Peugeot 508 Review: Stylish French Sedan vs. Japanese Rivals

The Peugeot 508 is a French sedan that costs 125,000 Dirhams. Its three biggest rivals include the Honda Accord, Kia Optima, and Mazda 6. By the end of this review, you will learn more about the 508, its quirks, and whether you should invest in it or one of its Japanese or Korean competitors.

Exterior

The design of the Peugeot 508 showcases boldness and uniqueness. The chrome checkered grille, specific to the GT LINE model, is flanked by LED headlights that integrate distinct fangs for Daytime Running Lights.

Designed to reinvigorate the sedan market, the 508 features a beautiful fastback design, frameless doors, gunmetal grey 19-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out taillamps, and a sporty diffuser with dual exhausts.

Interior

The cabin of the Peugeot 508 carries the bold design into the interior, presenting a modern and high-tech environment. The quality of materials exceeds expectations for this price point, featuring numerous soft-touch areas and stitched leather along the dashboard and steering wheel.

The steering wheel, notably smaller than typical models, has become a trademark for the brand. While the seats are sporty and comfortable, the overall ergonomics of the cabin present some challenges.

With the compact steering wheel, many controls are hidden behind it, leading to challenges in accessing the cruise control stalk, indicator, and transmission paddle, which are all closely positioned.

The steering wheel's position also creates visibility issues; if placed too high, it blocks the view of the dials, and if too low, it results in an awkward driving posture.

Backseat space is limited compared to its rivals, and the lack of under-thigh support makes the rear seats suitable only for children on long trips or adults on shorter journeys. However, the vehicle includes rear A/C vents and two USB charging ports to enhance passenger comfort.

Features

Despite some ergonomic shortcomings, the Peugeot 508 compensates with an impressive array of features, including:

• 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, customizable to display relevant information
• 10.1-inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity
• FOCAL audio system
• Panoramic roof
• Massage seats for driver and passenger with multiple patterns and intensities

In terms of driver assistance, the 508 includes:

• Lane keeping assist to prevent unintentional lane drifting
• Distance Assist with visual and audible warnings for proximity to vehicles ahead
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot monitoring

However, the 360-degree camera feature does not perform as well as expected. Unlike many vehicles equipped with multiple cameras, the 508 has only two cameras (one in the front and one in the back), attempting to stitch the images together to create a 360-degree view. This method often requires the vehicle to move before a clear image is formed, which can be problematic in tight parking situations.

Drive

The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine of the Peugeot 508 produces 165 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. Notably, these figures are lower than those of its competitors, with other markets offering a more powerful version of this engine and a larger 2.0-liter option. In the UAE, the 508 is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while other markets benefit from an 8-speed transmission.

While the 508 performs adequately at highway speeds, acceleration can be uncomfortable due to noticeable turbo lag and jerky gear shifts. However, the suspension is commendable, providing a smooth ride over bumps and uneven surfaces.

Verdict

The Peugeot 508 is aesthetically pleasing, well-made, and features an extensive list of impressive attributes. However, at a price of 125,000 Dirhams, it may not be the optimal choice, as the Japanese competitors present a much stronger case for consideration.