The 508 was launched in Fastback and SW estate versions back in 2018 and, five years on, it’s time for the mid-life facelift, with the focus being placed on exterior and interior updates. 

Whichever bodystyle you choose, the 508 has always been a bit of a looker. It seems that Peugeot agrees, as the changes are small tweaks to the front and rear styling. There’s a new front grille integrated into the bumper, which follows the look first seen on the 3008 and 5008. Elsewhere, there are new signature front lights with three claws, neatly integrated with the slim matrix LED headlamps. Move to the back, and there are new LED lights that incorporate the signature 3-claw design and scrolling indicators.

Inside, every new 508 now gets Peugeot’s latest i-Connect Advanced infotainment system, including a 10in central screen, connected navigation, voice recognition, wireless smartphone connectivity and over-the-air updates.

Along with exterior and interior updates, Peugeot has taken the opportunity to rationalise the model line-up – with just the Allure, GT, and full-fat Peugeot Sport Engineered  (PSE) equipment grades available. 

Unfortunately, or fortunately, the other versions of the facelifted 508 available to try at the international launch weren’t coming to these shores, so we had to make do with the updated version of the most recent addition to the 508 range, the PSE.  

Power for the PSE comes from a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol, combined with dual electric motors. The result when the battery is fully charged is a potent 360hp, with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and all at 12% BIK because it’s a plug-in hybrid.

On the road, fully charged, as expected the 508 PSE is a hoot to drive. This Peugeot’s handling is tight and there’s plenty of grip from the 20in alloy wheels – although the low-speed ride’s a bit uncomfortable and those tyres kick up quite a bit of road noise. There are three driving modes, but none seem to have the measure of the ride.

With all that performance it’s good to know that this 508 has standard four-piston Alcon-made brake callipers, that have plenty of feel.  

Outside, the 508 PSE’s looks are tweaked further, with a more dynamic version of the new front grille and air dam, chunky side skirts and bigger alloy wheels at the side and a distinctive diffuser at the back. Inside, on top of the new infotainment, the PSE gets Alcantara and leather-trimmed sports seats with contrasting green stitching. Interior space is average, but as before, the Peugeot i-Cockpit, small, multi-function steering wheel and tall dashboard driving position take a while to get used to. 

Available in Fastback and SW estate, we had the less practical fastback. Still, the boot boasts 487 litres versus the 550 litres of the SW.  

So, the 508 PSE looks great whether you go for the Fastback or SW Estate, is reasonably practical, an impressive performer and good fun to drive. In fact, the only fly in the ointment is the price at £53,825, with the SW estate costing £55,025. If you compare that to our current favourite premium car, the BMW 3 Series, in 330e xDrive M Sport Touring form, the Peugeot is more than £5,000 more expensive and the BMW, in our opinion, is still the better car. 

Peugeot 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered Fastback 

P11D: £53,770

Residual value: 35.1%

Depreciation: £34,867

Fuel: £7,355

Service, maintenance and repair: £3,081

Cost per mile: 75.50p

Fuel consumption: 37.8mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 40g/km (12%)  

BIK 20/40% a month: £107/£215

Luggage capacity: 487 litres

Engine size/power: 1,598cc petrol + two electric motors/360hp