Peugeot 508 SW Review 2026
Peugeot 508 SW Verdict
Premium interior. Excellent automatic gearbox standard across most the range. 530-litre boot is easily accessed.
Expensive compared to mainstream rivals. Some buyers will turn their nose up at the Peugeot badge.
Find out more about the Peugeot 508 SW
The Peugeot 508 SW is an attractive estate car that rivals the likes of the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat. Like the Fastback model, the 508 SW is an attempt to move the brand upmarket - which explains why prices start at around £5000 more than the equivalent Vauxhall Insignia or Ford Mondeo.
It certainly looks the part thanks to its lower and sleeker design, while frameless doors are offered for the first time in an estate of this size.
The interior feels equally special, taking a similar approach to the excellent 3008 and 5008. There's Peugeot's trademark tiny steering wheel, a 10-inch wide HD touchscreen (on all but entry-level models) and a configurable 12.3-inch digital head-up display. Toggle switches help it stand out, while plenty of soft-touch materials make it feel more premium than mainstream alternatives.
The 508 SW's 530 litres of boot space falls short compared to the Skoda Superb, but it's a useful shape with easy access. Folding the rear seats using Peugeot's Magic Flat feature is easy, should you need more space - leaving a generous 1780 litres of space.
There's a variety of petrol and diesel engines available, with even the lower-powered models offering more than adequate performance for a car of this type. The 180PS entry-level petrol is particularly good, although the majority of buyers will opt for a diesel. The entire diesel line-up is strong, combining impressive fuel economy with a refined drive.
Most models are paired with a very good eight-speed automatic transmission, although the entry-level diesel is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The plug-in hybrid - added in early-2020 - provides some company car appeal with an official 30g/km of CO2, 217mpg and an all-electric range of 32 miles.
Few buyers will be convinced the 508 SW is a genuine alternative to premium brands - and, with top-spec models nudging £40,000, it's certainly a bold choice. But it's a good one, with an excellent interior and plenty of room for the family.
Reviews for Peugeot 508 SW's top 3 rivals
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Peugeot 508 SW handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 Puretech 130 EAT8 to 2.0 BlueHDi 160 EAT8
Initially, the 508 SW is offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Petrol buyers are best catered for with the entry-level 1.6-litre 180PS Puretech engine, which comes with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission as standard.
This is a really strong engine, with plenty of power for overtaking, without being too noisy. The gearbox is good - you can catch it out if you try to accelerate quickly out of a bend - but it's rarely flustered during day-to-day driving.
There's also a 225PS version of the same engine, although it doesn't feel that much quicker than the 180PS model. It's only available on high-spec GT and First Edition models, meaning it starts at more than £38,000 - quite a lot of money for a car like this.
The majority of 508 SW sales are initially expected to be with a diesel engine, which explains why there's a strong line-up of diesels available.
The entry-level 1.5 BlueHDi 130 diesel engine is the only one available with a six-speed manual gearbox. This is aimed at company car drivers, although it's a perfectly likeable setup.
The engine is smooth and willing, with excellent economy (officially returning between 52.5mpg and 59.8mpg), and the manual transmission is pleasant enough to use. It might not be as slick as some rival manual gearboxes, but neither is it like stirring porridge.
The BlueHDi 130 is also available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while more powerful offerings are made up of a 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel with 160 or 180PS depending on spec.
the plug-in hybrid 508 SW - added in early 2020 - combines a 12kWh battery with an 80kW electric motor, providing a 32-mile range under electric power. The batteries are located under the second row of seats to ensure there's no compromise to space or practicality, while the power equivalent of 225PS makes the hybrid the most-powerful 508 SW on sale.
Engines aside, the Peugeot 508 SW is a pretty good car to drive. It handles well, without too much lean in the bends, while the tiny steering wheel adds to the feeling of agility. It does make it feel slightly nervous on the motorway, though, responding keenly to small inputs. It might become a bit tiresome on a long journey, but it's something most drivers will get used to quickly.
With the standard suspension, the Peugeot 508 SW feels a bit fidgety on broken roads, struggling to smooth out bumps in the same way the Skoda Superb does.
