2024 Peugeot 508 Sportswagon plug-in hybrid review

This new European anti-SUV sounds like it can do it all, but when we put it to the test in the real world not everything is as it appears.

2024 Peugeot 508 Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid.

An SUV is the default car for families but old-fashioned station wagons bring plenty of benefits for those that don’t want a high-rider.

Here are five things you need to know about Peugeot’s new plug-in hybrid 508 Sportswagon.

IT HAS LUXURY AMBITIONS

The Sportswagon plug-in hybrid comes with a premium circa-$90,000 drive-away price tag.

It’s a lot of money, especially when that money can buy popular top-shelf luxury machines such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 SUVs. It’s also about $30,000 dearer than standout wagons such as the sporty Skoda Octavia RS.

The Peugeot 508 plug-in hybrid wagon is expensive.

There’s plenty to crow about for the price, though, including supple Nappa leather-wrapped seats that are power adjustable and heated in the front row.

A 10-inch infotainment screen is paired with a 12.3-inch driver display with multiple layouts. One gripe is Peugeot’s little steering wheel, which blocks the view of the driver’s screen leaving you just the top two-thirds.

A 10-speaker Focal stereo pumps out the tunes and there are multiple USB-A ports, in-built satnav and a wireless device charging pad.

The cabin is beautifully appointed, with premium materials used throughout, including carbon fibre-like trim, stainless steel door scuff plates, chrome pedals and a leather-bound steering wheel with copper stitching.

Plug-in hybrid tech doesn’t live up to its potential in the real world.

PULLING THE PLUG

Plug-in hybrids promise the best of both worlds, combining usable electric-only driving range with the ability to run on petrol power or a blend of petrol and electric for increased fuel efficiency.

Despite this, the technology hasn’t taken off in Australia and it’s easy to understand why in the real world.

For one, it is prohibitively expensive. The 508 Plug-in Hybrid costs about $20,000 more than the petrol-only version.

Peugeot claims the 508 Sportswagon can drive up to 55km in electric mode and it has a fuel use figure of 1.5L/100km.

On our test we travelled just 37km before the battery was depleted and after the first 100km it was using 7.2L/100km of premium petrol.

The 508 has a smallish 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery that has a maximum charging rate of 3.7kW, which will replenish the battery from a household socket in about six hours.

The cabin is well appointed.

IT’S A COMFY CRUISER

The 508 uses a combination of a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a single electric motor to produce 165kW and 360Nm. This is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

It delivers smooth if not fast acceleration, completing the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.

It’s silent in electric mode and quiet when using the petrol engine. The transition from electric to petrol power in hybrid mode is a bit clunky at lower speeds, though.

The suspension does a good job of recovering after larger bumps and divots but is jittery over smaller road imperfections.

The light and quick steering lacks feedback but it’s pleasant enough and it handles corners better than an SUV.

The 508 Sportswagon is a handsome machine.

IT’S EASY ON THE EYES

Wagons can often look a little frumpy but the 508 is a handsome machine from any angle.

Its low-slung design will turn heads, as do the frameless doors that add a heavy dollop of chic French flair.

Dynamic LED lighting front and back, 18-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhausts and gloss black highlights add to the appeal.

It’s practical, too, with a roomy rear pew, although it can be tough for taller passengers to get in as the roof is quite low. There is a giant 530-litre boot accessed via a power tailgate that can swallow all the essentials for a family road trip. Fold down the rear seats and it has an almost van-like cargo area.

The 508 doesn’t sell in big numbers.

YOU’LL JOIN AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB

Wagons are no longer the go-to choice for families in Australia, where SUVs account for about half of all new-car sales.

So if you want to zig while everyone else zags, the 508 Sportswagon will help you stand out from the crowd.

Peugeot sold just 156 examples of the 508 sedan and wagon in 2023, so you won’t come across another like minded driver very often.

Owners will benefit from a five-year/unlimited km warranty and a prepaid servicing pack is reasonably priced at $2100 for the first five scheduled visits.