Peugeot Reinvents the Family Car With a Fastback EV
With the new Peugeot 408, the French brand is making a clear statement: family cars don’t have to look boring. Built in Mulhouse, the latest 408 blends the practicality of a wagon with the sleek proportions of a coupé, wrapped in a distinctive fastback silhouette that immediately separates it from the endless sea of SUVs and crossovers.
This model is more than a design exercise. With a fully electric E-408, multiple hybrid options, and advanced digital tech, the Peugeot 408 is positioned as a key pillar of the brand’s electric transition in Europe.
Exterior Design: A Low, Feline Fastback
The Peugeot 408 does not follow conventional crossover rules.
Key Design Highlights
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Overall height: 1.48 m (low for the segment)
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Long, stretched fastback roofline
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Sharp, angular bodywork inspired by Peugeot’s “feline” design language
Lighting plays a central role in the visual identity:
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Ultra-thin LED headlights mounted high in the front fascia
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Illuminated PEUGEOT lettering across the rear (a first for the brand)
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Signature three-claw LED taillights
The launch color, Flare Green, shifts between yellow and deep green depending on light conditions, reinforcing the car’s bold, modern character.
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E-408 Electric Powertrain: Efficiency Comes First
The all-electric Peugeot E-408 is the headline version and marks an important step for the brand’s EV strategy.
Peugeot E-408 – Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor output | 213 PS (157 kW) |
| Torque | 343 Nm |
| Battery | 58.2 kWh |
| WLTP range | Up to 456 km |
| Energy consumption | ~14.7 kWh/100 km |
| DC fast charging | Up to 120 kW |
| 20–80% charge time | ~30 minutes |
Thanks to its aerodynamic shape and low ride height, the E-408 focuses on real-world efficiency rather than oversized batteries.
From summer 2026, compatible charging stations will support Plug & Charge, allowing automatic authentication and payment without cards or apps.
Hybrid Alternatives for a Gradual Transition
Peugeot understands that not all buyers are ready for full electrification.
Hybrid Lineup Overview
| Version | Powertrain | Electric Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in Hybrid 240 | 180 PS petrol + electric motor | Up to 85 km |
| Hybrid 145 | Mild hybrid system | EV mode ~50% in city driving |
This flexible lineup allows the 408 to appeal to both early EV adopters and traditional drivers moving toward electrification.
Interior: i-Cockpit, ChatGPT, and Everyday Comfort
Inside, the Peugeot 408 continues the brand’s digital-first approach.
Cabin Technology Highlights
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Peugeot i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel
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10-inch digital instrument cluster (3D graphics on higher trims)
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10-inch central touchscreen with customizable i-Toggles
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Integrated ChatGPT voice assistant
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Over-the-air software updates
Despite the sporty roofline, interior space remains a strong point.
Practicality: Space Where It Matters
Interior Dimensions & Cargo
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2.79 m |
| Rear knee room | ~183 mm |
| Trunk capacity | 536 l |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 1,611 l |
This makes the 408 a genuine alternative to compact SUVs for families who value style without sacrificing usability.
Comfort and Safety: French Focus on Well-Being
Peugeot paid particular attention to comfort and refinement:
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AGR-certified front seats with optional massage
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Improved sound insulation with thicker glass
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An advanced air filtration system monitors pollution levels
The brand backs the E-408 with Peugeot Care, offering:
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Vehicle and battery coverage up to 8 years / 160,000 km
Why the Peugeot 408 Matters
The new Peugeot 408 is not just another electrified model. It represents a strategic shift:
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Distinctive fastback design in a conservative segment
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Strong efficiency without oversized batteries
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Multiple powertrain options for different buyers
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Long warranty to boost confidence in EV ownership
In a market dominated by look-alike crossovers, the Peugeot 408 dares to be different — and that may be its biggest strength.
The new Peugeot 408 redefines the family car with bold fastback styling, an efficient all-electric E-408 offering up to 456 km of range, hybrid alternatives, and advanced digital features like ChatGPT integration. Built in France and backed by an 8-year warranty, the 408 combines French design flair with modern electric technology for Europe’s evolving EV market.