Peugeot's active suspension is available on all but entry-level Active models, and is standard on higher-spec models. This firms the suspension up if you select Sports mode, while Comfort or Normal modes makes it feel slightly floaty. The differences are negligable, though, and we wouldn't advise paying more for the adaptive suspension as an optional extra.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 Puretech 130 EAT8 | - | 10.0 s | - |
| 1.5 BlueHDi | - | 9.9 s | 103–105 g/km |
| 1.5 BlueHDi 130 EAT8 | - | 10.1 s | - |
| 1.5 BlueHDi EAT8 | - | 10.1 s | 100–103 g/km |
| 1.6 Hybrid | - | 8.3 s | 36 g/km |
| 1.6 Hybrid4 | - | 5.2 s | 46 g/km |
| 1.6 Puretech 180 EAT8 | - | 8.0 s | 125–127 g/km |
| 1.6 Puretech 225 EAT8 | - | 7.4 s | 132 g/km |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 160 EAT8 | - | 8.4–8.5 s | 119–124 g/km |
Peugeot 508 SW interior
- Boot space is 530–1780 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4778 mm |
| Width | 2079 mm |
| Height | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2793 mm |
We'll start with the most important feature of the 508 SW for many estate buyers: the boot. It's big, with 530 litres of space (up from 487 litres in the Fastback). The Skoda Superb might offer more room, but the 508 SW's boot compares favourably against premium rivals like the Volvo V60, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 Avant.
Not only is a big boot, it's also a very useful shape with easy access. There's little in the way of a boot lip (aside from a small lump in the boot floor) and the rear wheel arches don't impede into luggage space too much. If you need more space, dropping the rear seats flat is easy using a button located near the boot opening.
Rear passengers have a generous amount of room, with plenty of headroom for even tall adults, while legroom is reasonable - although those wanting to transport adults regularly might be better with an SUV.
Families are well catered for, with two Isofix fitting points for child seats on the rear seats. The rear windows are big and square offering a good view out, ideal for those wanting to protect children from travel sickness.
Up front, you'll find comfortable seats and a futuristic looking cabin. Plenty of soft-touch materials means it does feel noticeably more upmarket than mainstream rivals.
One bugbear is the navigation system, which is standard across the range. It's slow to respond and requires delving into menus for simple tasks. All but the Active trim get a 10-inch display, which at least looks the part, and all models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to use your phone to bypass certain irritating functions of the media system.
There's a slight difference between the cabins of manual and automatic models. With the auto gearbox, it features a floating centre console hiding a wireless phone charger underneath. It's looks smarter than the standard centre console with the manual gearbox.
Specification from launch (June 2019):
Active trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, 3D navigation with live updates, electric driver’s seat-base and lumbar adjustment, automatic headlights and DAB radio as standard.
Allure adds active suspension, active blind spot detection, smartbeam assistance, keyless entry and push button start, a 10-inch High Definition capacitive touch screen, electric driver and passenger seats and a 180-degree colour reversing camera.
The GT Line adds self-levelling full LED headlights, with the rear light cluster featuring Peugeot's 3D signature ‘claw effect’. The GT Line also comes with Peugeot's i-Cockpit® Amplify, which allows customers to change the interior lighting balance, as well as the engine note through active speaker technology.
The GT model comes with Peugeot's drive assist pack plus, with adaptive cruise control and lane positioning assist. Also included is a Focal premium HiFi speaker system, Nappa Mistral full grain leather seat trim and 19-inch ‘Augusta’ diamond-cut two-tone alloy wheels.
The UK will receive 75 First Edition models, which adds Peugeot's night vision technologyalong with visio park 3, featuring a 360-degree colour reversing camera and fully automated parking assistance.
