From the stables of Peugeot's new performance sub-brand, the sharp-looking Peugeot 508 PSE surprises with its performance and features.
The 508 PSE occupies a unique position of being the first model to be birthed by Peugeot's newly formed performance division, PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered). Described by Peugeot as a halo car, the Peugeot 508 PSE offers sharp looks, a generous offer of tech features, and a price tag that will be too rich for most people. Designed to turn heads, it wears a signature 3-stripped "Kryptonite" green logo of the PSE sub-brand.
Ticking all the right boxes, PSE has produced a car that can stand toe to toe with rivals like the BMW M340i xDrive and the Skoda Octavia RS iV. To power the 508 PSE, a 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine teams up with two electric motors to deliver 360 hp to the wheels. As a model that holds the promise of what's to come from the stables of the PSE division, here's why the Peugeot 508 PSE is a great sports sedan.
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While Peugeot has produced some capable production models in the past, the 2021 508 PSE easily claims the top spot in terms of power. The backbone of the hybrid powertrain is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine churning out 197 hp at 6000 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm.
Coupled with a pair of electric motors, rated at 109 hp and 111 hp, the system gives a combined 360 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Driving the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission takes the 508 PSE to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
The Peugeot 508 PSE comes with five driving modes, which offer an optimum blend of vehicle settings to suit different driving needs. With a fully charged battery in Electric mode, you can travel for 26 miles at a maximum speed of 86 mph.
Comfort mode offers the softest suspension setting, while the Hybrid mode uses the best power source for the current driving condition. Choosing the Sport mode unleashes the full 360 hp output and stiffens the suspension, while the 4WD mode provides maximum traction when the road gets slippery.
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To ensure that your 508 PSE never lacks the much-needed electric power, Peugeot has made charging to be as simple as possible. Whether at work or home, you don't need any special installations before you can conveniently charge your vehicle.
Using a standard 3-pin socket at home, you can fully charge your 508 in 7 hours, meaning that you can always start a new day with a fully charged battery. With a 7kW home wall box or public charger, you can charge the 508 PSE fully in less than 2 hours.
Despite weighing considerably more than the non-hybrid 508, the 508 PSE displays certain agility when the road is right. Thanks to the wider tracks, the adaptive shock absorbers, and all-wheel drive, it has plenty of grip and excellent vertical and lateral body control.
Combined with the increased negative camber, they provide a good balance when the vehicle is thrown into wide corners at speed while the rear motor provides neutrality. Although the brakes could be imprecise sometimes, generally, the Peugeot 508 PSE offers a spirited ride on different roads.
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Although the interior boasts adequate head and legroom, it has a tight cockpit, called the "i-cockpit," which gives the impression that you are in a performance car. Tastefully upholstered in a mixture of Alcantara, Nappa leather, and fabric, the comfortable and supportive seats are top stitched with Kryptonite and Tramontane.
The seats, which can be set low, are heated, power controlled and given massaging functions, which are a God-sent after a hard day at work. Also on offer is a 10-speaker Focal Premium sound system that creates a rich and dynamic musical experience.
Available connectivity solutions include the Mirror Screen function, which displays your phone's apps on the 10-inch infotainment screen for easy usage. Operating through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, certain features of the relevant apps can be disabled by the system for safety while driving.
In addition to this, wireless charging is also available under the center console for phones that are compatible with the Qi standard. Working with the Navigation Pack, TomTom services display essential information like real-time traffic, car parks, weather, petrol stations, and so much more.
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Peugeot has thrown in a system that allows drivers to see beyond the scope of the natural human eyes for safer nighttime driving. Introduced in 2000, the system either illuminates the road with infrared light (active system) or captures heat radiation (passive system).
Using the passive system with a greater range (about 300 meters), the 508 reads heat signatures from pedestrians or animals in front of the vehicle. The Night Vision system also sounds a warning tone by displaying the image on the instrument cluster.
With the Drive Assist Plus Pack, you have access to a string of high-tech driving aids that helps with semi-autonomous driving. Choose a lane position, and the Lane Keeping Assist will help maintain it while the Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a constant safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Apart from the Front Collision Warning alerting you of impending collisions, the Advanced Emergency Braking System provides braking assistance to avoid or minimize impacts. Other features include Active Blind Spot Monitoring, Speed Limit Information, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Alert to keep you on your toes.
The Peugeot Wagon is stylish, luxurious, powerful and practical, so of course, it won't be sold here.
Hillary Princewill is a Nigerian writer who grew up spending a lot of time in his Dad's garage. He loves sports car, F1 and military vehicles.