Introduced in 2023, the Peugeot 408 offers buyers an unconventional blend of coupé-inspired styling and SUV practicality, with bold, angular design influences, innovative features, and a focus on refinement and efficiency. Built on the EMP2 V3 platform, shared with models like the Peugeot 308 and Citroën C5 X, the range includes a choice of efficient petrol engines and advanced plug-in hybrids, but there is no diesel derivative. The 408’s rivals include the Renault Arkana, Citroën C5 X, and even premium options like the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake, as it has a high-quality, premium feel that has been core to Peugeot’s brand transformation in the 2020s.
The Peugeot 408 delivers a modern, striking and refreshing take on the family car formula, blending coupé-inspired styling with crossover practicality. Its spacious boot, comfortable cabin, and impressive technology make it a strong contender in a booming and bustling market. While it’s priced above some rivals and the driving experience is more about comfort than outright sportiness, the 408’s unique looks and great feelgood-factor make it really stand out.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioBrand-new Peugeot 408 models start from £33,065 for the entry-level Allure PureTech 130, while the range-topping GT Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 comes in at £39,285 – extremely competitive pricing for the market segment in which it competes.
Plug-in hybrid variants command a premium of around £5,000 over their petrol counterparts.
Despite its upmarket aspirations and keen pricing, the 408 offers generous standard equipment throughout the range, while competitive finance packages and strong residual values so-far contribute to reasonable whole-life costs.
On the used market, 408s are available on AACars.com from around £15,000 for early 1.2-litre PureTech models, and they’re extremely appealing at that price level.
The Peugeot 408 is available with a choice of efficient petrol and advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
The entry-level PureTech 130 variant features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 130bhp and 230Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, this engine is smooth and quiet, offering 0-62 mph in 10.4 seconds – sufficient for everyday driving, though not particularly brisk.
For those seeking greater efficiency and electric-only driving on their daily urban commute, the 408 introduces two plug-in hybrid options. The Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor, generating a system output of 180bhp and 360Nm of torque. This setup allows for a 0-62 mph sprint in 8.1 seconds, with up to 40 miles of pure electric range (WLTP), making it perfect for urban commutes and short trips.
At the top of the range sits the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8, which pairs the same engine with a more powerful electric motor for a total output of 225bhp and 360Nm. This flagship model covers 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds, offering brisk acceleration and a similarly impressive electric range.
Both plug-in hybrids use an 8-speed automatic transmission and deliver seamless transitions between petrol and electric power. All 408 engines are front-wheel drive, with no diesel or all-wheel-drive options currently available, despite the SUV-style appearance.
The Peugeot 408 delivers a calm and composed driving experience, prioritising comfort and refinement over outright sportiness – but that suits the car’s sophisticated nature.
The chassis is set up for easy, relaxed progress, with well-judged suspension that absorbs urban bumps and motorway undulations with equal poise.
Steering is light and direct, making the 408 easy to manoeuvre in town, while the elevated driving position provides a good view of the road ahead – though the tapered rear end does hamper backward visibility to a degree.
On twisty country roads the 408 feels secure and stable, though keen drivers may find it lacks the sharp handling of its more traditional hatchback rivals.
The plug-in hybrid models are particularly quiet at low speeds, gliding on electric power alone for short distances. Even at higher speeds, the cabin remains impressively hushed, thanks to effective sound insulation and aerodynamic design.
All versions come with rear parking sensors, and higher trims add a reversing camera or 360-degree parking system for added convenience.
Peugeot’s focus on comfort is evident in the 408’s ride quality. The car feels composed over a variety of surfaces, with the suspension soaking up imperfections well, especially on smaller alloy wheels. Opting for the larger 20-inch wheels fitted to GT trim levels can introduce a firmer edge to the ride, particularly on rougher roads.
While not overtly sporty, the 408 handles predictably, with minimal body roll and reassuring grip in corners. Steering is accurate, if somewhat devoid of feedback, making the car best suited to relaxed, everyday driving rather than spirited driving.
