Peugeot 408 P54 vs Peugeot 508 W23

Peugeot 408

P54 · 2022 – 2026

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

Peugeot 508

W23 · 2010 – 2018

The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.

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 W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol) — post-2014 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol

	Peugeot 408	Peugeot 508
Power	130 hp	165 hp Winner
Torque	230 Nm	240 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	10,5 s	8,5 s Winner
Top speed	200 km/h	220 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	92,9 hp/t	111,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	120 g/km Winner	150 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km Winner	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 408	Peugeot 508
Boot	536 L	545 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.611 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,79 m	2,82 m Winner
Length	4,69 m	4,79 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)	PF3
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV)	1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual · e-DSC6	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 5
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

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking

Pros

Peugeot 408

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

Peugeot 508

Roomy boot (especially SW)
Comfortable
Affordable used

Cons

Peugeot 408

No diesel offered
Boot smaller than classic saloons

Peugeot 508

1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
Conventional styling

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 W23 is the 508 that replaced the 407 with a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF3 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and calm on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly when working correctly. It is a comfortable, easy saloon, not a sporty one.