Peugeot has been using the "408" code since 2010 for a sedan version of the 308 hatchback in China, while it is currently being used for a different vehicle in Europe.
Although Peugeot claims it is a more advanced product, it is built on the most recent version of Stellantis' EMP2 platform, which is also used by the global 308 hatchback and wagon. The 408 is a current Peugeot model that, as its name suggests, is sized between the 308 hatchback and the 508 sedan. Its length, 4,690 mm, and relatively lengthy 2,787 mm wheelbase almost perfectly match the dimensions of the C5 X. The height of the 408 and C5 X are both less than 1,500 mm, while an SUV should be between 1,640 and 1,750 mm tall.
You will give up part of the available luggage space in exchange for the added style because the 308's more practical design prevents it from matching its sleeker look. The trunk can hold 536 liters when the back seats are upright or 1,611 liters when they are folded. The wheels can be as big as this elaborate 20-inch set that is only available on the top trim levels.
The 408 It has a basic four-door design with a dynamic liftback rear and higher ground clearance than a typical sedan.
Ultra-slim LED headlights continue the dark appearance from the black cladding on the bumpers, wheel arches, and below the doors to the front end design.
The avant-garde interior has mostly been carried over from the 308s, so there isn't much to say about it. You receive the company's now-famous i-Cockpit dashboard, which has a compact steering wheel and an above digital instrument panel. Along with it, there is a 10-inch central touchscreen that is easily accessible and is situated lower on the console, closer to the driver. For the 408, a high-end Focal sound system with ten speakers (including a subwoofer) was created over the course of three years.
For those customers who really want to bling out their 408s, options include massaging seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and a 690 W hifi from French audio company Focal.
The new 408 has four cameras for 360-degree parking assistance, night vision, and adaptive cruise control with a Stop and Go feature. A few months after its debut, a Drive Assist 2.0 package with a semi-automatic lane-change feature will be available.
Similar to the C5 X, the base engine is a 1.2-liter PureTech triple with 128 horsepower and an eight-speed automated transmission that powers the front wheels. Peugeot will initially offer two plug-in hybrid powertrain options for the new 408. Both vehicles have front-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and 109 horsepower electric motors. The 1.6-liter gasoline turbocharged engine, which comes in 150 and 180 hp states of tune, is what distinguishes them from one another. The less powerful PHEV produces 180 horsepower and 360 Newton-meters of torque when the power of the combustion engine and electric motor are combined. The more powerful model increases horsepower to 225 hp while keeping torque unchanged.
With the 3.7 kW onboard charger, charging the 12.4 kWh battery takes 3 hours and 50 minutes, but if you pay extra for the 7.4 kW charger, it just takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. Later on, Peugeot adds, an all-electric 408 will be added to the lineup.
The electric driving range of those PHEVs is another item lacking from Peugeot's launch information. We can anticipate a WLTP rating of around 55–61 km, but only 25–30 km in actual use.
Early in 2023, when assembly at the Mulhouse factory in France gets underway, the 408 is slated to go on sale. Peugeot has not yet disclosed the exact price when European and Chinese sales begin in early 2023. however, an entry-level starting point of about £28,000/€32,000 is required.