space on board.
The Peugeot 508 hybrid is therefore identical in every way to its combustion variant. In addition to the 4-cylinder 180 horsepower, the car has a battery of 11.6 kWh. It is hidden under the floor.
With a range of 54 km and can be charged in 7 hours on a domestic socket, the Peugeot 508 hybrid presents itself as a vehicle with everything to please.
A design as elegant as ever
One of the goals that Peugeot has always aimed for is to produce thermal, hybrid or 100% electric cars. But always with a very neat design. This is the case with the Peugeot 508 hybrid, which is almost identical to the combustion model.
The differences between these two vehicles are minimal. In fact, apart from the extra hatch on the driver’s side and the Hybrid logo, these two vehicles are the same. The Peugeot Hybrid 508 features the brand’s new lighting signature, with fang-shaped headlights at the front. But also headlights that look like claws at the rear.
A motorization of the Peugeot hybrid 508
With its two engines, the Peugeot 508 hybrid has a combined power of 225 horsepower. More powerful than the internal combustion version, the car is still not a rocket. Indeed, it only manages to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.
However, it will only take 5 seconds to go from 80 to 120 km/h. That’s more than enough time to do your various maneuvers on the highway. If the technical data sheet disappoints speed lovers, they won’t be short of power thanks to the electric motor.
The latter has the advantage of offering very frank accelerations. Note that if you want to enjoy a real racing car, you’ll have to turn to the PSE model. It was developed by the brand’s competition department. The Peugeot 508 hybrid PSE has an engine that develops 360 horsepower.
A very welcoming interior
Peugeot’s i-cockpit is not always popular. However, when you get behind the wheel of a Peugeot 508 hybrid, you’ll find that the various buttons are perfectly at your fingertips. What’s more, you’ll feel at ease, especially thanks to the car’s very supportive seats.
Designed with very good quality materials, the Peugeot hybrid 508 has finishes that are beyond reproach. In addition, the infotainment system has a magnificent design and satisfying functions.
Excellent road holding
Once you’ve driven the car for the first time, you quickly realize that the Peugeot 508 hybrid is one of the safest cars on the market. It is easy to handle, especially since the steering wheel is very small. It is also important to know that the front and rear axles are remarkably precise.
Behind the wheel of the Peugeot hybrid 508, you can easily cover the miles, but also leap from one corner to another without fearing for your safety. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that are fitted to the vehicle allow it to be grounded.
Note that the EAT8 gearbox manages the transition between the combustion engine and the electric motor perfectly. So you won’t feel any jerkiness whether you’re driving smoothly or dynamically. Despite its extra weight of 300 kg, the car does not lack panache, which will help you feel good at the wheel.
The consumption of the Peugeot 508 hybrid ?
By offering a range of 54 kilometers in 100% electric mode, the Peugeot 508 hybrid is eligible for the ecological bonus. But in reality, you will only be able to travel 40 kilometers, which is more than enough for everyday trips.
However, when the internal combustion engine is started, fuel consumption soars to the point that the car becomes more greedy than a diesel. If you drive in the city and on the highway, you will consume an average of 7.5 liters per 100 km.
Note that the fuel tank, which drops from 62 to 43 liters, will not work in your favor either, as you will have to stop at the pump every 500 kilometers.
What are the available finishes for the Peugeot hybrid 508 ?
Today, when you want to buy a Peugeot 508 hybrid, you have the choice between 5 different finishes which are: Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and First Edition.
The Active finish
The Active finish is the entry level of the Peugeot hybrid 508. It is equipped with many features such as 6 airbags which are located in the front, rear and also in the curtains.
The sedan also has emergency braking, front and rear collision warning, cruise control, electric mirrors, a quality audio system, an 8-inch touch screen, air conditioning, as well as beautiful 16-inch wheels.
The Allure finish
This trim takes all the features of the previous one and adds more like blind spot warning, automatic high beams, rearview camera, a touchscreen that expands to 10 inches and is Appel CarPlay and AndroidAuto compatible, 17-inch wheels and finally, a choice of black or gray upholstery.
The GT line finish
This finish is considered as the intermediate level at Peugeot. Indeed, the 508 GT line has a different look than the other models.
They are equipped with adaptive LED headlights, aluminum pedals, a perforated leather steering wheel, ambient lighting that you can adjust to your liking, a chrome grille, several exterior elements in gloss black, as well as large 18-inch wheels.
The GT finish
This GT trim level includes all of the features mentioned above and adds pilot-assisted suspension, lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, wood inserts, an even better audio system, leather and alcantara upholstery, and heated, massaged and ventilated seats.
The First Edition finish
When you’re looking for the top of the line when it comes to the 508, you need to turn to this trim. Indeed, if you opt for a 508 Peugeot First Edition, you get some truly exceptional driving aids.
