Peugeot 508 Review 2024

Peugeot 508 At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Peugeot 508 is a handsome, upmarket large saloon that makes an appealing alternative to the ever-rising tide of SUVs from premium brands.

+Stand-out styling. Premium interior. Superb eight-speed automatic gearbox.

-Limited UK market for this type of car. Ride is too firm in most situations.

New prices start from £34,945
Insurance Groups are between 22–34
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure

Not so many years ago, the Peugeot 508 would be a big seller and desired by many company drivers. Yet the market for large saloons from mainstream makers has dwindled as SUVs have become the default choice of many. Rivals to the Peugeot 508 are just as rare, although the Volkswagen Arteon, the spacious Skoda Octavia and stylish Volvo S60 still fly the flag. Read on for our full Peugeot 508 review.

The Peugeot 508 represented the pinnacle of the PSA Group’s attempt to move the Peugeot brand upmarket and, in this, it succeeded admirably.

A virtually all-new car with only engines carried over – and even those much improved – it impresses not just with its look, but with its outstanding i-Cockpit.

The Peugeot 508 certainly looks like an imposing family car, with an aggressive front design that features sweptback LED headlights and a huge upright grille. The slung-back look is complemented by frameless doors and wheels that have been designed to fill the arches.

Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid version, the Peugeot 508 is billed as a much more driver-oriented car than the previous model, and it’s an undeniable upgrade on any large saloon that French firm has sold before. 

It’s not quite in the same league as the BMW 3 Series or the Jaguar XE in terms of driving dynamics – thanks mainly to the overly light steering – but it’s pleasant enough for most drivers.

Inside, the Peugeot 508 gets the digital i-Cockpit system, with the traditional instrument binnacle replaced with a 12.3-inch screen that can be customised with maps, route directions and in-car data.

A 10-inch colour screen dominates the minimalist dashboard and the layout mirrors the Peugeot 3008 with neat aircraft-styled switches providing useful shortcuts to all of the touchscreen controls.

There’s plenty of space for four adults to fit comfortably – although those in the rear might find the seating position a tad awkward – while the 487-litre boot should provide lots of everyday practicality for company car drivers and family buyers alike, with a wide opening and 60/40 split rear seats.

Peugeot’s flagship model can also be equipped with an array of semi-autonomous driver assistance tech that includes a new night-vision system. This uses an infra-red camera to detect pedestrians in the dark and apply the brakes automatically should they step out in front of the car.

Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Peugeot 508 review.

Ask Honest John

Can you suggest a car that combines comfort with driving pleasure?

"I enjoy driving when conditions and traffic allow. Advancing years and back problems now require me to abandon all but the most comfortable of cars. Can you suggest any models which combine comfort with driving pleasure? My preference is front wheel drive petrol automatic."
We've just driven the new Peugeot 508 and think it answers your brief very well. The seats are extremely comfortable, it drives (and rides) well and you can spec a 225PS petrol engine. Alternatively, if you'd prefer something a bit smaller, there are lots of options. The new Focus is very fun to drive and the eight-speed automatic gearbox is fine. You might find the ride a little harsh, though.
Answered by Andrew Brady
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