A new division of Peugeot called PSE, for Peugeot Sport Engineered, has created its first production model, a 355bhp plug-in hybrid 508 with 355bhp and a 0-62mph time that puts it well into proper performance car territory.
And because it’s a plug-in hybrid it’s also a proper eco car. The fast stuff first, though: again, 355bhp, which comes from a combo of 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and two electric motors, one mounted at the front and the other at the rear, and both developing around 110bhp each. That means 520Nm and four-wheel drive, channelled through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Top speed is limited to 155mph and it races to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds.
It’s tax friendly too, thanks to an 11.5kWh battery pack that will do 26 miles (claimed) under its own electrons and helps the 508 PSE achieve 139mpg and 46g/km CO2 using the WLTP test. Nice.
And it’s all presented in a package that’s about the most stylish large saloon or estate on the market today. Available in both body styles, the plug-in hybrid setup doesn’t encroach on cabin or boot space at all, meaning that the saloon has 487 litres of space and the estate (or ‘SW’ in Peugeot speak) has 530 litres, rising to 1780 with the rear bench folded flat.
The look of the thing is distinct by virtue of the colour green, which is used liberally both inside and out, including a couple of flashes in the lower bumper, on the brake calipers, and on the tailgate. In the cabin the dashboard stitching gets the Kermit treatment, as does the badge on the lower portion of the steering wheel.
It appears that PSE models will get a three striped green logo from now on, with this 508 model the first of a few Peugeots that will get the same treatment. They're happening as publicity for Peugeot’s imminent return to motorsport because the company will enter the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 2022 with a petrol-electric hybrid racer.
The drivetrain is an impressive bit of tech too, not just in numbers terms. The suspension is new, now featuring three-stage damping, and the standard 508’s track has been widened for improved agility. That’s not an easy or cheap thing to do. There are five driving modes ranging from a comfort oriented one that softens the suspension and maximises fuel economy, to a proper sport one that stiffens the suspension, sharpens the steering and has the petrol and electric motors working together for maximum speed.
It goes on sale around March 2021, but for how much we don’t know. There’s a significant leap between this and the next most powerful 508, the GT 225 model priced at £37,000. On that basis you can expect at least £45,000, we reckon.
Keyword: 508 plug-in is Peugeot’s most potent production model ever