While it’s been more than 25 years since Peugeot has sold cars in the U.S., this latest 5-door flagship with coupe-inspired styling that the French auto maker debuted in Geneva is worth a look since the company’s parent, PSA Group, has said it plans to return to our shores through ride/car sharing. Though it hasn’t identified the brand (Citröen and DS are also in the stable) or the vehicle (the company makes handsome cars and crossovers), the 2018 Peugeot 508 might not be a bad bet considering that similar liftbacks are offered here in the form of the Audi A5 Sportback and upcoming Volkswagen Arteon.
Outside and In
The 2018 Peugeot 508 has a bold grille, flowing yet muscular lines and a steeply raked roofline. Riding on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, it measures 187.0 inches overall, about the same as the Audi and a half-inch shorter than the VW. Peugeot says there are three engines, a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and two diesels of 1.5 and 2.0 liters that make anywhere from 130 to 225 horsepower. All are mated to 8-speed automatic gearboxes.
Also: Check out the latest news from the Geneva Motor Show
Advanced i-Cockpit setup
In addition to the advanced styling, Peugeot is touting the futuristic i-Cockpit layout that incorporates a high mounted 12.3-inch instrument screen above the steering wheel in what it calls a head-up configuration. It’s flanked on the right by a 10-inch center console infotainment touchscreen. Complementing the usual bells and whistles is the i-Cockpit Amplify option that offers two customizable ambiences called “Boost” or “Relax.” Boost evidently elevates your mood, while Relax calms it by adjusting ambient lighting intensity and screen colors, the level and quality of the sound coming through the audio system and appropriate seat-massage settings to match the mood.
Also matrixed into the i-Cockpit Amplify logic are the car’s drive modes which includes ECO/Sport/Comfort/Normal, as well as controlling the damping levels of the car’s electronic suspension. According to Peugeot, the 508’s “driving position is unique, providing stimulating, intuitive driving pleasure every time you enter the vehicle.”
