Peugeot 408

The Peugeot 408 is not a hatchback, not a sedan, not a crossover and not an SUV. It is something in between and that still makes the car special. For the 2026 model year, the front end has been redrawn. The headlights already consisted of separate elements. From now on, elements of the grille are illuminated and everything comes together in the also illuminated Peugeot logo. This gives the car a less refined and more bold look than before. At the back, the word "Peugeot" is illuminated and this is enhanced thanks to a glossy panel across the entire width of the car.

Space

The unusual design not only makes the 408 special to look at. It also provides space and functionality. For instance, there appears to be a two-part spoiler at the back. In fact, this is an enclosure of the tailgate hinges. These could therefore be placed further back, allowing Peugeot to combine a sloping roofline with sufficient headroom in the rear. Rear legroom is also good.

Every modern Peugeot has an "i-Cockpit" with a small steering wheel and seats that force the driver into an active posture. The driver therefore looks over the steering wheel, which is why the instrument panel is placed above the steering column. This gives the same convenience as a "head-up display", but at a fraction of the price. The test car is equipped with a so-called multi-layer display. The front layer shows essential data, which is therefore more prominent than less important data. However, both the display above the steering wheel and the central display feature a lot of decoration, which in turn makes it less readable.

For the controls, Peugeot has found a good mix of buttons and displays. In this respect, the so-called "i-Toggles" deserve special mention. These are large buttons below the central display screen to which the user can assign a function. All problems with software and smartphone pairing encountered during the first introduction to the 408 in 2022 have been effectively fixed in this one for model year 2026.

Electric car

Since 2024, the 408 has been available as an electric car. The 408 is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 58 kWh, which theoretically provides a range of 456 km. During testing in favourable weather conditions, the test consumption matched the manufacturer's specification (around 14 kWh per 100 km) and therefore those 456 kilometres could actually be covered on a full battery.

In eco mode, it is even possible to drive more economically (12 kWh per 100 km). Levers behind the steering wheel can be used to choose how much the 408 brakes on the engine and how much energy is recovered. As with other electric cars from parent company Stellantis, this effect is much lower than other manufacturers. Stellantis says it does this to make the switch from a conventional car smaller, but on balance this means that the benefits of electric driving are thus less utilised.

When pedalling briskly in sports mode, consumption rises to 18 kWh per 100 km, but this is offset by decent performance. As befits an electric car, the 408 is decisive with an eager response to the accelerator.. The front wheels can barely even handle the maximum engine output of 213 hp / 343 Nm. On poor road surfaces, it is clearly noticeable in the steering wheel that the wheels struggle to determine direction while simultaneously transferring the power to the tarmac.

Hybrid

For comparison, the 408 was also driven with a hybrid engine. Then, a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine provides propulsion and a small electric motor assists when needed. Switching from the electric-powered 408 into the hybrid feels like a leap back in time. During acceleration, onbe can clearly feel the engine building up power with the increasing engine speed. At the same time, the three-cylinder rumble breaks the calm in the cabin.

Despite the help of the electric motor, the smoothness is not half as good as that of the all-electric version. On the contrary, the electric motor does ensure that the 408 performs much better than a 1.2-litre petrol engine could do without that help. The automatic does its job properly, because when driven calmly it is not noticeable that the computer is shifting gears.

A test drive on a stretch of country roads and city traffic yielded a test consumption of 6 litres per 100 km. That's not bad for a car with only electric assistance. However, the price difference between this "mild hybrid" and the all-electric 408 is minimal and therefore quickly recouped.

Driving behaviour

The 408 was designed as an electric car, then other variants were added. This is especially noticeable in handling. Because the battery is central and in the floor, the centre of gravity is low and central. This makes the 408 stable and quiet, while effectively disguising its high weight (1,781 kg). The mild-hybrid is noticeably lighter (1,438 kg), but thus less quiet and less mature. Regardless of the engine chosen, the suspension is advanced, ensuring good communication with the driver, a confidence-inspiring feel and a refined character.

Aside from its distinctive looks, handling, together with the i-Cockpit, is the 408's strongest point. This is because the small steering wheel ensures that a small movement results in a big effect. This makes driving not only easy, but also relaxing. The driver always has optimal control of the car without tiring. Even after hours of test driving on winding back roads, driving the 408 remained pleasant.

Conclusion

Wisdom comes with age. In the case of the 408, this is reflected in several ways. Thanks to the facelift for the 2026 model year, the design fits in better with Peugeot's other models and better combines form and function. The updated 408 is now an even more convincing alternative to an SUV than before.

The renewed introduction also reveals that a petrol engine (with or without hybrid assistance) is now really out of date. While the mild-hybrid does what it is supposed to do, for almost the same money it can now do a lot better. Peugeot started producing the hybrid and plug-in hybrid at the time because there was more demand for them worldwide. However, the 408 has been available as an electric car for some time now. That variant is more powerful, more economical, quieter and more comfortable. Moreover, it is noticeable that the 408 was originally designed as an electric car and the other motors were fitted in later. The chassis comes into its own best in the electric variant, resulting in above-average handling.