Sleek wagon joins Peugeot’s 508 PHEV line-up

PEUGEOT Australia has announced the arrival of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the mid-size 508 wagon model that is priced from $82,915 plus on-road costs.

It is available through the Peugeot dealer network and online.

The wagon joins Peugeot’s 508 GT Fastback PHEV that arrived in March 2022 and refines the MY23 local 508 range to exclusively plug-in hybrid powertrains.

At the price point no medium size PHEV wagons are listed but there are plenty of premium medium size plug-in SUVs that may tempt buyers such as the Range Rover Evoque PHEV from $106,675, Lexus NX450h F Sport Plug-in from $90,948, the new Mazda CX60 PHEV from $72,300 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV from $56,490 – all excluding on-road costs.

The Peugeot 508 has been available since 2019 forging a place in the local line-up with an “immersive and luxurious drive feel” and sleek styling that differentiate it from potential competitors in the segment.

The PHEV wagon variant continues 508’s focus in terms of styling and features with the added performance, economy and environmental credentials that accompany a PHEV powertrain.

In hard numbers, the Peugeot 508 Sportswagon PHEV cranks out a handy 165kW of power delivered by a turbo petrol, 1.6-litre four-cylinder PureTech engine with 133kW combined with an 81kW electric motor that together provide a total torque output of 360Nm.

The PureTech engine drives the front wheels through an e-EAT8 8-speed automatic transmission (Electric Efficient Automatic Transmission 8 speeds).

An 11.8kWh capacity lithium-ion battery may provide a WLTP test range of 55km.

The new PHEV comes as standard with a Mode 2 charging cable while the on-board charger unit located under the boot floor restricts the accepted charger to a capacity of 3.7kW. It is cooled for optimum performance by a low temperature water circuit.

Peugeot says there are multiple convenient methods to charge the 508 Sportswagon PHEV to maintain electric mobility.

Owners can use a 2.3kW single-phase 10A charger at home through the domestic socket, a home charging station to shorten charging time to a few hours and public charging through utilisation of the expanding network of public (privately owned) infrastructure to top-up on the go.

Indicative home/work charging times for the 11.8kWh battery with 3.7kW on board charger are: single phase 32A Wallbox (7.4kW) 0 to 100 per cent in approximately 3.5 hours, a three phase 16A Wallbox (11kW) 0 to 100 per cent in approximately 3.5 hours and a domestic 10A electric plug (2.3kW) 0 to 100 per cent in approximately 5.7 hours.

The stylish wagon was “designed with practicality and performance in mind and the plug-in hybrid variant continues to deliver an enjoyable everyday driving experience,” says Peugeot.

It has a boot capacity of 530 litres with the rear seats in place extendable to 1780 litres when the rear seats are folded.

Four driving modes are provided: Electric Mode - when sufficiently charged, this is the default mode; Hybrid Mode - allows the driver to utilise the most efficient combination of electric or ICE depending on driving style and the type of road during the journey; Sport Mode - takes full advantage of maximum engine torque and allows the driver to combine the power of both engines to enjoy a dynamic driving experience with firmer suspension and firmer electric power steering; Comfort Mode - combines the benefits of Hybrid mode with the additional comfort of electronically controlled active suspension.

The 508 Sportswagon PHEV is equipped to the same level as its Coupe stablemate in terms of luxury, safety and technical features that includes Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dash. A full suite of advanced driver assist features is provided.

The central touchscreen’s infotainment capabilities include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity plus FM/DAB and 3D satellite navigation.

“The 508 Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid offers an enriched driving experience with an array of smart technology working to enhance overall performance and efficiency whilst retaining the French allure and dynamic style our 508 customers love,” said Peugeot Australia MD Kate Gillis.

“As we build on our electrified offering in Australia across Passenger, SUV and LCV, the introduction of the 508 Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid further demonstrates our commitment to offering choice for local customers considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle.”