Peugeot 508 SW Review 2023
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Great looks
- Stylish interior
- Excellent standard infotainment
Cons
- Bouncy on bumpy roads
- Interior quality a little patchy
- Not as practical as other estate cars
Overall verdict on the Peugeot 508 SW
"In this 2022 Peugeot 508 SW review we'll be looking at one of the most eye-catching large estates in the segment. There may be fewer rivals than in the estate car's heyday, but competition is still strong with cars like the Volkswagen Passat Estate, Skoda Superb Estate and Ford Mondeo Estate, but none of them can match the Peugeot in terms of looks."
It's a similar story on the inside, too. The Peugeot 508 gets a two-spoke steering wheel and a slim dashboard design that centres on the driver. What catches your attention, though, is the standard digital instrument binnacle which is usually a costly option on a car like this and will dazzle you with its multi-function display and slick animations.
To it, you can add a large central infotainment screen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can use most of your smartphone’s features – including its sat-nav and music apps – on the car’s big screen.
The advantages of choosing the Peugeot 508 SW over the standard Peugeot 508 are two-fold. The SW estate’s flatter roofline means you get more rear headroom as well as a larger boot. Sure, estate versions of the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat have more room, but the 508 is still a practical family car.
And it doesn’t just look sporty, the Peugeot 508 SW also feels quite sporty to drive. Its stiff suspension means you won’t notice much body roll in corners and there’s no shortage of grip. That said, it’s noticeably less comfortable than a Skoda Superb Estate.
Peugeot is pushing the hybrid options in the range and has subsequently cut back the petrol and diesel offerings. You have a choice of a 1.2-litre petrol with 131PS and a 1.5-litre diesel with the same output. The petrol is acceptable if you don't plan to load the boot up too much, while the diesel is a little better.
From the current range the petrol-electric hybrid model is the best option, and its ability to run on cheap electric power alone for around 30 miles can slash your costs if you have a short commute, which is just as well because it’s quite expensive to buy.
While we’re about it, we’d also recommend you go for Peugeot’s GT Line trim level. It adds a host of exterior options that make the pretty 508 SW look positively dreamy, while inside you get half leather seats and a Sport mode that makes the car more fun to drive.
The GT Line trim level helps accentuate the Peugeot 508 SW's best qualities, but whichever model you go for you’ll end up with a practical family car that’s also very desirable. That makes the Peugeot 508 SW unique amongst mainstream estate cars.
Is the Peugeot 508 SW right for you?
The Peugeot 508 SW is right for you if you want a car that blends style with practicality. On the outside, it’s styling looks more coupe than practical estate car and it feels sporty on the inside too, thanks to its driver-centric design and large infotainment displays. Yet, along with that, you get room for four tall adults and a boot that’ll swallow a family’s luggage for a fortnight.
Sure, the Peugeot isn’t as sporty to drive as a BMW but its firm suspension means it handles corners doggedly and all but the basic diesel offers decent performance. The hybrid model is also worth a look if you live in the city. What the Peugeot 508 SW offers is genuine desirability that more sensibly styled – and slightly more practical family cars – can’t hope to match.
What's the best Peugeot 508 SW model/engine to choose?
The model/engine combination that makes the most sense in the Peugeot 508 SW is the 163PS diesel in sporty GT Line trim. The 163PS diesel is a well-balanced engine giving you plenty of overtaking performance combined with cheap running costs. Like every model bar the basic diesel, it also comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that makes the 508 easy in town and quiet on the motorway.
GT Line trim accentuates the Peugeot 508 SW’s smart looks. You get larger 18-inch alloy wheels and a subtle body kit, while inside there’s half (fake) leather upholstery and you get Peugeot’s larger 10-inch infotainment screen. GT Line models also get a Sport button which sharpens the car’s responses and makes it sound rortier.
What other cars are similar to the Peugeot 508 SW?
The Peugeot 508 SW’s sporty styling is a unique selling point when compared to other family estate cars. Okay, so a Skoda Superb Estate and Volkswagen Passat Estate have more room inside, but the Peugeot is still practical enough for most people with room for adults in the back and a big boot. And, while it’s not quite as solidly built, the Peugeot’s interior drips with cool that’s missing from the Skoda and Volkswagen.
