Peugeot 408 will also appear in two PHEV variants in 2023

Peugeot is relaunching the 4-series. A new edition of the Peugeot 408 awaits you in 2023, somewhere between a sedan and an SUV. In addition to two plug-in hybrid variants (PHEV), the stylish family car will also be available with a gasoline engine. A diesel engine, however, is not offered.

The new Peugeot 408 (2023) shows itself

In recent days, Peugeot teasert its new car several times, now they finally let the cat out of the bag. Eleven years after the end of production of the 407, they are reviving the four-series.

However, the French are moving away from the sedan and coupe style and are giving the 408 a much higher stance, so that it almost looks like a mixture of sedan and SUV and poaches somewhere between these two classes.

Visually, the Peugeot 408 is based on the fresh cell treatment that the carmaker has been giving its vehicles for a few years now and, appropriately enough, is positioned exactly between the 308 and 508. Only significantly higher and with considerably more ground clearance.

According to Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson, the new 408 is designed for those who “break away from tradition and seek responsible driving pleasure.” Officially, the 408 is classified in the compact class. However, with a length of 4.70 meters and up to 20-inch rims, it is anything but compact.

The wheelbase, however, is similar to that of the 508 with 2.80 meters.For this, the trunk turns out surprisingly large with a volume of 536 liters to a maximum of 1,611 liters.

Striking design

The design of the Peugeot 408 (2023) is striking. Here, the French go for an SUV look with coupe elements, such as the steeply sloping roof. A true SUV is clearly indicated by the offset black plastic elements on the lower sides, but the 408 is not overly suitable for off-road use.

But the self-confident appearance is pleasing. The side skirts become flatter towards the rear and merge directly into the wheel arches. The protruding diffuser has a sporty look and is ribbed. The roof-edge spoiler is rather discreet, but underscores the sporty look.

This continues at the front end, where especially narrow dual headlights in matrix LED technology immediately catch the eye. The grille takes its cue somewhat from the new 308 and reflects Peugeot’s current design language. With the difference that the plates are painted in body color and therefore stand out better from the rest of the grille. In addition, they converge at an angle.

There are also innovations in the interior. Here, the 408 adopts the systems from its smaller brand brother 308 and combines digital elements with analog switches and buttons, which can be found on the steering wheel, for example.

The 10-inch infotainment system comes with a touchscreen and also offers its own strip where favorites can be stored and quickly called up. Peugeot calls the whole thing “i-Toggles.” Optionally, the Peugeot 408 is even offered with seats that have ventilation and massage functions.

Technical highlights include four USB-C ports, WLAN support, smartphone connectivity including mirroring to the display, over-the-air updates and a premium audio system from Focal. It relies on 10 speakers and a 12-channel amplifier with a total output of almost 690 watts.

In addition, there are a whopping 30 assistance systems such as distance warning, stop-and-go function, active lane assist and even a night-vision device that keeps an eye on everything almost 250 meters ahead of the vehicle in the dark. The gears are changed automatically using a rocker switch on the center console. Peugeot consistently dispenses with a classic selector lever in the new model.

Peugeot 408 with various engine configurations

The Peugeot 408 (2023) relies on various powertrains and engine options. However, there will no longer be a diesel, but various gasoline and hybrid models. It starts with a 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine that produces 96 kW (130 hp).

There are also two plug-in hybrids with an electric motor. They produce 110 kW (150 hp) or 132 kW (180 hp) and are all offered exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 12.4 kWh battery installed is said to be sufficient for a purely electric range of 60 km.

However, all variants still charge comparatively slowly. By default, the charging power is 3.7 kW, but this can be increased to 7.4 kW for an additional charge. However, this does not offer any speed advantages and is only suitable if you want to supply the 408 with power at public charging systems.

Peugeot will then also offer the 408 as a pure electric car in the course of 2023. Here, however, they did not yet mention any technical data on the engine or charging power.

Price and availability

The new Peugeot 408 will be manufactured at the French plant in Mulhouse from the end of 2022 and should be available in early 2023. However, the manufacturer has not yet named prices. For more details, visit Peugeot’s website.