Peugeot 408 P54 vs Peugeot 508 R83

Peugeot 408

P54 · 2022 – 2026

The 408 (P54), a fastback crossover on EMP2 with the electric e-408.

Peugeot 508

R83 · 2018 – 2026

The second 508 (R83), a fastback on EMP2 with PHEV and PSE.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 408

Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and the electric e-408.

Best engine: The 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or the e-408 for full electric.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 508

Pick the R83 for the modern 508 with a sharp fastback design and strong engines.

Best engine: The 1.6 PureTech (petrol) or 2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2023.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol vs 1.6 PureTech 225 · Petrol

	Peugeot 408	Peugeot 508
Power	130 hp	225 hp Winner
Torque	230 Nm	300 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	10,5 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	200 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	92,9 hp/t	158,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	120 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km Winner	6,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 408	Peugeot 508
Boot	536 L Winner	487 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.611 L Winner	1.537 L
Wheelbase	2,79 m	2,79 m Winner
Length	4,69 m	4,75 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	11,2 m	11,2 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.400 kg	1.600 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 408	Peugeot 508
Platform	EMP2 (modular)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV)	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/PSE PHEV
Transmission	6-speed manual · e-DSC6	EAT8 automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Peugeot 408

1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
Infotainment software needs updates

Peugeot 508

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Peugeot 408

Striking fastback design
Modern i-Cockpit interior
All-electric e-408

Peugeot 508

Stylish fastback design
Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel
PHEV and PSE available

Cons

Peugeot 408

No diesel offered
Boot smaller than classic saloons

Peugeot 508

Boot smaller than classic saloons
Low driving position

Driving experience

Peugeot 408

The P54 is a liftback with a crossover stance, and it drives with an easy, planted feel. Built on the EMP2 bones shared with the 308 III, it stays light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the raised body adds visibility without making the ride busy. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels accurate and the car settles into an easy rhythm. The 1.2 Hybrid is eager, the e-408 delivers instant, near-silent torque, and the EAT8 automatic shifts smoothly. It is a comfortable, easy crossover-liftback, not a sporty one.

Peugeot 508

The R83 wears a four-door coupé suit but rides the EMP2 bones of a family saloon, and that mix defines it. It sits low and wide, so the front axle feels keen and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are the most extreme Peugeot has done and demand a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering is quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that smothers broken tarmac, though big wheels and firmer GT/PSE damping add some fidget. The 2.0 BlueHDi pulls strongly and quietly, the PSE is properly rapid, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, comfortable fastback, not a sports saloon.