In 2019, the Peugeot 508 won two important awards in Bulgaria – Car of the Year and… my genuine admiration. The second one matters, because just over a year earlier I had been seriously disappointed by another Peugeot model. After finishing my test of the 508, I told friends this was a car I would actually buy. The leap forward was significant.
The second generation 508 impressed me with its design, build quality, and excellent comfort. There were some drawbacks – most notably the limited rear headroom (even I was hitting the roof) and an engine that felt less refined and slightly underwhelming. Back then, I thought a petrol engine might suit the car better. So when Peugeot offered a 508 SW with a petrol engine, I didn’t hesitate.
Design
This might sound like a stretch, but standing next to the 508 SW, I’m reminded of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Perhaps it’s the low, wide stance combined with sporty black gloss elements, frameless windows, and the wide rear light signature. Even if this association exists only in my head, the 508 SW is undoubtedly one of the most attractive estate cars in its price segment.
The front end is identical to the saloon version. In GT Line and GT trims, full LED headlights come as standard, featuring those signature daytime running lights that give the car a slightly aggressive look. These trims also get a “checkerboard” grille design, adding another sporty reference. The result is a distinctive and stylish front.
Things get more interesting past the B-pillar. The silhouette is impressively dynamic for a Touring, with a compact-looking rear thanks to the window line. Move further back, and you’re looking at one of the most dynamic rear designs in this class. The darkened taillights look almost concept-car-like, and I particularly appreciate the presence of real, simple exhaust tips – two honest round pipes instead of decorative shapes.
In terms of design – I have no complaints!
Interior
Положението отвътре продължава да е атрактивно, дори след като му посвикнах. Накратко имаме дизайн, който крещи “научна фантастика, ама нефункционално”, но въпреки вида му всъщност всичко е удобно и функционално. Страхотна комбинация, която, разбира се, е доста авангардна и надали ще се хареса на всеки, но на мен ми допада, а и смятам, че е правилен ход за Peugeot.
Inside, things remain just as attractive, even after you get used to it. At first glance, the design screams “sci-fi and impractical,” but in reality, everything is functional and easy to use. It’s a great combination – bold and unconventional, yet usable.
Let’s talk about the buttons below the infotainment screen. They’re supposed to resemble piano keys, though they remind me more of a clarinet. Either way, they look great and are pleasant to use. The issue is that their assigned functions aren’t always logical. For example, there’s a button dedicated to changing the driver’s “mood” – some sort of Zen feature – instead of having simple physical controls for temperature adjustment.
There are other drawbacks. The infotainment system isn’t the most intuitive, and turning off the screen requires several steps rather than a dedicated button. At night, especially outside the city, I don’t need a 10-inch screen glowing in my face. Even changing a track wakes it up again, forcing me to turn it off repeatedly – annoying. And adjusting the brightness of the digital cluster? I found it once, couldn’t find it again.
Back to the positives – material quality is very good, as is the overall build. In my opinion, the 508 SW surpasses rivals like the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Renault Talisman, and Opel Insignia in this regard. I do have minor complaints about the plastic paddle shifters and a noticeable creak from the centre console storage lid.
One important note – the “carbone” trim (purely visual, not actual carbon fibre) comes with a gloss black centre console, which reflects sunlight directly into your eyes. I recommend opting for the optional oak or zebrawood trims, which replace it with a matte finish.
Finally, an important improvement – rear headroom is increased by 4 cm. It’s enough to make a difference, though legroom remains somewhat limited. Style demands compromises. The boot offers 530 litres – not class-leading, but still a good figure overall.
On the road
Let’s start with the engine – a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 180 hp and 250 Nm. It’s the only petrol engine available, though a more powerful 225 hp version exists for the GT. Even this 180 hp unit is enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 225 km/h. Official fuel consumption ranges from 4.4 l/100 km (extra-urban) to 7.1 l/100 km (urban).
Setting off from Botevgradsko Shose through Sofia towards the Struma motorway, I pressed the start button… and nothing happened. I remembered this Peugeot quirk – the button requires a slightly longer press. Second attempt – the engine starts, and immediately feels like a better match than the diesel.
In the city, the 508 SW shines. The optional adaptive suspension (around €920) in Comfort mode is among the best I’ve experienced, smoothing out rough roads to a level comparable with Mercedes’ AIRMATIC – high praise. Combined with the smooth eight-speed automatic and well-balanced engine, it’s a very pleasant city companion. Still, at nearly 4.8 metres long, it clearly feels more at home outside the city. Fuel consumption in urban driving was around 7.9 l/100 km – close to official figures.
On the motorway, I pushed harder. The petrol engine proves to be the better match. At higher revs, it sounds pleasant, and performance is more than adequate. Unlike the diesel, there’s no sense of missing power. The car remains quiet at speed, with low road and wind noise. I was also satisfied with the standard audio system – the optional Focal system is excellent value, but not essential.
The next day, I found myself near Gotse Delchev, on narrow, twisty roads. Switching to Sport mode, I pushed the car harder. The engine delivers a more dynamic feel, but even in Sport, the suspension remains comfort-oriented, allowing noticeable body roll. Steering lacks feedback, and overall, it’s not a particularly engaging car to drive.
That said, it’s still fast, composed, and offers strong grip and brisk acceleration when needed. It can move quickly when you want it to – whether you’re in a hurry or just feeling nostalgic.
One thing I missed is a custom driving mode – I’d prefer Sport suspension with a Comfort gearbox setting. Other brands offer this flexibility, so its absence here is puzzling.
As for fuel consumption, the petrol engine shouldn’t worry you. Expect a real-world combined figure of around or below 8 l/100 km – a solid result.
Conclusion
The better Peugeot 508 is the 508 SW with a petrol engine. It addresses the rear space issue and replaces the less refined diesel with a smoother, more suitable unit. For everything else, my positive impression remains unchanged.
This is a car built with thought and purpose – a genuinely strong product with only minor flaws. Its strengths lie in ride comfort, refinement, a high-quality and avant-garde interior, and a long list of reasonably priced options.
For me, the design is also a major plus. Despite some criticism, especially towards the estate version, I find it an excellent offering in this price segment.
If you’re looking for a family car in the €30,500–€35,700 range, the 508 SW should definitely be on your shortlist.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
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