Peugeot 508 used cars for sale

Peugeot 508 buying guide

The Peugeot 508's interior is arguably just as striking as the exterior, and even the lowliest model comes with all the must-have equipment. Available as a ‘fastback’ saloon-like model and as an estate, the Peugeot 508 comes with a choice of engines, including punchy petrols and a frugal plug-in hybrid. So without further ado, let’s explore this French fancy some more.

What Peugeot 508 trim levels are there?

The entry-level 508 is called the Active Premium, and it’s impressively generous considering its position in the range. Standard features include DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention parking sensors, a reversing camera, auto wipers and headlights, two-zone air conditioning and push-button start. Active safety features include autonomous emergency braking and a lane-departure warning system.

Allure Premium is next. It gets sat nav, LED lights all-round, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit digital dial cluster, tinted windows and additional active safety features – namely blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist and adaptive cruise control with a system that keeps you in the centre of your lane. This trim level also unlocks the plug-in hybrid engine.

GT (formerly GT-Line) gets a sporty styling pack and some trim upgrades, while the GT Premium sits at the top of the main 508 line-up. This also gets a Focal audio system, part-leather and part-suede upholstery, automated parking assistance and a 360-degree camera.

For the ultimate expression in performance flair, the Peugeot 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) is what you’ll want to look out for. This flagship gets a powerful plug-in hybrid engine, zesty green accents and moody black trim. You’ll also enjoy more toys than a toy store, with 20-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, adaptive suspension and even night vision. It’s expensive new but is an appealing used purchase.

Peugeot 508 interior and technology

Peugeot has really enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years, and the 508 benefits from the brand’s unique interior design. The first thing you’ll notice is the small steering wheel, with the instrument cluster peering above it – rather than directly behind the wheel like in most cars. Peugeot says the small wheel makes the 508 feel more agile.

While earlier Peugeots with this unusual setup could prove difficult for drivers to find their best driving position, this has been fixed for the 508 and Peugeot’s newer models. Most drivers will be able to see the entire dial cluster. In all but the base model, analogue dials have been replaced by an impressive digital screen, which has a range of display modes and can be configured to your personal taste.

What’s more, the fancy design continues on the centre console, where many of the car’s primary functions are controlled by glossy piano key-style buttons. These mean you don’t have to use the touchscreen for everything, which is handy while driving, although the touchscreen is also quite easy to use once you’ve had a play with it.

Peugeot’s recent models feel high-quality inside and the 508 is no exception. The materials used on all the main touchpoints feel authentic, and the slab of carbon fibre-effect trim on top-spec cars does make the cabin feel a little sportier.

Peugeot 508 engine range explained

Peugeot 508 1.2 PureTech petrol

A 1.2-litre engine probably sounds a bit weedy for a car as big as the 508, but the 130hp turbocharged engine has no problem propelling it forwards. Zero-to-62mph acceleration is dealt with in a decent 10 seconds, while fuel economy stands at between 42 and 50mpg. It’s also got quite a low insurance rating (groups 21-23, depending on spec), so your premiums shouldn’t be too expensive.

Peugeot 508 1.6 PureTech petrol

Until recently, the 508 also offered a 1.6-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol engine. Its 181hp output drops the acceleration time by a useful two seconds, and the top speed is higher too. This engine should deliver around 40mpg.

Peugeot 508 1.5 BlueHDi diesel

It’s not a particularly exciting or extravagant engine, but the 1.5-litre diesel engine will be just the ticket if you’re going to be doing lots of long journeys. Its power and performance figures match the 1.2-litre petrol, but its 64mpg fuel economy estimate is far superior.

Peugeot 508 2.0 BlueHDi diesel

Need a little more oomph without wanting to spend too much time at a filling station? Peugeot has sold the 508 with a 163hp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is still capable of over 60mpg despite its extra power.

Peugeot 508 Hybrid 225

Such is the way with plug-in hybrids, the Peugeot 508 Hybrid 225 is the most powerful version in the standard line-up, yet it’s also the most economical. Well, officially, anyway. If you use the car in the way it was designed, you could see 235mpg. The 225 isn’t quite the fastest 508 off-the-line, but the instant power from the electric motor helps it feel speedy.

Peugeot 508 PSE Hybrid 360

Few people could’ve expected a four-wheel-drive, 355hp Peugeot plug-in hybrid that can accelerate faster than a feisty petrol hot hatchback. This engine is limited to the Peugeot Sport Engineered edition, and officially manages 139mpg – although make use of the performance and you won’t get such great figures.