There’s a sophisticated but significant return to the humble station wagon, or van, depending on your preferred parlance. In our opinion, this can only be a smart thing, because in the end the long, low-roofed shape of the vintage truck can be both functional and stylish, combining clean proportions with unparalleled practicality. In the right hands, a smart truck outperforms its sedan counterpart every time.
This is precisely the case with Peugeot’s revised and updated 508 SW. Seen here with a hybrid system, all-wheel drive and gentle tuning in the form of the new Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) specification, the 508 SW is better at hunting and more capable than almost any other product in its class. This car’s visual good fortune probably won’t stop Peugeot from selling SUVs (as one of the few Stellantis brands, there are plenty of shared platform efficiencies to exploit in each and every market segment), but it will deter other people from doing unnecessary things. . Climb.
Peugeot cars with the “5” badge have a long heritage of family models. From the 504 and 505 (two impeccable Pininfarina models) of the 1970s and 1980s, to the first generation 508 of 2010, this series of mid-size sedans and estates has made the most of its giant platform to create cars with presence and safety. . Don’t make pretenses.
It’s a refreshed second-generation 508 (there are no 506s or 507s) and sports the new corporate face that people see as the 2023 Inception Concept to fit in with other existing production models like the 408 Crossover and the new, sleek 308.
From the spacious trunk to the careful architecture of the cabin, the 508 SW surprises and impresses. A modern Peugeot has a small, low steering wheel, above which is the main tool binnacle – the company calls it the “i-Cockpit”. It’s an unconventional approach and not entirely a success in terms of readability, depending on the size, but it is unique and, in fact, not prohibitive. Likewise, the central screen is supported by a row of satin chrome shortcut buttons, reminiscent of piano keys. They look great, but their usefulness is eliminated by hard-to-reach labels.
In today’s homogenized market, those little ergonomic quirks are worth celebrating. Plus, familiarity is temporary and everything else about this car encourages you to bond with it and come to terms with its weaknesses. The benefits come with a furniture-friendly shipping area (up to 1,780 liters of area with the rear seats folded), as well as an audio formula developed through Peugeot’s partner, French audio formula Focal.
In PSE spec, the 508 SW is a sports car consistent with the SE, but the 360 style has a plug-in hybrid formula that combines the 200-horsepower PureTech engine with two electric motors, front and rear, offering more than enough power. for the day. -Daily driving, as well as the ability to drive approximately 40 miles of electric-only travel. It handles well, too, in the wonderful Peugeot culture of yesteryear, even if the softest convenience setting is as serene as a Mercedes or Lexus.
Peugeot is looking to claim a greater share of the premium car market. With models like the 508 SW, it has the hardware needed for its ambition and a solid foundation for an all-electric future, including for the pickup truck.
Peugeot 508 SW PSE HYBRID 360 e-EAT8 4WD, £55,175, Peugeot. co. uk, @PeugeotUK
Jonathan Bell has been writing for Wallpaper magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transportation design to books, generation and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s transportation and generation editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House and The New Modern House. He is also the host of the first Wallpaper podcast.