Peugeot 508 SW models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4778 mm |
| Width | 2079 mm |
| Height | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2793 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1420–1988 kg |
| Boot Space | 530–1780 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 12000–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £40,814–£40,939 |
| Insurance Groups | 30 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–E |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until April 2021
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Active EAT8 Start+Stop 5dr | - | - | 10.1 s |
| 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Active Start+Stop 5dr | - | - | 9.9 s |
| 1.5 BlueHDi 130 GT Line EAT8 Start+Stop 5dr | - | - | 10.1 s |
| 1.5 BlueHDi 130 GT Line Start+Stop 5dr | - | - | 9.9 s |
| 1.6 Hybrid 225 GT Line e-EAT8 5dr | - | - | 8.3 s |
| 1.6 PureTech 180 GT Line EAT8 Start+Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 160 GT Line EAT8 Start+Stop 5dr | - | - | 8.5 s |
On sale until June 2020
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 Puretech 225 First Edition EAT8 Start+Stop 5dr | £40,814 | - | - |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 180 First Edition EAT8 Start+Stop 5dr | £40,939 | - | 8.4 s |
Model History
- June 2018: Peugeot unveils 508 SW
- October 2018: Peugeot 508 SW First Edition announced
- November 2021: Updated Peugeot 508 SW priced from £29,815
June 2018
Peugeot unveils 508 SW
At just 1.42 m in height and 4.78 m long, the 508 SW’s new proportions give it an 'extremely dynamic body shape, stylised by smooth, flowing lines and a sleek, low roof,' according to Peugeot.
It gets frameless doors - a unique estate car feature for a mainstream carmaker, full LED headlights and the vertical visual signature of the opalescent LED daytime running lights.
Inside there are ergonomic, wrap-around seats offering five multi-point massage programmes, a range of premium and sophisticated trim and upholstery materials and a panoramic opening glass roof.
With the aid of the Magic Flat function, allowing the driver to fold back the two sides of the rear bench seat, the 508 SW has a total load space capacity of 1780 litres. Of this total volume, 530 litres comes from the boot (with luggage cover closed), designed to be simple in shape and entirely practical, with hands-free, powered tailgate.
New features for the range include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Keeping Assist and a Night Vision system - a first for the segment. This system utilises an infra-red camera to detect living beings in front of the vehicle at night time or in low-visibility conditions to maximise safety.
The 508 SW is built on the EMP2 platform making it an average of 70kg lighter than the outgoing generation while the new eight-speed EAT8 automatic transmission with electric gear lever and one touch control is an option.
The two new petrol options – a 180 S&S EAT8 and 225 S&S EAT8 – are based on the PureTech 1.6-litre engine. Four diesel options are based on the BlueHDi 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre – a 130 S&S BVM6, 130 S&S EAT8, 160 S&S EAT8 and 180 S&S EAT8.
In ECO mode, when twinned with the EAT8 gearbox, the PureTech engine automatically switches to freewheeling mode. This function, available between 15mph and 80mph, eases internal friction in the gearbox and reduces fuel consumption by around 3%.
In the second half of 2019, the range will be supplemented by an efficient Plug-in Hybrid petrol powertrain with an extended ZEV range of 50 km (WLTP cycle). The batteries will be located under the row 2 seats to preserve the roomy boot.
October 2018
Peugeot 508 SW First Edition announced
Based on the high-end GT finish, the 508 SW First Edition comes with gloss black grille surround and 19-inch Augusta diamond cut two-tone alloy wheels, with tinted varnish finish. It will be available in two colours for UK buyers: Twilight Blue and Amazonite Grey.
It also features a mistral black roof lining, blue ambient mood lighting, aluminium pedals and doorsills complete with model inscription. For further exclusivity, the bootfloor is lined with a Zebrano wood finish, with anti-slip bars.
It comes with either a 1.6L PureTech 225 S&S EAT8 or 2.0L BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT8 engines. The First Edition is also equipped with inductive smartphone charging, DAB digital radio and 10-inch' HD capacitive touchscreen with Connected 3D Navigation and voice recognition.
November 2021
Updated Peugeot 508 SW priced from £29,815
Peugeot has updated the 508 SW with revised trim options, new interior features as well as exterior changes. Available to order now, prices for the updated Peugeot 508 SW start from £29,815.
Following customer feedback, Peugeot has streamlined the trim levels available across the 508 SW range. The Peugeot 508 will now be available in Active Premium, Allure Premium, GT, GT Premium and Peugeot Sport Engineered trim levels, with Allure trim no longer available.
Peugeot has also introduced subtle styling changes across the 508 SW range. All models now come with black door mirrors instead of body-coloured ones, while the front grille from GT trim will evolve from chrome to an assertive dark chrome with a black surround. From Allure Premium trim onwards, all models come with full LED headlights as standard.
