Summary
The Peugeot 508 is a medium-sized liftback and estate model. The current version was launched in 2018, and is considered a big step up from its predecessor. The liftback body style was launched first, with the SW (estate) versions arriving about six months afterwards.
The 508 has received a wider range of scores than usual from the UK media, ranging from average to outstanding. Particular praise has been given to its striking design, comfort and safety levels, while criticisms have been made regarding its driving experience and practicality compared to rivals.
A mid-life facelift for the Peugeot 508 arrive in the UK in late 2023. This is an update to the current model, rather than a significantly new vehicle. There will be some minor styling and trim changes, along with some interior technology updates.
As of February 2024, the Peugeot 508 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It scores highly for its low average CO2 emissions (thanks to the plug-in hybrid), while its running costs and safety rating are good. Only historically poor reliability for the 508 pushes the score down.
- Peugeot 508 (2011 to 2018) – Expert Rating
- More Peugeot Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized liftback and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £34,020 on-road
Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 508 SW GT estate
Score: 7.9 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is a car to turn the heads of those looking for a premium estate, offering striking visuals, efficient engines and plenty of technology.”
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Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 surprises in many areas. It’s highly attractive and offers quality in both construction and performance. It’s a worthy consideration as an alternative to a premium-market car.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid 225 GT Premium (facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The tweaks to the Peugeot 508 are subtle and haven’t changed the core of the car, which is not without its flaws (some infotainment issues and a tight rear cabin), but still delivers on many fronts in hybrid form. It’s a comfortable, efficient, refined and practical machine that can cut it with the best the VW Group brands have to offer.”
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Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 is not the roomiest car in its class by any means, but with its attractive looks and entertaining handling it should satisfy drivers who want a bit of fun from their family saloon.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Allure liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 plug-in is pricey, but low running costs should help offset this. Its dynamics are fine, if not fun, while the level of kit in Allure trim is great. However, while there’s lots of tech, some of it could be better thought out and executed.”
Read review
Model reviewed: GT Line 1.5 BlueHDi 130 EAT8 SW
Score: 8 / 10
“The sloping roofline hides a deceptively versatile body, with a flexible and spacious interior trimmed in some of the finest materials on the market.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 508 SW estate
Score: 8 / 10
“Given its average boot size, the Peugeot 508 SW is a car you’ll have to purchase with your heart rather than your head.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol auto GT
Score: 7 / 10
“Handsome, frugal and good to drive, the Peugeot 508 offers plenty to the large family car class. There are rivals that are more spacious, but little comes close in terms of style. We’d avoid this top-spec petrol GT model, though, as there are more affordable yet well-equipped options lower down the range.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel auto GT Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The all-new Peugeot 508 is exactly that: all new. It shares so little with its predecessor, in fact, that it’s difficult to fathom why the firm kept its name. While it can’t match the badge appeal of its German rivals, it puts up a fair fight in a highly competitive class.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift liftback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Cheap to run, comfy, good-looking and unusual, the Peugeot 508 is a proper premium alternative.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift estate (SW) range
Score: 9 / 10
“Although consumer preference these days is for an SUV, there’s still a lot to recommend about a really good family car – and the Peugeot 508 is one of the best. Revised looks keep what has always been one of the better-looking cars on sale as handsome as ever.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 10 / 10
“If you want a spacious family car with good looks that isn’t an SUV, then the 508 Station Wagon could be up your street. It’s spacious, has a quirky interior with lots of good tech, drives well and comes in petrol, diesel and hybrid forms.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 PSE is a delightful curio of frantic performance, striking looks and well-judged everyday manners.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid SW
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a car that looks alluring and rides comfortably, and holds its head pretty high among both mainstream and premium alternatives. It has a cabin that impresses initially, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit gets a little better every time. The opportunity to burn very little, if any, fuel in your daily commute can take the Peugeot 508 from interesting alternative to compelling front-runner.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 6 / 10
“You’ll need to satisfy yourself that the Peugeot 508 SW is the right car to meet your particular tastes and family transport requirements. And our hunch is that, whatever those tastes or needs may be, there will be one or two others that do it better.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Puretech 225 GT SW
Score: 7 / 10
“A modest 40mm lengthening and 17mm taller roofline has pushed boot capacity to a commanding 530 litres, up from 487 in the fastback, with split-fold rear seats raising that figure to 1780 litres.”
