Peugeot 508 R83 vs Peugeot 508 W23
Peugeot 508
R83 · 2018 – 2026
The second 508 (R83), a fastback on EMP2 with PHEV and PSE.
Peugeot 508
W23 · 2010 – 2018
The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.
Peugeot 508
Pick the R83 for the modern 508 with a sharp fastback design and strong engines.
Peugeot 508
Pick the W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.
Performance
1.6 PureTech 225 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol
| Peugeot 508 | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
225 hp
Winner
|
165 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
220 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
158,5 hp/t
Winner
|
111,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,0 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Peugeot 508 | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
487 L
|
545 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.537 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,79 m
|
2,82 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,75 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,2 m
|
11,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Peugeot 508 | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | EMP2 (modular) | PF3 |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/PSE PHEV | 1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel |
| Transmission | EAT8 automatic | 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
- 1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
- 1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
- Infotainment software needs updates
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
- 2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking
Pros
- Stylish fastback design
- Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel
- PHEV and PSE available
- Roomy boot (especially SW)
- Comfortable
- Affordable used
Cons
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
- Low driving position
- 1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
- Conventional styling
Driving experience
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.
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.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
