New 508 PSE Is Peugeot’s Most Powerful Road Car Ever

Peugeot has officially launched its new Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) division with the introduction of the 508 PSE plug-in hybrid.

Previewed by a concept shown last year at Geneva, the new model is available in five-door liftback and wagon configurations, and it is the French brand’s most powerful road car ever.

With the fastest mid-size models in its sights, the new 508 PSE boasts a total output of 360 PS (355 HP / 265 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. It packs a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with two electric motors, one on each axle, plus an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

As a result, the car is capable of sprinting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds. The automaker claims that from 80 to 119 km/h (50-74 mph), it needs just 3 seconds, whereas the top speed has been electronically capped at 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is rated at 2 l/100 km (115.7 mpg US / 139 mpg UK) and the CO2 emissions stand at 46 g/km in the WLTP cycle.

The 508 PSE features five driving modes, including Electric, which lets it cruise for 42 km (26 miles) in complete silence. Meanwhile, Comfort mode softens up the suspension for a more relaxed experience behind the wheel and Hybrid automatically selects between the internal combustion engine and electric power for optimized fuel efficiency. In Sport, you enjoy full boost, with sharpened steering, throttle and suspension; this mode also features a fake engine sound system. Finally, the 4WD mode provides the maximum possible traction on slippery surfaces.

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The 11.5 kWh battery, which does not eat into the boot capacity nor the cabin space, can be charged in less than 7 hours when using a standard domestic socket. The time drops to under 2 hours at a 7 kW wall box.

Available in Selenium Grey, Pearl White and Nera Black, with bright green accents that are a nod to its electrified nature, the 508 PSE features an aerodynamic body kit, with front winglets and rear diffuser, and rides on 20-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Mixing Mistral Nappa Leather and Alcantara, the cabin is decorated with double stitching in Tramontane Grey and Kryptonite, with the latter being found on the outside as well. The model is supplied with the i-cockpit, digital head-up display, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Focal premium audio system and heating and massage functions for the driver’s seat.

The 508 PSE is also equipped with all the driving aids available to the rest of the range, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Night Vision, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Coinciding with the launch of its performance division, Peugeot has also announced that it will return to Le Mans from 2022 with a new hypercar.