Peugeot 508 R83 vs Volkswagen Passat B8

Peugeot 508

R83 · 2018 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Passat

B8 · 2014 – 2023

The eighth-generation Passat (B8), on the MQB platform.

First car

Second car

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

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Passat

Pick the Passat for a roomy, refined family car with a huge boot and strong diesels for long distances.

Best engine: The 2.0 TDI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.6 PureTech 225 · Petrol vs 2.0 TDI 150 · Diesel

	Peugeot 508	Volkswagen Passat
Power	225 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	300 Nm	340 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	158,5 hp/t Winner	98,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	109 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,0 L/100km	4,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Peugeot 508	Volkswagen Passat
Boot	487 L	586 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.537 L Winner	1.152 L
Wheelbase	2,79 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,75 m	4,77 m
Ground clearance	—	14,5 cm
Turning circle	11,2 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.600 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Peugeot 508	Volkswagen Passat
Platform	EMP2 (modular)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/PSE PHEV	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 Gen 3 1.8/2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI · GTE PHEV
Transmission	EAT8 automatic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Peugeot 508

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

Volkswagen Passat

EA888 chain and oil consumption at high mileage (early 1.8/2.0 TSI)
Haldex 4Motion service (fluid/clutch)
Electronic parking-brake and software campaigns

Pros

Peugeot 508

Stylish fastback design
Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel
PHEV and PSE available

Volkswagen Passat

Facelift (2019) brought improved DSG options and electronics
Alltrack variant with 4Motion and higher ground clearance
GTE PHEV with electric range for the city

Cons

Peugeot 508

Boot smaller than classic saloons
Low driving position

Volkswagen Passat

Saloon boot (586 l) smaller than the Variant (650 l)
Bigger and less agile than a Golf

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.

Volkswagen Passat

Comfortable, spacious and easy to cover ground in. The Passat steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well, and stays quiet at speed, with the Variant estate adding real practicality. Front-drive is the base; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is smooth and economical, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance workhorse, and the GTE plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth. It is a refined, tech-heavy family car that does everything well and has long been the default fleet choice.