Read review
Model reviewed: GT Line 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Auto SW
Score: 6 / 10
“On the inside, the car retains the ability to pleasantly surprise you with its quietly lavish trim materials, its widescreen infotainment system and digital instruments.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 508 SW estate GT-Line 180 PureTech petrol automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“There are more well-rounded and dynamically engaging estates out there – and there are certainly more affordable ones, too. But as a left-field alternative to the likes of the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate, the Peugeot 508 will certainly have its fans.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“The 508 is certainly a job well done for Peugeot, and it’s a car we’d have no qualms about recommending to someone looking for an alternative, contemporary French take on a well-worn – and predominantly German – saloon car theme.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 508 SW estate
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is an unusually good-looking estate car with the extra merit of being instantly recognisable among the hordes of brand-themed German rivals.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“To these eyes, the Peugeot 508 GT is the best-looking front-wheel drive executive car from any mainstream car maker, or ‘high-end generalist brand’ as Peugeot defines itself. It has a likeable, easygoing character, with a decent ride/handling balance and compelling civility. And the digitised cockpit is a knockout.”
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Car Keys
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 has glamorous styling and is comfortable and refined.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic GT liftback
Score: 10 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 is the best car to come from the firm in a long time. With stunning looks, an impressive chassis and bags of technology on offer, there’s every reason to consider a 508 over established German rivals. It’s not flawless, but none of the issues are earth-shattering.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is a stylish and practical estate car.” (Ben Hodges)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Peugeot has upped its game with its latest 508, a big hatchback that could give premium rivals a fright.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: 508 SW estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 SW is a seriously stylish estate car with a lovely looking interior and plenty of cool tech, but alternatives are more spacious and more fun to drive.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 has its alternatives licked on looks both inside and out, plus is comfy to drive, but it’s not as spacious or practical as other family cars.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic Allure liftback
Score: 7.9 / 10
“An impressive and head-turning design, the Peugeot 508 also manages to back up the style with substance in terms of RV, emissions and quality, although it’s far from cheap.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic estate SW Allure
Score: 10 / 10
“There are some negative bits, like the eccentric tiny flat-topped and bottomed steering wheel. But if you’re as taken by the Peugeot 508’s styling as I am, and you want a new practical and spacious family car, this is it.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic GT Line SW estate
Score: 10 / 10
“Any sensible person would buy this new Peugeot 508 SW – and anyone with an eye for style too.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic GT Line liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“It looks great, drives well and had a certain amount of fun that you don’t get with the rivals. On top of that it’s something to impress the neighbours – they won’t even know it’s a Peugeot.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: 508 plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 plug-in hybrid executive car is a good effort, hitting all the right notes for company users – but it seems too expensive for private buyers.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 508 SW plug-in hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“Practical, good looking and frugal (provided you plug it in), the 508 SW Hybrid is a compelling alternative to similarly specified SUVs.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“A declining market it may be, but the new 508 is good (if not thrilling) to drive, attractive and comfortable.”
