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We've seen the Stellantis Group's 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain feature on a growing number of models, but none have quite as much panache as this one, the Peugeot 408, which in this improved PHEV form seems to offer an appealing combination style, power and parsimony.
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Background
Many so-called industry 'experts' will tell you that Plug-in Hybrid models have quite a limited shelf life, stop-gap solutions until the market is completely swamped by a wave of new EVs. We think the PHEV area will last a lot longer than that. Indeed, with spiralling electricity prices and an increasingly under-funded approach to the necessary expansion of the public charging network, there's a good argument for suggesting that choosing one of the appealing new breed of Plug-in Hybrid models is the way to go right now.
Here is arguably the most stylish one you could choose without completely breaking the bank, the PHEV version of Peugeot's 408, upgraded with a new 17.2kWh battery system early in 2025. It ought to be badged '4008' because it's supposedly some sort of Crossover. It would also avoid the naming conflict with a completely different 408 model the brand sells in other markets. But anyway, the '408' badge is what's been chosen for this design. So what have we got here?
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 41500 | 44820 |
| Insurance group 1-50 | 31 | 31 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 26 | 26 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 145 | 145 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Combined Mpg | 174.5 | 232.3 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4687 | 4687 |
| Width (mm) | 1848 | 1848 |
| Height (mm) | 1478 | 1478 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 536 | 536 |
| Power (ps) | 225 | 225 |
| Torque (lb ft) | 360 | 360 |
Driving experience
Though PHEV tech has now been around for a few years, you might still marvel at the technology on offer in this Plug-in Hybrid 408 variant, which in its latest improved form mates a 125hp electric motor with a 1.6-litre PureTech petrol engine that primarily contributes to a total output of 225hp driving through the front wheels. The now upgraded 17.2kWh battery (up from 12.4kWh before) that powers the motor is supposed to deliver an EAER-rated range of up to 48 miles (up from 41 miles before) prior to the engine cutting in. Compared to the alternative more conventional three cylinder Hybrid 136 self-charging version of this model, you'll feel the weight of the extra battery package if you start trying to throw the car around. But it's a lot lighter than would be the full-electric E-408 variant that Peugeot also offers.
Previously, the 408 PHEV had an 8-speed EAT8 auto transmission; now, it uses a new 7-speed dual shift clutch automatic. And if you're quick with its steering wheel paddleshifters, rest to 62mph takes 7.8s en route to 145mph, the same as with the previous version, despite the fact that pulling power has risen to 360Nm (up from 250Nm before). Semi-autonomous drive tech is offered via a 'Drive Assist Pack' that allows stop-and-go driving in lane and semi-automatic lane changes with the indicator toggle stalk.
On the road, you might find this 408 quite a curious confection. The Fastback visual demeanour's sporty; the soft-orientated ride quality isn't. The grippy little 'i-Cockpit' steering wheel feels ready for wrist-flick B road brawling; the mandatory and rather hesitant 8-speed auto gearbox doesn't. Put aside preconceptions and genre pigeon-holing and you'll be happier. 4-series Peugeots have always been comfort-orientated and the auto gearbox swaps smoothly when unstressed. Plus you might well find the steering to be actually a quite nicely-weighted and engaging set-up, providing you can get on with the 'i-Cockpit' arrangement.
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Design and build
Apart from the badging and the extra charging flap, there aren't any visual giveaways as to this 408's PHEV status. It's certainly a good looking thing. As this model's lengthy seven year gestation period suggests, Design Project Manager Pierre-Paul Mattei and his team had some difficulty in getting the Peugeot board to sign off on the 408 - and it's not difficult to see why. Even Mattei admits that 'giving the car dynamism without hiding its roominess' was problematical. Eventually, the project was probably green-lighted because this car shares so much with the 308 hatch it was developed alongside. Actually though, it's closer in quirky concept (and size) to another unconventional Stellantis Group Gallic model, the Citroen C5 X. The 408, according to its stylists, is a 'reinvention of the mid-sized sedan', with feline fashion touches like the radical front grille, an unusual bulbous rear diffuser and a duck tail spoiler. It's clearly been designed around the unusually styled 20-inch wheels of top variants, so with base 17-inch rims, owners might be disappointed with the finished effect.
There be disappointed if they come expecting an equally 'disruptive' sense of style inside too because the dash is lifted entirely from the Peugeot 308. Many though, will see that as unusual enough, with its trademark Peugeot 'i-Cockpit' tiny steering wheel, over which (rather than through which) you view the virtual gauges on the 10-inch Digital Driver's Display. Another 10-inch screen adorns the centre of the fascia, with digital shortcut keys beneath and the brand's latest voice control system. In the rear seat, there's more head and knee room than you get in a 308 - but not much more. And out back in the 408 Plug-in Hybrid, there's a 536-litre boot extendable to 1,583-litres with the rear bench folded.
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Market and model
Prices start from around £41,500 for the Hybrid version of this 408. That gets you the version with base 'Allure' trim and represents a substantial premium of around £7,500 over the alternative self-charging Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 variant we'd recommend. This PHEV model's asking figure is only £675 less than the all-electric E-408, so you'll have to think carefully about what you really want. If it's the PHEV, you can progress up to top 'GT' trim for just over £3,000 more.
Standard equipment across the range of course includes the brand's usual 'i-Cockpit' dash layout, which includes a Digital Dial Display and a 10-inch centre infotainment screen with wireless 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and Peugeot's latest voice control system. LED headlights and tail lamps are standard and entry-level models ride on 17-inch wheels, but you'll want to trade up to the unusual 'squared-off design' 20-inch rims of top variants which are aero-styled to contribute to the 0.28Cd drag factor. Key options include thicker side glass, night vision and a 'Drive Assist Pack which offers limited semi-autonomous drive tech and Rear Traffic Alert.
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Cost of ownership
As we told you in our driving section, there's an EAER-rated driving range of up to 48 miles on full-battery power. The Plug-in Hybrid powertrain here puts out 31g/km of CO2 (which isn't amazing for a PHEV and is actually worse than the 26g/km generated by the previous 12.4kWh PHEV system). There's a combined cycle fuel return of 174.5-232.3mpg (well down on the 211.3-269.5mpg figures quoted with the previous system used in this car).
A Hybrid meter gauge on the dash helps you drive economically (stay out of the 'Power' section and keep the needle in 'Eco' for best results). And you can monitor your Zero emissions running via a neat Cyan LED 'Zero Emissions Driving' indicator light in the frameless rear view mirror. A 3.7kW onboard charger is fitted as standard, enabling a 0-100% charge in 4 hours and 20 minutes, reducing to just over 2 hours with the optional 7.4kW onboard charger. The Plug-in Hybrid 408 offers a thermal pre-conditioning function too. Via the 'MyPeugeot' smartphone app or by using the vehicle's touchscreen, owners can schedule a wake-up time for the battery. This means that the cells can be at the optimal temperature for efficiency from the time you start up, plus of course the interior can also be pre-cooled or pre-heated too.
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Summary
You've got to be pretty convinced by both the 408 and the Plug-in Hybrid proposition pay for at the kind of money Peugeot is demanding here. But if you are, there's a lot to like. Pricing is quite high. And the 408 only really looks at its best in top 'GT' trim. But hit the sweet spot in the range and you'll have the neighbours looking over the fence. And the EV driving range is sufficient to make petrol station visits a relative rarity.
For this kind of outlay of course, you could have a 408 full-EV. But we think that right here, right now, a 408 Plug-in Hybrid could be a better all-round bet. Try one and you might find you agree.
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