508 FEATURES RADICALLY NEW DESIGN

At first glance, the new Peugeot 508 surprises onlookers with an energetic and expressive presence. The car's height has been reduced – it now barely reaches 1.40m in fastback form and 1.42m for the touring – aiding overall aerodynamic performance and a total of 60mm lower than its predecessor.

The front end is impressive, even aggressive. The finely fashioned, chequered radiator grill asserts itself between the Full LED headlights, with inspiration drawn directly from the marques latest concept car: Peugeot Instinct.

In line with moves across the entire model range, the famous lion is now centred on its radiator grill and the 508 logo upon the nose of the bonnet, a fitting tribute to its acclaimed predecessors, the Peugeot 504 and 504 coupé.

The vertical visual signature of the opalescent LED daytime running lights provides a distinct, exclusive identity. Sharp and slender, they frame the car's front end, running from the headlights to the bumper's air intakes.

The bonnet has been lowered as much as possible to enhance the width of the new Peugeot 508, while the overall silhouette has been designed to appeal from every angle. This attention to bodywork design is usually reserved for the most premium of vehicles. 

All of these standout features at the front of the new Peugeot 508 culminate to give the car a real sense of quality and character, all of which are perfectly aligned with modern Peugeot design language.

"The design of the new Peugeot 508 completes an entirely revamped range. It benefits from all the stylistic features we included in our latest concept cars like the Peugeot Exalt and the Peugeot Instinct. The i-Cockpit® in the new Peugeot 508 is actually taken directly from the Exalt concept car." Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Director of

Design.

The fastback roof line of the new Peugeot 508 is low and sleek, following the premium sector design cues. The car appears compact: its length is limited to 4.75 m, vs 4.83m of the outgoing car, for improved manoeuvrability.

While the 508 Touring adds just 30mm to the vehicles overall length, it maintains the radical styling traits and proportions of the saloon.

At just 1.42 m in height and 4.78 m long, the all-new 508 Touring's new proportions give it an extremely dynamic body shape, stylised by smooth, flowing lines and a sleek, low roof.

Nothing spoils either model's silhouette: there is no conventional overlap of the bonnet, glazing support and door frames; gap and flush-fitting elements have been reduced in size; the wheels have been adjusted to fill the wheel arches; and the roof aerial has been removed (now silk-screened).

Both body styles receive frameless doors - a unique feature for a mainstream touring model.

While the design also lead to an entirely new production process for the vehicles rear wings, with the complex, yet attractive design generally only ever seen in sports cars.

Spanning the rear end and framed between the rear lights is the glossy black horizontal strip that now characterises Peugeot's latest vehicles. Yet what immediately stand out are the three-dimensional full LED rear lights.

Taken straight from the design of the most recent Peugeot concept cars and first seen on Quartz, these lights, which are illuminated throughout the night and day with adaptive intensity, make the coloured claws constantly visible.

To further impress, these iconic lights will differ in appearance depending on side or full rear view.  They are instantly identifiable and a clear signature of the brand.

The back of the car also reveals an original feature of the new Peugeot 508: a deftly hidden tailgate that blends elegance with practicality and gives easy access to the 487-litre boot of the Fastback.

For Touring models, boot access is via a practical tailgate (that can be powered and hands-free).

The boot sill is low and wide (6 cm lower than the saloon and only 63.5 cm from the ground, 2.4 cm wider). The quick-draw baggage cover provides an immediate view of the entire boot, which has a capacity (with luggage cover closed) of 530 litres. It is designed to be simple in shape and entirely usable.

Apart from its practical nature, the boot entry has been enhanced by a stainless steel boot sill to facilitate loading. Higher grade variants features aluminium floor rails and a backstop net for efficient boot compartmentalisation.

Modularity is essential for an estate car and the 508 Touring is fitted with a 2/3-1/3 rear bench seat with a Magic Flat function. With this system, the two sides of the bench can be instantly folded back by means of two controls located on either side of the boot. This results in a virtually flat boot floor providing a total load space of 1780 litres.