Sure, it’s not as fun to drive as a Ford Mondeo Estate, but it isn’t as dull as ditchwater either and you get a choice of engines that won’t cost a fortune to run. Other options include the good value Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer and the similarly stylish and fun-to-drive Mazda 6 Tourer.
Comfort and design: Peugeot 508 SW interior
"You can tell Peugeot’s put a lot of effort into making the 508 SW’s cabin as stylish as possible. Its dashboard has a split design – the top half looks after the instrument binnacle and air vents, while the bottom half houses the central display and six main ‘piano key’ conventional buttons. A flash of trim runs the length of the dashboard separating the two."
The Peugeot 508 SW gets the same i-Cockpit design philosophy as you’ll have seen on Peugeots like the 3008 and Peugeot 5008, meaning you get a small steering wheel with all the car’s instruments sitting above it. It’s a system that works in some Peugeots, but in the sporty feeling 508 SW, you have to sit your driver’s seat too high to get a clear view of the digital instrument binnacle.
While your driving position might not feel entirely natural, you don’t have to worry about getting comfortable because you get a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a leather-trimmed steering wheel that adjusts for reach and height.
Basic Peugeot 508 SW Active models get a driver’s seat that reclines electrically and has electrical lumbar adjustment, Allure versions add that functionality to the passenger seat, you get heated front seats and a partial (fake) leather interior.
Top-of-the-range GT models are the most comfortable of the lot. They get real Nappa leather as well as adding fully electrically adjustable front seats with a massage function.
Quality and finish
Peugeot’s pushed the boat out to make the 508 SW’s interior look and feel posh. You get soft-touch plastics used for most of the dashboard and the tops of the doors, and the Peugeot 508 SW’s cabin gets prettier the further you go up the range.
Active models kick off proceedings, they get carbon effect interior trim, Allure models add more interior lighting – in footwells and storage areas – and swap filament bulbs for bright-shining LEDs, while GT Line cars take a giant step up. They get half leather seat seats, blue mood lighting, contrast stitching in the dashboard, a black roof lining and sporty aluminium pedals. They feel almost identical to top-of-the-range GT models. Want a panoramic glass roof? Well, it’s an option across the range.
Hunt around, though, and you’ll find things that aren’t so pleasing about the 508 SW, such as the low rent interior plastics buried deep in the cabin. They feel at odds with the rest of the Peugeot’s interior and are cheaper than you’ll find in a BMW or even a mainstream alternative such as the Volkswagen Passat.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Peugeot 508 SW
The Peugeot 508 SW comes with two huge infotainment screens as standard including a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle that replaces analogue dials. It shows off slick animations as you scroll between functions and has clear graphics that make it easy to read.
Along with the digital instrument binnacle, you get a large central touchscreen. Peugeot 508 SW Active models have an eight-inch display that has TomTom sat-nav which can route around congestion and warn you about speed cameras. Even with this basic system, you also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can mirror your smartphone’s display on the car’s big screen.
Peugeot 508 SW Allure models and above get the same functions but on a larger 10-inch screen with a prettier HD display. All models also come with an eight-speaker stereo, while top-of-the-range GTs get an upgraded Focal system. It has ten speakers, a subwoofer and 515W of amplification for powerful sound, if not the clarity you get from the optional Burmester stereo in a Mercedes C-Class Estate.
Space and practicality: Peugeot 508 SW boot space
The Peugeot 508 SW has plenty of space up front, though the sporty feeling is spoiled a little because you have to raise your seat high to get a clear view of the car’s digital dashboard.
On the upside, the 508 SW’s flat roofline means you get more rear headroom than in the standard 508 and its larger windows let in more light. Headroom is decent even for tall adults and there’s no shortage of knee room. That said, anyone sitting in the middle will feel less comfortable thanks to the perched nature of the centre seat. If you’re looking for a car that aces rear-seat space, then you’ll be better off with a Skoda Superb.
Fitting a baby seat is also a bit of a pain. The SW’s taller roof means you don’t have to bend your back to slide the seat into position like you do in the regular 508, but the ISOFIX mounting points – on both outer rear seats – are hidden deep in the seat cushion behind zipped flaps, making it hard to get the seat locked into position.
On the bright side, all 508s have an air vent for your rear-seat passengers and Allure models and upwards get a rear centre armrest which adds two cup holders and a hatch through to the boot, plus a couple of USB ports so people in the back can keep their phones charged.