Active Premium models come standard with 16-inch ‘Cypress’ or ‘Brandon’ alloy wheels (depending on engine variants), automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. Inside, all models feature Mistral tri-material ‘Losange’ cloth seat trim with copper ‘Goa’ stich detail, Visio Park 1 with front and rear parking sensors as well as a 180-degree reversing camera.
All models also come with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit® with a configurable 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel and an eight-inch capacitive colour touchscreen, as well as PEUGEOT’s compact multi-function steering wheel. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto are also standard across all models. For improved safety, Active Premium models as standard come with PEUGEOT Connect SOS and Assistance, as well as PEUGEOT’s Safety Pack which features; Advanced Automatic Emergency Braking System, Distance Alert, Speed Limit Information/Intelligent Speed Adaptation, as well as Active Lane Keeping Assistance.
Allure Premium models add 17-inch ‘Merion’ diamond cut two-tone alloys, with the interior seating upgraded to a Mistral tri-material ‘Mila’ leather effect and ‘Brumeo’ cloth seat trim with grey ‘Beton’ stich detail. The PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® is also upgraded with a 10-inch High Definition capacitive colour touch screen with Connected 3D Navigation and a three-year subscription to traffic alerts, while the Safety Pack Plus adds Passive Blind Spot Detection, Advanced Driver Attention Alert, PEUGEOT Smartbeam Assistance and Speed Limit and Road Sign Recognition and Recommendation. Allure Premium models also come with the Drive Assist Pack Plus as standard, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go as well as Lane Positioning Assist.
GT variants move to 18-inch ‘Sperone’ diamond cut two-tone alloys wheels and come with designated GT badging around the vehicles as well as a chequered radiator grille for improved styling. The rear of the vehicle also houses PEUGEOT’s full LED 3D signature ‘Claw Effect’ lights. Inside, GT variants come with Mistral tri-material ‘Belomka’ leather effect and ‘Ornis’ cloth seat trim with Aikinite double stich detail, with the interior ambiance improved by blue ambient lighting inside the front door panels and centre console.
Top of the range GT Premium variants can be specified with either 18-inch (Plug-in Hybrids) or 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels (ICE). Inside, GT Premium models come with Mistral leather effect and Alcantara® seat trim with the front seats featuring electric adjustment and heating. A FOCAL® premium HIFI speaker system improves the acoustic experience, while Visio Park 3 adds a 360-degree HD colour camera system and fully automated parking assistance for improved convenience.
508 Peugeot Sport Engineered models come standard with 20-inch ‘EXXAR’ two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels, and a choice of three striking colour options; Nera Black, Selenium Grey or Pearlescent White, with each vehicle featuring the ‘Kryptonite’ colour signature.
All 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered models also come with Peugeot’s Active Suspension for an improved ride, and Drive Assist Pack Plus which adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Lane Positioning Assist.
Inside, all models come with Mistral Nappa Leather with Alcantara® seats with heated and massage function for front passenger and driver. 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered models models also come with the FOCAL® premium HIFI speaker system, wireless smartphone charging as well as Connected 3D Navigation and Visio Park 3 with 360-degree High Definition colour camera.
|
Trim |
Engine |
CO 2 g/km |
On the Road MRRP |
|
|
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
134 |
£29,815.00 |
|
1.5L BlueHDi 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
124 |
£31,765.00 |
|
|
Allure Premium |
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
134 |
£32,115.00 |
|
1.5L BlueHDi 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
124 |
£34,065.00 |
|
|
HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
30 |
£39,010.00 |
|
|
GT |
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
136 |
£32,565.00 |
|
1.5L BlueHDi 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
125 |
£34,415.00 |
|
|
HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
34 |
£39,460.00 |
|
|
GT Premium |
1.2L PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
142 |
£34,865.00 |
|
1.5L BlueHDi 130 EAT8 S&S 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
131 |
£36,815.00 |
|
|
HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
34 |
£42,760.00 |
|
|
PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED |
HYBRID4 360CH e-EAT8 4WD 8-Speed Efficient Automatic Transmission |
42 |
£55,795.00 |
