2024 Peugeot 508 facelift unveiled, Australia likely

Peugeot's largest sedan and wagon range – the 2024 Peugeot 508 – has received its mid-life upgrade, with a new look and improved technology.

The French car maker has all but confirmed the updated 508 will come to Australia, however local launch timing for Peugeot's revised flagship – once again available in liftback and wagon body styles globally – is yet to be confirmed.

The facelifted 508 receives a new front fascia incorporating a restyled grille similar to the 3008 and 5008 SUVs, Peugeot's latest logo, and slimmer headlights with matrix LED technology and 'three-claw' vertical LED daytime-running lights.

There are new 18-inch wheels on some models – with 19-inch alloys on flagship versions – while at the rear there are tweaked three-stripe LED tail-lights, 'PEUGEOT' lettering replacing the Peugeot emblem, and grey badges around the car, replacing silver.

Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) high-performance versions – available in Europe, but yet to be introduced to Australia – are distinguished by increased use of black on the grille, unique side skirts, front and rear bumper spoilers, 20-inch alloys, and green-accented badges and brake calipers.

There are three new colours across the range – Okenite White, Eclipse Blue and Titanium Grey – while the Selenium Grey shade previously exclusive to the PSE is now available on all models.

Inside, the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen gains Peugeot's latest infotainment software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (previously wired only), over-the-air updates, satellite navigation, and customisable widgets.

The 12-inch digital instrument cluster gains new graphics, there's now a toggle-switch gear selector (replacing the lever), and "refined" shortcut keys below the touchscreen.

There are new fabric and Alcantara upholstery options – joining black or red nappa leather trim for standard versions (now with Peugeot headrest embroidery), or unique green-stitched seats in the PSE.

Available features include power-adjustable front seats with heating, massaging and driver memory, a power tailgate, sunroof, and a 10-speaker Focal premium sound system.

European buyers can choose from a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 96kW, 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder diesel with 96kW, or three plug-in hybrids – all with eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The Australian model range is likely to retain a choice of a 165kW/300Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine or a 165kW 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid, in liftback (sedan) or wagon body styles.

The model range overseas continues to be headlined by the Peugeot Sport Engineered, pairing a 147kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with 81kW front and 83kW rear electric motors for 265kW combined, good for 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds.

This model is yet to be sold in Australia, with the company telling Drive Peugeot Australia "continue[s] to work with the factory to assess suitability for the local market."

In Europe, the other two plug-in hybrids use 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engines developing 110kW or 132kW, combined with 81kW front electric motors for system outputs of 132kW or 165kW respectively, sent to the front wheels.

All plug-in models employ 12.4kWh battery packs, which can be charged using 3.7kW single-phase or 7.4kW single-phase onboard charging units from empty to full in as little as one hour and 40 minutes.

PSE versions are distinguished on the road by a lower ride height, 24mm wider front and 12mm wider rear wheel tracks, 380mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tyres, and adaptive suspension.

Available advanced safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, night vision, and parking sensors and cameras.

The 2024 Peugeot 508 is due in European showrooms later this year, but Australian arrival timing is yet to be locked in.

"It is certainly exciting to see the news regarding the new Peugeot 508 and 508 Sportswagon. Following the global reveal of the next iteration of 508, anticipated launch details including arrival timings for the Australian market will be confirmed in due course," a Peugeot Australia spokesperson told Drive.