2023 Peugeot 408 Coupe-SUV Wants To Capitalize On The Success Of The 3008

This article includes speculative illustrations for a future Peugeot coupe-SUV by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops that are neither related to nor endorsed by Peugeot. Since we published this article we’ve learned that the crossover fastback will be called 408.

Peugeot is one of the few automakers yet to exploit the coupe-SUV segment but that is about to change pretty soon. The upcoming Peugeot 408 could arrive as early as this year with electrified powertrains and a sloping roofline as the sexy sibling of the popular 3008, further emphasizing the premium turn the French brand has taken in recent years.

While it was initially believed that Peugeot could name the car 4008,  the French automaker has since confirmed it will be called the 408. Likely competitors include the Audi Q3 Sportback, the BMW X2, the Mazda CX-30, as well as more affordable models like the Renault Arkana.

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As depicted in the speculative illustration created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops, the 408 will look more like a crossover thanks to a slim profile, an aerodynamic roofline, and a sculpted profile with pronounced wheel arches. The grille will incorporate the new Peugeot emblem flanked by LED headlights with vertical extensions on the black-painted bumper and complex faux intakes already seen on the 308 and the facelifted 3008/5008.

Inside, we expect the model to share Peugeot’s latest iCockpit dashboard with the 3008, meaning it could feature a 10-inch 3D digital instrument cluster and another 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Features like ambient lighting and high-quality materials for the upholstery in combination with high-tech equipment from Stellantis’ portfolio, would help the Peugeot 408 to be considered as a rival to proposals from established premium automakers.

While the silhouette of the Peugeot 408 will share common elements with the CMP-based Citroen C4, it will most likely be based on the latest evolution of the EMP2 platform that is currently underpinning the Peugeot 308 and the DS 4. Its dimensions are expected to be among the 4,450 mm (175.2 inches) of the 3008, and the 4,636 mm (182.5 inches) of the 308 SW.

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In terms of powertrains, the latest rumors suggest that the coupe-SUV could be offered in four different plug-in hybrid variants, combining the turbocharged 1.6-liter PureTech petrol engine in various states of tune with one or two electric motors and a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Judging from current Peugeot offerings, those would include two front-wheel-drive PHEVs with a combined output of 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) and 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS), plus two all-wheel-drive PHEVs with 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) and 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS). The latter could become the second model to bear the PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) emblem after the 508 PSE performance flagship, making it a proper rival to the VW Tiguan R and other upcoming hot SUVs.

The Peugeot 408 is expected to debut sometime in 2022 so we will likely have more information about the model in the coming months, together with possible sightings of camouflaged prototypes.