What is it?
The difference here was that it would only produce electrified performance models, with its first car being the 508 PSE – a racier version of the brand’s flagship fastback and SW estate. Following updates that have been seen across the Peugeot 508 range, the firm is now back with a new version of its PSE. Let’s find out what it’s like.
What’s new?
Peugeot has largely kept the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the PSE itself, so the upgrades here are more around the way the car looks and its interior.
The 508 PSE leads the way with a new three-claw lighting signature that will be rolled out across the Peugeot line-up, as well as a striking new front end that uses a new gloss black section that gives it a particularly eye-catching appearance. Meanwhile, inside, the PSE features Peugeot’s new touchscreen and a revised centre console design.
What’s under the bonnet?
While a range of standard petrol engines and plug-in hybrids are available on the 508, for the PSE, there’s a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, along with two electric motors (one at each axle, allowing four-wheel-drive) and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The combined power output is 355bhp - the most of any road-going Peugeot - and torque stands at 520Nm.
This allows for 0-60mph time of just five seconds, with the PSE maxing out at 155mph, where permitted. Courtesy of a 12.4kWh battery, Peugeot also claims up to 34 miles of electric range at a time, bringing scope for low running costs if you plug in the car regularly – the quoted figures are 158.5mpg and 40g/km CO2 emissions.
What’s it like to drive?
Peugeot has managed to create a very different character out of the PSE, as while the standard 508 is more of a relaxed motorway cruiser, there has been genuine sportiness added to it. Put the car in sport mode and this Peugeot can gain speed at quite a rate, with the gearbox being far smoother than some other hybrid models from the firm.
There are other changes at play too, such as lowered suspension and a wider track that enable the PSE to have its own character. We wouldn’t go as far as to say it feels like a full performance car, but it’s most certainly fun and still a very capable car to use on a daily basis.
How does it look?
The current-generation Peugeot 508 has always looked the part, and arguably far more so in PSE guise. There are plenty of details to set it apart from its large 20-inch alloy wheels, lime green detailing and bumper extensions that really help this Peugeot to look purposeful.
Like before, you can choose the PSE as both a fastback and an SW estate car guise. Though both look the part, we reckon the estate version is the better-looking choice.
What’s it like inside?
Inside you’ll notice Peugeot’s latest 10-inch touchscreen, which fits into the same gap in the dashboard, but is now slicker to use and boasts more features as well. There’s a small selector switch in place of the old ‘gearstick’ too, helping to free up more space around the centre console. The quality is excellent, while the sports seats and continued lime green detailing help to remind you that it’s something sportier too.
The fastback model isn’t the roomiest of cars, however, so you might be better off choosing the estate car version if you want some extra space.
What’s the spec like?
Given the PSE sits right at the top of the 508 trim level structure, it’s not surprising that the level of equipment that comes as standard is very generous. Standard features include a large 10-inch touchscreen with all the functions you want, the excellent configurable Peugeot i-Cockpit setup, massaging seats and a full suite of driver assistance technology.
In terms of pricing, the PSE is Peugeot’s most expensive model, but the equipment on offer, as well as the performance, goes a long way to justify it. The fastback is priced from £53,825, while the SW comes in at £55,025. It’s worth noting that Peugeot hasn’t increased the price of the PSE since it was first revealed, either.
Verdict
The Peugeot 508 PSE remains somewhat of a wild card in the performance car sector, combining strong performance with a genuinely enjoyable driving experience, yet at the same time plenty of scope for low running costs.
Add in a comprehensive equipment list and the stunning design inside and out, and the PSE is a worthy flagship in the Peugeot range.