Released last year, it was difficult to Peugeot 508 be more different from the previous generation. From a reinforcement of the technological offer to improvements in the level of construction, passing through an aggressive and sporty aesthetic, the new top of the range from Gallic does not hide its objective: stand up to the German premiums.
But it is one thing to want to face the Germans, another to be able to do so. And the truth is that, after about a week at the wheel of the new Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDI, we have to admit that the new top of the range of the French brand is quite capable of facing the German proposals without any major complexes.
Aesthetically (and this assessment being somewhat subjective) it is not difficult to see that the new 508 has a presence its predecessor could only dream of. Proof of this was the attention it captured wherever it went, proving that, at least in the visual chapter, Peugeot's new top-of-the-range is on the right path.
Inside the Peugeot 508
With the exception of the hard plastics over the instrumentation, the 508 uses soft materials that are quite pleasing not only to the touch but also to the eye (like the piano black plastic used in the center console). In terms of design, Peugeot maintains its focus on the i-Cockpit, highlighting the small steering wheel and the high position of the instrument panel.
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Although, in my opinion, the i-Cockpit works aesthetically, the same cannot be said in ergonomic terms. It took us some time to figure out where is what and how to use all the infotainment features.
In terms of habitability, the 508 has room to transport four adults in comfort. To help increase comfort, this unit also had options such as the Electric & Massage Pack that offers five types of massage on the front seats or the electric panoramic sunroof.
Despite not being a reference (487 l) the trunk is enough for most situations.
At the wheel of the Peugeot 508
Once seated at the wheel of the 508, the focus is on the comfort of the seats and the dimensions and design of the steering wheel that offer a good grip, especially in a sportier drive.
Based on the EMP2 platform — the same one we found on the 308, 3008 and 5008 — the 508 we had the opportunity to test had adaptive suspensions and a scheme of overlapping triangles on the rear axle, all to ensure a good compromise between comfort and efficiency. , something he manages to do remarkably.
Four driving modes are also available, of which two stand out: Eco and Sport. The first is for those who want to glide along the road without any rush.
In Sport mode, however, the suspension is firmer (as is the steering) and the engine's response and sound are improved, making the 508 reveal a much more dynamic and even fun facet on winding roads.
On the highway, it's business as usual for a car in this segment with an emphasis on stability, comfort and good soundproofing. Consumption, on the other hand, persists in staying at around 6.5 l/100 km.
In fact, consumption is one of the strengths of the 160 hp 508 2.0 BlueHDi, as even squeezing all the power the engine has to offer, it never rose above 7.5 l/100km.
Is the car right for me?
Peugeot claims that the 508 positions itself as the best of generalists and not a premium, and it is not wrong. It's that despite not being a premium yet, the 508 lacks very little to be considered as such.
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For those who are looking for a family member and don't want to make the usual purchase (a German model) the 508 may well be the ideal model. Technologically evolved, it just takes some getting used to to learn how to use all your gadgets.
In this particular version, the 508 not only has plenty of power but also manages to be economical, making you almost want to repeat the long trips to France that your ancestors used to take every summer, but here, with a certainty, we were going much faster and more comfortably.