 "We actually rewrote the rules of D-segment. To get such proportions when the length had been reduced by eight centimetres compared to the previous generation, we moved the glazing support back to give the car a larger bonnet. Then there's the frameless-door technology, which meant we could reduce the vehicle's height in relation to the car's rivals in the segment. The car's height is 6 cm lower than in the previous model! That also makes the vehicle appear especially wide even though it actually has a rather average width. As the car had to be particularly aerodynamic, we designed it to be narrower at the front than at the rear, contrary to the impression it might give! We achieved this charismatic stance on the road through the extreme tightening of the cabin, which also made it possible for us to produce the rear wings on a scale rarely reached before. It's one of the secrets behind the pose of the new Peugeot 508. Pierre-Paul Mattei, Design Director for the new Peugeot 508

A CABIN ENHANCED BY THE PEUGEOT I-COCKPIT®

Stepping into the new Peugeot 508 is like entering another world, one focused on quality and originality. The eye is immediately drawn to the instrument panel and the latest version of Peugeot's unique i-Cockpit®.

Proven to reduce driver distraction and time looking away from the road, Peugeot's iCockpit first appeared in 2012 on the Peugeot 208, the i-Cockpit® has evolved as new models have been introduced to the range.

From the Peugeot 2008 SUV to the Peugeot 308 and the latest SUV models, the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, three generations of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® have already made their mark as major benefits in the lion brand's offerings.

The essential components of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® include:

• A compact steering wheel
• A large, 10-inch wide HD capacitive touch-screen in 8:3 format
• A head-up display unit with a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital screen

Entirely configurable and customisable  via six different display modes. The head up display unit is positioned above the steering wheel and presents all the necessary driving information within the eye line of the driver, reducing the need to take their eyes off the road.

The central touch-screen is incorporated into the instrument panel, at approximately the same height as the head-up display unit.

It is accompanied by seven toggle switches resembling piano keys that are integrated into the panel's body and give direct, permanent access to the main comfort features: radio, air conditioning, navigation, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and i-Cockpit® Amplify (see below).

Clearly visible on the centre console, the all-new, Aisin derived, eight-speed automatic gearbox is engaged via a one-touch electrically powered. Its design further underlines the sporty driving position and, with the steering-wheel paddles, helps to enhance driving pleasure.

The new Peugeot 508 will also offers i-Cockpit® Amplify. With the choice of two customisable ambiences ("Boost" and "Relax"), which awaken the senses:

• Sight, by adjusting ambient-lighting intensity and screen colour
• Hearing, through musical-ambience settings
• Touch, via multi-point seat-massage programmes

Standard on higher grades, the i-Cockpit® Amplify feature also controls the car's driving performance, with the driving-mode selector (ECO/Sport/Comfort/Normal), as well as selectable damping on these variants thanks to electronic suspension.

Alongside the latest generation i-Cockpit® the driver can enjoy the latest in-car sound system with a top of the range hi-fi system designed by FOCAL® available on certain model variants.

With 10 loud-speakers fitted with exclusive FOCAL® technology, this system provides pure, fine sound that is perfectly distributed throughout the cabin.

AN INTENSE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

In terms of driving dynamics, the new Peugeot 508 is faithful to its DNA. It benefits from technology and expertise developed within the PSA Group, for example:

• Use of the EMP2 platform, which provides for great dynamic qualities and weight-reduction (on average, 70 kg less compared to the previous generation), in-turn improving fuel efficiency, safety and performance.
• Adoption of new materials and processes to aide weight reduction, including hot metal stamping and producing the boot and front wings in aluminium and the tailgate in thermoplastic.
• Introduction of a new body-welding technique strengthened with 24 m of structural adhesive, providing greater rigidity and a guarantee of better durability.
• Even window glass was taken into account when engineering the taught body shell, with window thickness increased 1mm to boost rigidity.
• Installation of a damper front cradle for optimal suspension damping
• Adaptation of a multi-link rear axle linked to variable-damping controlled suspension – Active Suspension Control
• Calibration of the electric power-steering to ensure an ideal compromise between smooth and firm handling for all driving situations and to provide outstanding manoeuvrability.
• Widespread introduction of modern all-new eight-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox, engineered in conjunction with Aisin, paired with an electric gear-lever with one-touch control.

