Peugeot is making a bold statement with the new Peugeot 408, proving that family cars don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality. Built in Mulhouse, France, this fastback model merges the spaciousness of a wagon with the sleek roofline of a coupe. As a result, it stands out sharply in a market saturated with boxy crossovers and SUVs.
Right away, you’ll notice the Peugeot 408 doesn’t look like a typical crossover. Instead, it adopts what Peugeot calls a “feline” stance—sharp, angular, and purposeful. Moreover, at just 1.48 meters tall, it sits lower than most rivals. This not only enhances its sporty appearance but also improves aerodynamics for better efficiency.
Lighting plays a central role in the design. Up front, ultra-thin LED headlights sit above the bumper, giving the car an intense, focused expression. In the rear, illuminated “PEUGEOT” lettering spans the width of the tailgate for the first time ever. It pairs seamlessly with the brand’s iconic “three-claw” LED taillights. To complete the look, the launch model wears “Flare Green”—a dynamic paint that shifts from bright yellow to deep green depending on the light.
The all-electric E-408 leads the lineup. It uses a single 157 kW (213 PS) electric motor that delivers 343 Nm of torque. Power comes from a 58.2 kWh battery, which Peugeot says provides up to 456 km of range on the WLTP cycle. Therefore, daily commutes and weekend trips are well within reach without frequent charging.
Efficiency is a top priority. Thanks to its aerodynamic shape, the E-408 consumes just 14.7 kWh per 100 km. When you do need to recharge, 120 kW DC fast charging brings the battery from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Additionally, starting in summer 2026, the “Plug & Charge” feature will let drivers simply plug in at compatible stations—the car handles authentication and payment automatically. That said, real-world reliability of this system remains to be seen.
Not everyone is ready to go fully electric, and Peugeot understands that. Consequently, the Peugeot 408 also offers two hybrid variants. The Plug-in Hybrid 240 combines a 180 PS gasoline engine with an electric motor for 240 PS total output and 85 km of electric-only range. Meanwhile, the mild-hybrid Hybrid 145 uses regenerative braking to recharge its small battery. It can run in zero-emission mode nearly half the time in city traffic—great for reducing fuel use and emissions.
Inside, the cabin centers around Peugeot’s signature “i-Cockpit.” Drivers get a compact steering wheel and a high-mounted 10-inch digital instrument cluster that stays in direct line of sight. On higher trims, this display uses 3D graphics to highlight critical information like speed or navigation prompts.
The central 10-inch touchscreen manages media, climate, and navigation. It also features “i-Toggles”—customizable touch shortcuts for one-tap access to favorites like contacts or fan settings. Furthermore, the system integrates ChatGPT for natural voice commands and supports over-the-air software updates.
Despite its sloping roofline, the Peugeot 408 is surprisingly roomy. Its 2.79-meter wheelbase delivers generous rear legroom—about 183 mm of knee space. The trunk holds 536 liters, and folding the rear seats expands capacity to 1,611 liters. So yes, style doesn’t come at the cost of utility.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. Front seats carry AGR certification from German back-health experts and include massage functions on premium trims. Thicker window glass reduces road noise, while an advanced air filtration system monitors outside pollution and keeps cabin air clean.
Finally, Peugeot backs the E-408 with “Peugeot Care”—an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty covering both the vehicle and battery. With its mix of daring design, smart tech, and real-world usability, the Peugeot 408 is poised to shake up the compact segment.
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