The all-new PEUGEOT 508 SW (Estate) is built on the EMP2 platform making it an average of 70kg lighter than the outgoing generation while the new eight-speed EAT8 automatic transmission, with electric gear lever and one touch control, is an option. Bringing a new sense of style to the highly competitive D-segment estate car market, the new 508 SW rewrites the rules in terms of design cues in the segment.
Flowing Lines;
All new from the ground up, the new 508 SW brings the radical styling traits of the stunning new 508 saloon to the estate car. Measuring 1.42-metres in height, and 4,78-metres long, the 508 SW’s new proportions give the car an extremely dynamic body shape, stylised by smooth, flowing lines and a sleek, low roof. The striking design is enhanced further by PEUGEOT’s signature full LED headlights and frameless doors, a unique estate car feature for a mainstream car manufacturer.
Supreme Comfort;
The interior of the all-new PEUGEOT 508 has been designed to maximise in-car comfort for driver and passengers. Trim dependent, it features ergonomic, wrap-around seats offering five multi-point massage programmes, premium trim and upholstery materials, and a panoramic opening glass roof. The driver of the all-new PEUGEOT 508 SW will never be far from the latest in automotive technology, seated comfortably in a desirable, high-tech world imbued with elegance. Alongside the latest generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, providing all the information essential for the road ahead, the driver can enjoy the latest in-car optional sound system with a top of the range hi-fi system designed by FOCAL®. With 10 loud-speakers fitted with exclusive FOCAL® technology, this system provides pure, fine sound that is perfectly distributed throughout the all-new Peugeot 508 SW.
Technologically Advanced;
Technological advances also come into play to provide a wide range of latest-generation driving aids ensuring the all-new PEUGEOT 508 SW meets Euro NCAP criteria. New features for the range, dependent on trim, 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. With the aid of the Magic Flat function – allowing the driver to fold back the two sides of the rear bench seat – the all-new Peugeot 508 SW is never short of space, boasting a total load space capacity of 1780 litres. Of this total volume, 530 litres comes from the boot (with luggage cover closed).
Trim & Engine Options;
There are four generously-equipped trim levels in the new PEUGEOT 508 SW – Active, Allure, GT Line, and range-topping GT. Petrol power is provided by a 1.6-litre THP engine with 180bhp in Allure and GT Line models, and 225bhp in the GT. There is no petrol engine option in the entry-level Active trim. However, four-cylinder diesel engines (BlueHDi) are available across the entire range, with Allure and GT Line models available in 1.5-litre (130bhp) and 2.0-litre (160bhp) formats. The Active model is available with just the 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine, while the GT model gets the bigger unit as standard, along with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Other models in the range can be specified with either six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearboxes.
Test Car;
My test car was a PEUGEOT 508 SW GT Line 1.5 BlueHDi 130bhp Automatic finished in Ultimate Red paintwork for maximum impact. Building on the impressive standard equipment levels across the Active and Allure models, key features in my test car include self levelling headlights (linked to full LED headlights), Drive Assist Pack Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function, Lane Positioning Assist, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit™ Amplify, rear armrest with ski hatch & 2 cupholders, blue ambient lighting, perforated leather steering wheel, black headlining cloth, Mistral tri-material ‘Belomka’ leather-effect and ‘Ornis’ cloth seat trim with Aikinite double stitch detail, Smartphone charging plate, GT Line badging, chequered radiator grille, gloss black rear diffuser, 18” ‘Hirone’ diamond-cut two-tone alloy wheels, full LED headlights with static cornering light functionality, LED front indicators, and rear full LED 3D PEUGEOT signature ‘Claw Effect’ lights with a thrilling ‘welcome sequence’ upon unlocking the vehicle. With 130bhp and a hefty 300Nm of torque available, the 1499cc BlueHDi engine is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 10.1-seconds, reach a top speed of 208km/h, and return a fuel consumption figure as low as 5.0l/100km (56.5mpg). I found the 508 SW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox to be a pleasure to use, with seamless gear-changing ability, while the overall driving dynamics of the car are terrific. The car is noticably quiet at cruising speed, and this plays an important part in providing a ‘premium’ feel to the way the car performs of the road. The car steers with precision, delivers its power in a calm fashion, and feels safe and predictable at all times, while excellent braking power ensures that the SW can bring the car to a halt with confidence.
Flexible & Spacious;
French car manufacturer’s are famed for their attention to detail when it comes to seat comfort, and PEUGEOT have kept to their tradition of doing so with the new 508 SW. The flexible and spacious interior of the 508 SW is trimmed in some of the best materials on the market, while the comfortable front & rear seats will ensure that occupants arrive at their destination in a relaxed manner. In spite of the low roofline, the SW is an incredibly versatile family car, provides plenty of headroom for tall adults, and is one of the most distinctively-styled estate cars on the market.
Verdict & Pricing;
The new PEUGEOT 508 SW brings sleek style to the estate car market, along with cutting-edge technology, supreme comfort, efficient engines, and low running costs. With pricing starting at €34,110 (ex-works), terrific value for money is guaranteed across the range. Later this year, the PEUGEOT 508 range will be supplemented by an efficient Plug-in Hybrid petrol powertrain with an extended ZEV range of 50 km (WLTP cycle). The batteries will be located under the rear seats to preserve the roomy boot.