"The new Peugeot 508 has a suspension system that allows an exceptional balance between dynamism, comfort and security. This balance is aimed to maintain a high-level of performance, whatever the setting. Moreover, the driver can adapt the car's dynamic character thanks to the variable damping controlled suspension and the driving mode dial." Yann Bonny – Vehicle Dynamics Director

All features of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® and its compact steering-wheel, ensure a sensational driving experience and breath-taking performance!

HIGH-END COMFORT AND FIRST-CLASS QUALITY

This new Peugeot 508 is an invitation to high-end travel. The choice and quality of materials in the trim and upholstery, and the attention paid to the finish, deliver a top class cabin experience in a soft, modern, refined environment.

In fact, both front seat occupants can relax in AGR (Aktion für Gesunder Rücken) certified seats – a German practitioner backed association founded to champion good design in reduction of backaches.

The certification was achieved by focusing on ergonomics and adjustability, with a range of settings encompassing lengthwise adjustment, seat tilt and lumbar support via a four-way electric pneumatic system.

High grade variants take this adjustment a step further, with eight-way electric settings, with two possible memorised configurations and five different massage programmes.

Rear passengers in the Touring will benefit from the extra comfort of a seatback that tilts to 27°. There is an extra 4 cm of headroom compared to the saloon and passengers can also enjoy the opening panoramic clear-glass sun-roof.

Access to the rear bench seat is wide and easy thanks to the frameless rear doors incorporating the quarter-lights. As for all the passenger compartment lighting, the individual reading lights embedded in the roof panel are LED touch-operated lights.

Furthermore, there is plenty of storage space throughout the cabin – up to 32 litres! – spread out around the passenger cabin, as well as many sockets (four USB sockets to charge portable  devices are available, one jack plug in the armrest and two 12V sockets, including one in the boot).

The wide-opening panoramic sunroof is in a spoiler style.

This on-board experience is also enhanced by interior detail that heightens perceived quality and the modern feel of the passenger cabin.

The choice and rendering of materials, and the careful assembly of all components, are hallmarks of luxury saloons: such as full-grain or Nappa leather, satin chrome, black lacquer, Alcantara® and authentic wood.
This standard of excellence is also evident in the car's many comfort and safety features.

AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF EQUIPMENT AND DRIVING AIDS
The new Peugeot 508 offers a wide range of latest-generation driving aids that notably meet EuroNCAP criteria, which are ever more demanding. Some of the available safety technology includes:

• Night-vision system, a first for the segment
• Latest-generation automatic emergency braking (that detects pedestrians and cyclists both day and night at up to 140 km/h) and collision-risk alert
• Lane keeping assist
• Driver attention alert
• High beam assist
• Speed limit recognition and recommendation
• Extended traffic sign recognition (Stop, prohibited direction etc.)
• Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function (with automatic EAT8 gearbox)
• Lane-positioning assist (related to Stop & Go adaptive cruise control)
• Active blind-spot monitoring system

New features for this generation 508 include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Keeping Assist and a Night Vision system - a first for the segment.

This system utilises an infra-red camera to detect living beings in front of the vehicle at night time or in low-visibility conditions to maximise safety.

Furthermore, in keeping with Peugeot Australia's commitment to Autonomous Emergency Braking, all variants will feature the safety system as standard.

The night-vision system uses an infra-red camera and detects living beings in front of the vehicle at night time or in low-visibility conditions. The system ensures detection within a 200-250 m range, beyond the headlights' scope, with central display of the infra-red vision in the digital head-up display unit, in the driver's field of vision.

When driving in towns and cities, the driver also enjoys aids for certain manoeuvres, including Visiopark 2 (360° vision) and the latest-generation Full Park Assist, with the 'Flank guard' or rear-side sonar perimeter feature (only available with the EAT8 automatic gearbox).

The system automatically controls steering, acceleration and braking to enter a parking space.

The connected equipment is just as impressive, with the new Peugeot 508 offering:

• Mirror Screen feature compatible with the Android Auto and Apple CarplayTM MirrorLink, with off-board voice-recognition via smartphone.
• Induction-based smartphone recharging (for devices compatible with the Qi standard) 

EFFICIENCY AND HIGH-LEVEL PERFORMANCE

Whether in the car's architecture, the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), the optimisation of dimensions, weight reduction, aerodynamics or the drive train, everything has designed and engineered to reduce CO2 emission levels to the lowest they've ever been.