On the motorway, the 408 is a capable long-distance cruiser, with low wind and road noise contributing to a relaxing journey. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are available on higher-spec models, making extended trips even more effortless.
Step inside the Peugeot 408, and you’re greeted by a distinctive, high-quality cabin that blends futuristic design with everyday practicality. The centrepiece is Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit layout, featuring a compact steering wheel, a high-mounted 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a crisp 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Material quality is excellent throughout, with soft-touch surfaces, metallic accents, and intricate stitching giving the car a premium feel that has an ambience that’s a cut above most of its rivals.
The front seats are supportive and highly adjustable, providing comfort for drivers of all shapes and sizes. Rear seat space is generous for legroom, though the sloping roofline restricts headroom for taller passengers.
The 408 seats five as standard, with Isofix child seat mounts on the outer rear seats. Storage is plentiful, with large door bins, cupholders, and a deep central console for stashing everyday items.
Practicality is a strong suit for the 408. The petrol model offers a capacious 536-litre boot, easily swallowing large suitcases or family gear. The plug-in hybrid’s boot shrinks slightly to 471 litres due to the battery, but remains among the largest in its class. Folding the rear seats opens up a vast load area, accommodating up to 1,611 litres – ideal for trips to the tip or transporting bulky items.
The boot opening is wide and the loading lip is low, making it easy to lift heavy or awkward-shaped objects. Additional storage areas include a glovebox, underfloor compartments, and various cubbies throughout the cabin.
All 408 models are well-equipped. Even the Allure entry-level trim features full LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors, and Peugeot’s connected infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Moving up to Allure Premium brings keyless entry, a reversing camera, ambient interior lighting, and upgraded upholstery, while the GT trim adds striking 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, and advanced driver assistance systems, as well as Peugeot’s i-Cockpit digital driver display.
Optional extras include a panoramic sunroof, premium Focal sound system, heated windscreen, and a suite of connected services, allowing buyers to tailor their 408 to their preferences – all supported by over-the-air updates.
The Peugeot 408 line-up begins with the Allure trim, which features LED headlights, digital displays, dual-zone climate control, and Peugeot’s i-Connect infotainment system.
Allure Premium builds on this with additional comfort and technology, including keyless entry, ambient lighting, and reversing camera.
Topping the range is the GT, distinguished by exclusive alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof, sportier styling, massaging seats, and a suite of advanced driver aids.
A wide choice of paint colours includes Olivine Green, Obsession Blue, Pearl White, Nera Black, Elixir Red, and Titanium Grey, with further customisation available via contrasting roof and trim finishes.
The Peugeot 408 is designed to meet the latest safety standards and achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating when tested in 2022, scoring 76% for adult occupant protection, 78% for child occupant protection, 78% for vulnerable road user protection, and 85% for safety assist features.
These include six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims.
Peugeot’s reputation for reliability has improved markedly in recent years, with proven engines and robust build quality. Early owner feedback praises the car’s solid construction and dependable performance, while the widespread dealer network ensures strong aftersales support, though 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines require diligent cambelt and oil changes.
The entry-level 1.2 PureTech petrol engine returns between 40-48 mpg (WLTP), offering a good balance of performance and running costs. The plug-in hybrid variants are star performers, with official combined figures of up to 269 mpg (WLTP) and CO₂ emissions as low as 26 g/km – though real-world results depend on regular charging and journey type and you won’t see anywhere near this if you regularly do longer journeys.
Electric-only range for the hybrids is up to 40 miles, making them particularly attractive for city drivers or company car users. Charging the 12.4 kWh battery from a standard home wallbox takes under two hours.
Road tax for the petrol model is classed in the standard VED bands (currently £195 per year), while plug-in hybrids benefit from reduced first-year rates and lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax for business users.
Insurance groups range from 21 to 30, which are keenly competitive in the class. Peugeot provides a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty as standard, with extended coverage and service plans available for added reassurance.
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