Peugeot has officially revealed their new flagship sedan, the 508.
Now, in its second generation, the new Peugeot 508 sports a rear end that draws inspiration from last year’s Instinct concept. The 508 rides on PSA’s EMP2 platform that underpins the Peugeot 5008 SUV and Citroen DS7 Crossback, with Peugeot claiming an average weight reduction of 70kg over the previous model.
It bares all the hallmark features of the latest Peugeot vehicles, including full LED ‘claw-effect’ rear lights, while inside customers can expect a premium interior, with the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit technology. There is a full grain leather trimmed steering wheel, a large 10-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver and a 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel.
Power will come from a range of 1.6-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines in Europe, with a plug-in hybrid planned for introduction towards the end of 2018.
The Volkswagen Passat rival will be officially unveiled at this week’s Geneva International Motor Show. Unfortunately Peugeot SA says there are no plans as yet to introduce the 508 to South Africa.
Also worth a look: the Enduring Legacy of Peugeot in South Africa: A Historical Jou and the PEUGEOT E-3008: European Car of the Year 2024 Finalist.
FAQ
Q: What does the Peugeot 508 cost in South Africa?
Unfortunately, the Peugeot 508 isn't officially sold in South Africa, so there's no local pricing available. Peugeot SA confirmed they have no plans to introduce this flagship sedan to the local market, which is a real shame considering its impressive tech and French flair.
Q: Is the Peugeot 508 worth buying?
The 508 looks brilliant on paper with its premium i-Cockpit tech, 70kg weight reduction, and striking design inspired by the Instinct concept, but since it's not available in SA, you can't actually buy one locally anyway.
Q: What are the best alternatives to the Peugeot 508 in South Africa?
Since the 508 isn't available here, your best bets for premium sedans are the Volkswagen Passat (from around R650,000), BMW 3 Series (from R750,000), or the Audi A4 (from R720,000) if you want similar European sophistication and tech.
Q: Will the Peugeot 508 ever come to South Africa?
Peugeot SA hasn't given any indication they'll change their minds about bringing the 508 to local shores, so don't hold your breath waiting for this French beauty to arrive at SA dealerships.
Should You Buy It?
You literally can't buy the Peugeot 508 in South Africa since Peugeot SA has no plans to import it, making this decision pretty easy. If you're after a premium European sedan with similar tech and refinement, the best alternative under R700,000 in SA is the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Comfortline at around R650,000. It offers comparable space, German build quality, and modern infotainment, though it lacks the French flair and distinctive i-Cockpit setup of the 508. Skip dreaming about the 508 and go test drive a Passat instead.