And the 508 wins more practicality points when it comes to loading luggage. Lift the boot lid – GT models get an electrically operated boot you can open by waggling a foot under the rear bumper – and it leaves a large opening that makes loading bulky luggage easy, you get a tiny boot lip and a completely flat floor.
The 530-litre boot is large enough to swallow a set of suitcases and folding the back seats down – they split 40/20/40 – means you can fit an adult’s bike without having to remove both wheels. You even get somewhere to fold the parcel shelf. Storage spaces are also a mixed bag. Okay, so the front door pockets are large and you get various other cubbies including a lidded holdall under the front centre armrest, but the glovebox is tiny and the pockets in the rear doors are also small.
Charging your phone is also a pain because the Peugeot 508 SW’s USB ports are hidden behind the dashboard, although GT Line models and above get a handy wireless charging pad that’s more convenient.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Peugeot 508 SW like to drive?
"Peugeot has given the 508 SW a firm ride that matches its sporty looks. It feels eager in bends, there’s not much body lean and you get plenty of grip."
If there was one bone of contention it would be the small steering wheel. Its speedy responses initially make the Peugeot 508 SW feel sharp and agile, but you’ll often find yourself having to make minor steering adjustments in bends, and it lacks the accuracy offered by a BMW 3 Series.
It’s also worth noting that the Peugeot’s automatic gearbox isn’t that responsive when you start changing gears Lewis Hamilton style using the paddles behind the steering wheel.
Though, it’s worth noting that the 508 SW doesn’t suffer from torque steer – a squirming sensation through the steering wheel under power – that affects some powerful front-wheel-drive cars.
Want to make your Peugeot 508 SW feel as sporty as possible? Then it’s worth considering a GT model which comes with active suspension as standard. It allows you to choose between a stiffer setup for more composed cornering or a softer setting for improved comfort.
Even with these fancy dampers fitted, the Peugeot fidgets over bumps that would go unnoticed in a Skoda Superb. That’s a shame because it’s an otherwise relaxing car to drive in town.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard to all models, and although it’s a little slow to respond off the line, it shifts gear smoothly and takes the pain out of stop-start traffic.
Getting parked shouldn’t be an issue. All Peugeot 508 SWs get reversing sensors as standard to make easing into tight spaces that bit easier. Step up to an Allure model and you add a reversing camera and front sensors although, if you want auto park, it’s an option across the range.
Whichever version of the 508 SW you choose you’ll find it’s happy cruising on the motorway. Sure, the suspension – even the fancy setup on GT models – can thump over bumps, but there’s not a huge amount more to complain about.
All Peugeot 508 SWs get cruise control – so you can hold a speed without having to keep your foot pressed on the accelerator pedal – and a traffic sign recognition system that can flash up information, such as the current speed limit, on the car’s big screen.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Peugeot 508 SW?
The Peugeot 508 SW is available with three engines – one diesel, one petrol and a petrol-electric hybrid.
The 1.2-litre petrol offers 131PS and is quick enough in most situations, but if you plan to load the car up with passengers and luggage you may find you have to work it relatively hard and suffer higher fuel consumption as a result.
The 1.5-litre diesel has the same 131PS but more torque, so although it can't match the acceleration time of the petrol it's more relaxing to drive in most situations, and is better equipped to deal with heavier loads.
The hybrid model is the quickest version in the Peugeot 508 SW range. Called the Hybrid 225 GT it combines the 180PS 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 110PS electric motor to give a real-world 225PS.
It's a pricey model but makes sense if you often drive in town because it runs on silent electric power up to city speeds and has an electric range of 30 miles, so you can cover a short commute using cheap electric power alone. For the Hybrid to make sense, though, you need somewhere you can charge it at home.
Refinement and noise levels
The Peugeot 508 SW’s sleek shape means there’s no wind noise to worry about even when you’re cruising at motorway speeds and engine noise is also suppressed in all but the diesel model. It does without the long-gearing of the eight-speed automatic gearbox and its engine grumbles a little more as a result.
What you will notice in all models is road noise. The Peugeot tends to amplify tyre rumble into the interior – particularly GT Line and GT models that have larger 18-inch wheels – and you also get the occasional thump through the cabin going over large bumps.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Peugeot 508 SW?