Your 508 will benefit from parking assistance, an infrared camera, 360-degree vision, a sunroof, a spare tire, but also magnificent 19-inch wheels. Note that 508 First Edition owners will also be able to choose an unusual red body color.
Which Peugeot 508 hybrid finish should I choose ?
If you have fallen under the spell of the sedan offered by Peugeot, it is likely that you do not know which finish to choose. In this case, it’s best to choose the Allure trim.
Indeed, it has all the equipment you will need on a daily basis. You’ll get all the support that modern cars offer. However, if you want your vehicle to look different from the others, the GT line trim is definitely for you.
Note that to fully enjoy your Peugeot hybrid 508, you must have some almost indispensable options such as the adaptive cruise control which costs 450 euros or the sunroof which will bring a real light well in the cabin. The option is installed for the modest sum of 1300 euros.
If you like technology, you can also opt for the induction charging system which costs 100 euros. One last item not to be overlooked is the spare tire which is exchanged as 120 euros.
What is the price of the Peugeot 508 hybrid ?
In case you are interested in the price of the Peugeot 508 hybrid, you should know that this car will cost you almost 34,000 euros if you opt for the model equipped with the BlueHDI 130 BVM6 engine.
However, if you prefer to buy a Peugeot 508 hybrid, you will have to pay no less than 45,150 euros. In case you are interested in the top-of-the-range finishes, such as the GT finish with its 18-inch wheels, FOCAL audio system and various driver assistance packages, you will have to pay nearly 52,000 euros. Other options may also please you. Among them, you have the night vision which will cost you 1400 euros.
Is there any assistance available for the purchase ?
If you plan to buy a Peugeot hybrid 508, you will be entitled to a number of grants. The best known is the conversion bonus. This scheme has been set up to help both professionals and individuals who wish to buy a new or used car to replace their old diesel or petrol one.
The amount of the conversion premium is 5000 euros if you buy a Peugeot 508 hybrid. Note that apart from the conversion premium, many regional aids have been put in place. In fact, several French regions have taken steps to support people who want to drive hybrid or electric cars.
The last aid you can benefit from is the one for the installation of charging stations for your car. Their amount is between 300 and 1500 euros.
History of the Peugeot brand
Thanks to major inventions, the Peugeot brand has managed to write some of the most beautiful pages of the automobile industry. It all began in 1810 when the brothers Jean-Frédéric and Jean-Pierre II Peugeot decided to create a family business that would specialize in steel work.
At that time, Peugeot manufactured many products. Among them were coffee grinders, corset frames, clock parts, but also bicycles.
From 1889
It was not until 1889 that Armand Peugeot presented the brand’s first automobile. It was a steam-powered tricycle designed in collaboration with the engineer Léon Serpollet. Despite the fact that the car was not marketed, it still made a lasting impression.
However, in 1948, the company decided to launch the 203, a monocoque car with a cylinder head engine and V-valves. This post-war Peugeot was produced in more than half a million units.
Thanks to this resounding success, Peugeot decides to continue on this path. The designer Pininfarina was called in to draw up the sketches for the legendary 404. With its angular lines and enormous glass surfaces, the car is a concentrate of modernism. But also of elegance that resembles no other vehicle of the 50s.
From 1968 onwards
In 1968, the lion brand decided to launch the 504. A vehicle completely different from anything else on the market. Elected car of the year in 1969, the 504 stands out from the rest. Its style and equipment are simply unheard of. No less than 3,700,000 units were put into circulation.
In 1972, Peugeot set itself a rather special challenge, that of designing the shortest sedan in the world. This is how the 104 was born, a car that was only 3.58 m long.
Much later in 1979, the manufacturer unveils the 604, the first sedan with 6 cylinders. It is important to know that the 604 will be very quickly adopted by the highest authorities of the republic.
Very few people are aware of this, but the first turbo diesel engine that was marketed in Europe was mounted on a Peugeot 604.
After 1983
From then on, the models follow one another at the manufacturer. In 1983, the mythical 205 is released. This one will win many times the title of world rally champion. To this day, it is still one of the best-selling cars in France. And it holds the record for the most exported French cars.
If a few years later SUVs invaded the market, the long love story between the lion brand and sedans could not end there. For this reason, Peugeot decided to launch in 2011 the 508, a family sedan that is made for the road.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 508 hybrid is a complete product that perfectly combines combustion engine and electric motor. It will meet your needs in terms of mobility. You will fully enjoy your driving experience both in the city and on the highway.
Don’t hesitate any longer, and come and discover it in our dealership to get a better idea of its options and characteristics.
| In order to make the right purchase, the OnMyBike team regularly offers articles on hybrid and electric cars |