The new Peugeot 508 enjoys the new-generation Euro 6.c PureTech and Blue HDi engines (with extended SCR technology) for best-in-class CO2 emission levels.

These levels of performance are all the more remarkable as they take into account new technical provisions and the WLTP procedure, which seeks to harmonise test approved consumption levels and customer-usage   consumption levels.

As such, Australian bound 508's will feature one of two new petrol options based on the proven 1.6L PureTech engine and include the:

• PureTech 180 S&S EAT8
• PureTech 225 S&S EAT8

Technically born from the same core architecture, the two new engines develop significantly more power and torque than before – with the engine architecture proven in high-load tune in the 308 GTi (200kW and 330Nm of torque).

The 225bhp drivetrain will develop 169kW at 5,500rpm of power and 300Nm of torque from a 2,500rpm.

Conversely, fuel and emission figures have been reduced, with Australian bound vehicles estimated to use just 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle, while CO2 figures are estimated at 140g/km.

Drivability and response is further boosted with the introduction of a 180bhp, 1.6L turbo-petrol drivetrain which develops 133kW at 6,000rpm of power and 250Nm of torque from a low 1,750rpm.

Again, power delivery has not been at the expense of economy, with the drivetrain expected to achieve 6L per 100km and CO2 figures as low as 130g/km.

Efficiency and power delivery can also be tailored to the drivers needs via the four mode drive-mode (ECO/Sport/Comfort/Normal), select feature.

In ECO mode, when twinned with the EAT8 gearbox, the PureTech engine automatically switches to freewheeling mode.

MADE IN FRANCE

The new Peugeot 508 is produced in the Mulhouse plant in France, while the French sites of Trémery and Douvrin provide the powertrain. As such, the model shall bear the "Origine France Garantie" accreditation for its launch, certifying that it is made in France.

KEY DIMENSIONS - EXTERIOR

With an overall length of 4.75 m (4.78m for Touring), the new Peugeot 508 is one of the most compact saloons on the mainstream market and is closer to premium offerings.

Although the car's length has been reduced by 8 cm compared to the previous generation, the wheelbase – at 2.79 m – has been shortened by 2.4 cm to maintain a level of liveability suited to customer use within the sector. The new Peugeot 508 therefore offers one of the most optimised wheelbase-to-dimensions ratios in this segment.

The front and rear overhangs have been reduced in size to sharpen the silhouette and improve agility, both on the road and when manoeuvring. The turning-circle radius has been improved and reduced by 1.5m when compared to the previous generation!

With 10.8m kerb-to-kerb, the new Peugeot 508 ranks as the best in its segment.

The new Peugeot 508 sports an especially robust profile. Yet its width of 1.86 m – 2 cm more than the previous generation – remains within the segment's average.

The car also benefits from an exceptionally low height of 1.40 m (1.42 in Touring), which is 6 cm less than the previous generation! – making it slender, with perfectly balanced proportions.

This low-built structure, made possible by frameless doors, does not however sacrifice headroom (see below) and makes the car one of the market's most dynamic saloons, it also ensures outstanding aerodynamics with a Cx of 0.26 and a SCx of 0.57 m2.

Lastly, the wheel size goes hand in hand with upscaling, adapting to each version and finish. From 16 to 19 inches, eight alloy wheel options are available in the range to support the vehicle's build.

KEY DIMENSIONS - INTERIOR

With its optimised architecture, the new Peugeot 508 offers both compact dimensions and a passenger cabin suited to customer use in this segment. As such, although the front and rear headroom is comparable to that offered in rivals, the front elbow room reaches 1.455 m. Similarly, the rear legroom is 3 cm more generous. Yet both models are exactly the same in length!

The boot offers a volume of 487 litres (530L in Touring) and also provides a clever solution in its motorised tailgate with keyless access. Once opened the entire boot volume is more easily accessible, with a wider and lower aperture than the outdoing car.

The modularity is equally impressive, with a 2/3-1/3 fold-down rear bench-seat and a central bench-seat armrest with a ski hatch. With the bench-seat folded down, the boot capacity reaches 1,537 litres (1,800L in Touring), making the most of the entire volume available up to the roof.