Read review
Fleetworld
Model reviewed: Hybrid 225 GT liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The same smart looks, combined with added useful electric range and lower running costs – but it is expensive.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Allure liftback
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Peugeot 508 looks good, it feels agile to drive, and it’s economical, but is let down by turbo lag and too many controls on the touchscreen.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 7 / 10
“If the Peugeot 508 was a chair it would be Ame Jacobsen’s Egg Chair. Designed in 1959 for the Radisson hotel in Copenhagen it showed that everyday items could be jaw-droppingly stylish if you don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of practicality and paying a premium for the privilege.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“The 508 represents the pinnacle of PSA’s attempt to move the Peugeot brand upmarket and in this it succeeds admirably. It’s not quite in the same league as the BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE in terms of driving dynamics, but it’s pleasant enough for most drivers.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 508 SW estate
Score: 10 / 10
“The 2019 Peugeot 508 SW enhances the theme established by its hatchback sibling. Great looking. Comfortable. Terrific to drive. Full of all the latest tech. And, for cynics of French cars, outstanding, almost unbelievable quality and refinement.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: SW estate range
Score: 6 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 isn’t the most practical estate car. If you want that, head straight to Skoda as the Octavia Estate and Superb Estate models both offer vast loadbays and more interior space at lower cost. But as an alternative to a BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant or Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, the 508 is genuinely worth a look as an interesting alternative.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review
Model reviewed: Fastback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Stylish Fastback looks great and drives well”
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The Sun
“Peugeot’s 508 keeps the faith in saloons and is a mighty fine car with its sporty exterior and minimalistic interior.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 508 SW GT
Score: 6 / 10
“Fast, but noisy; wafty at speed but fidgety around town; smart inside but not all that spacious. The 508 SW GT might look good on paper, but in the flesh it feels confused and unresolved. If you want this rakish estate’s good looks and slick interior, a lesser model will feel more rounded – and cost much less.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 508 SW estate 2.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 is a good looking car and, for the most part, a fine-riding one. But there’s a few too many slips in development, not everyone will like the i-Cockpit and rivals offer more for less.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic liftback
Score: 8 / 10
“The company is approaching this the right way, not discounting, protecting buyers’ investment, and there is rather a lot to like about this great-looking car, particularly the sporting handling and lovely interior. The forthcoming estate might be a better all-round bet, however.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: SW (estate) range
Score: 6 / 10
“Not the most rounded family estate, but the big Peugeot 508 SW oozes desirability. Much cooler than a 3 Series.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Liftback range
Score: 7 / 10
“A big French saloon might be an oddball choice, but the 508 looks bold, feels good and drives (mostly) well.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: SW range review
Score: 6 / 10
“If you fancy a little French flair in your life but practicalities dictate the need for a wholesome estate car, may we suggest looking at the Peugeot 508 SW?”
Read review
Score: 6 / 10
“The Peugeot 508 makes plenty of sense as a company car and scores well for safety, but plenty of rivals are more practical and better to drive.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 79%
More safety recognition
- Thatcham Research rated the Peugeot 508 as one of the ten safest new cars for 2019
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2024, the Peugeot 508 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 30
Average repair cost: £332.67
Last updated: December 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Peugeot 508 has a reliability score that’s very slightly better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation 508 and the original (pre-2018) version.
A popular choice for UK buyers, MotorEasy has received warranty claims for repairs in nearly every different category from 508 owners, but fortunately costs are comparitively low across the board.
If you’re looking at a used Peugeot 508, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 131 g/km | A | 160 – g/km | C – A |
Diesel models | 134 g/km | A | 120 – 154 g/km | A – B |
Plug-in hybrid models | 28 g/km | A | 25 – 34 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 28 | B | 21 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £183 | A |
Year 2 | £503 | A |
Year 3 | £792 | A |
Year 4 | £986 | A |
Year 5 | £1,303 | A |
Overall | £3,767 | A |
The Peugeot 508 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have independently verified fuel consumption data for the petrol and diesel models, but the CO2 levels (which are linked closely to fuel consumption) are excellent so fuel consumption will inevitably be pretty good as well. The plug-in hybrid looks great on paper, but that’s due to the woeful EU/UK goverment lab tests that are completely useless at measuring a plug-in hybrid…
Insurance costs are very good, while servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years should be excellent as well.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Peugeot 508 has received
2019
- Business Car Awards – Best Upper-Medium Car
2018
- Carwow Awards – Style Award
- International Automobile Festival – Most Beautiful Car of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Peugeot 508, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi A4 | Audi A5 Sportback | BMW 3 Series | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé | Ford Mondeo | Jaguar XE | Kia Stinger | Mazda 6 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Skoda Superb | Toyota Camry | Vauxhall Insignia | Volkswagen Arteon | Volkswagen Passat | Volvo S60 | Volvo V60
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Peugeot 508 at The Car Expert
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