The Peugeot 508 was awarded a five-star crash rating by safety body Euro NCAP when it was evaluated in 2019 and you can expect the SW model to be just as tough.
As you’d imagine, even basic versions come packed full of safety kit including automatic emergency brakes. It’s a modern system that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, applying the brakes automatically if it thinks you’re going to be involved in an impact.
Lane assist is another standard feature which can steer the car in lane on the motorway and stop you drifting onto the verge. Allure models add a load of other driving aids. These mid-range models can warn you not to pull in front of cars hidden in your blind spot, advise you when you're losing concentration and need to take a break and can read road traffic signs, putting the information upon the car’s infotainment screen.
GT models, meanwhile, add active cruise control that can accelerate and brake the car for you to match the speed of other traffic.
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Peugeot 508 SW cost to run?
"The Peugeot 508 is cheap to run for a relatively large car."
The cheapest of the Peugeot 508 SW options is the 131PS 1.5-litre diesel model that gets up to 64.1mpg under official WLTP tests or around 50mpg in normal driving.
Go for a petrol model and Peugeot quotes official fuel economy of up to 50mpg, but the real anomaly is the petrol-electric hybrid. It runs for a short period on electric power alone and, as a result, its 235mpg fuel economy figure should be taken with a pinch of salt.
How reliable is the Peugeot 508 SW?
The Peugeot 508 SW recorded a remarkable 10 out of 10 for reliability in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Survey, but it is worth bearing in mind that because of how new it is there are not a huge number of vehicles on the road.
Also it's worth noting that Peugeot as a brand came 24th out of 30 manufacturers, putting it well down near the worst performers. The Peugeot 508 SW should perform better than this ranking given it is a newer design, but there is clearly room for improvement.
Insurance groups and costs
Insurance groups range from 22E for a 130PS diesel model in basic Active trim, to 34E for a hybrid model in a top-of-the-line GT trim.
That’s quite high for a mainstream family car, a Volkswagen Passat Estate’s insurance ranges from group 15 for the 1.6-litre diesel to group 28 for a powerful 2.0-litre diesel model.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Peugeot 508 SW?
If you’re looking for a road-taxing busting family car then it’s worth considering the Peugeot 508 SW Hybrid, it doesn’t pay any VED in the first year and will only cost you £155 a year, thereafter.
That said, none of the 508 range comes with a huge tax bill. The low-powered diesel models pay £230 in the first year and £165 thereafter. The more powerful 180PS diesel has a £585 first-year tax bill.
And it’s the same story with the petrol models. The 180PS petrol pays £165 in the first year while the 225PS petrol costs £585, both have a £165 annual bill thereafter.
How much should you be paying for a Peugeot 508 SW?
"The Peugeot 508 SW costs from £31,235 for a 131PS 1.2-litre petrol model in entry-level Active trim. At the top-of-the-range, you’ll find the £43,430 225PS hybrid in GT Premium trim. "
In reality, the sweet spot sits somewhere in the middle of the 508’s range. The mid-ranking GT trim with the hybrid engine gives you strong performance and good fuel economy, while GT Line trim gets you a subtle body kit and 18-inch alloy wheels that make the most of the 508 SW’s pretty looks. They’re priced from £40,130 new.
Go second hand, though, and you stand to make some big savings, we found a 2019 508 SW in that specification and with fewer than 8000 miles on the clock for just £22,000.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Peugeot 508 SW Active models represent the entry point to the Peugeot 508 SW range. Standard kit includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto lights and wipers and climate control.
Peugeot 508 SW Allure models get bigger 17-inch alloy wheels, the larger central infotainment display – up from eight to ten inches – that includes a reversing camera, part electric adjustment on the driver’s seat and additional safety kit including auto-dipping headlights and a traffic sign recognition system.
Peugeot 508 SW GT is the most popular trim level and gives the 508 SW sporty looks deserving of its stylish design. Along with a subtle body kit, GT Line models get LED front and rear lights, tinted rear windows and 18-inch alloy wheels that fill out the car’s arches.
Peugeot 508 SW GT Premium models look just as sporty and add adjustable dampers that let you choose between a soft comfortable ride or a sportier setup for more control in corners. Kit also includes full electrical adjustment on the front seats, a Nappa leather interior and a powerful Focal stereo.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
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