Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Peugeot 508 review - Interior, design and technology

With its svelte fastback styling, the Peugeot 508 stands out from the crowd and has an equally stylish interior

Interior, design and technology rating

4.3

How we review cars
Price
£46,810 - £46,810
Find your Peugeot 508
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

If a car was purely judged on its exterior design, then the Peugeot 508 would certainly be amongst the class leaders with its eye-catching looks and considerable showroom appeal. It’s certainly far more stylish than its predecessor, moving away from the traditional three-box look for a more curvaceous and cohesive appearance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Its bold new nose echoes the current sporty Peugeot look, and while the headlights aren’t the most distinctive, the blade-type LED daytime running lights certainly catch the eye. The 508 is equally stylish from the rear, with mildly extended rear wheel arches and a black panel running across the tail which incorporates the LED rear light clusters. It’ll certainly stand out in an office car park populated by more traditional designs.

Inside the sporting theme is continued, with a real coupe feel about the interior. It accentuates the difference between this car and an SUV, where you sometimes have the impression you’re sitting on it, rather than in it. The curving and swooping dash continues the stylish appearance in combination with the small steering wheel and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit electronic display.

And the quality look is backed up by material quality and a fit and finish that has a nigh-on premium feel to it It’s almost good enough to tempt buyers away from BMW’s 3 Series and Audi’s A4 perhaps.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s certainly enough in the way of standard equipment to keep most buyers happy too, and even the entry-level Active Premium trim level doesn’t feel poorly specified. You’ll need to upgrade to the Allure Premium model to get the larger (10-inch versus 8-inch) of the two centrally-mounted touchscreen systems offered, and it’s worth it for the greater functionality it brings.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

More than any other area, it’s the 508’s infotainment system that shows where Peugeot must improve if
it wants to bridge the gap to premium brands such as BMW. We’ve seen improved set-ups in the latest Peugeot 308 hatchback, but the system fitted here is a little slow, frustrating to use and occasionally glitchy. 

While the screen measures a reasonable 10 inches, a large portion to either side of the panel is occupied by climate controls that are always displayed. These rob space from functions such as the mapping screen, or apps including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The piano-style keys along the bottom are pleasing to use and look great, but the touchscreen sub-menus are a little contrived, and if you get lost, the ‘back’ button is tiny. The digital dials look great, though. Not only do they offer plenty of different views, but they also show images from the night-vision camera.

All models come with Bluetooth and a DAB radio, while Allure Premium trim adds a voice recognition function and USB inputs in place of a 12v output. GT premium models include a 360-degree colour camera system and an upgraded Focal stereo.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.6 Hybrid 225 GT 5dr e-EAT8
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £46,810

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.6 Hybrid 225 GT 5dr e-EAT8
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £46,810

Fastest

  • Name
    1.6 Hybrid 225 GT 5dr e-EAT8
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £46,810
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Land Rover’s theft problems subside as stolen car numbers hit three-year low
Land Rover Defender - front tracking

Land Rover’s theft problems subside as stolen car numbers hit three-year low

A package of measures implemented by Jaguar Land Rover to address the issue of its cars being stolen seems to be doing the trick
News
8 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a bargain at this price

The 2024 Auto Express Performance Car of the Year is now our Deal of the Day for 7 November
News
7 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: newly facelifted BMW 1 Series is a premium hatchback for £294 a month
BMW 1 Series 2024 facelift - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: newly facelifted BMW 1 Series is a premium hatchback for £294 a month

The BMW 1 Series has been renewed with great handling and build quality – it’s our Deal of the Day for Friday 8 November
News
8 Nov 2024