French style meets electric future in the new Peugeot 408

Peugeot is determined to prove that family cars can be genuinely stylish. The company has just unveiled its new Peugeot 408 - built in Mulhouse, France, this new model blends the practicality of a wagon with the sleek lines of a coupe. The new "fastback" silhouette stands out a lot in a crowded market of crossovers and SUVs.

The first thing you notice about the 408 is that it doesn't look like a standard crossover. Peugeot has given it a "feline" stance - a marketing term, sure, but one that actually fits the sharp, angular lines. The car sits relatively low for its class at 4.86 ft high, which helps it slice through the air more efficiently.

Lighting plays a huge role in the new design. The front features ultra-thin LED headlights that sit above the bumper, giving the car a focused, aggressive look. In the back, Peugeot has added illuminated lettering for the first time, spanning the width of the car. It is paired with their signature "three-claw" LED taillights. To cap it off, the launch model arrives in a color called "Flare Green," a paint that shifts between bright yellow and deep green depending on how the sunlight hits it.

The all-electric E-408 is the headline act. It uses a single 213 PS (157 kW) electric motor that delivers 253 lb-ft of torque. That motor is fed by a 58.2 kWh battery, which Peugeot says is good for a driving range of up to 283 miles on the WLTP cycle.

Efficiency is a major focus here. The aerodynamic body helps the E-408 achieve energy consumption of roughly 14.7 kWh per 62 miles. When it comes time to plug in, the car supports fast charging up to 120 kW. This means you can get the battery from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes.

For added convenience, the "Plug & Charge" feature arriving in summer 2026 will let drivers simply plug in at compatible public stations without needing to swipe a card or open an app - the car should handle the payment automatically. "Should" is the keyword here.

Not everyone is ready to go fully electric, and Peugeot acknowledges that. The 408 lineup also includes two hybrid options. The top-tier Plug-in Hybrid 240 combines a 180 PS gas engine with an electric motor for a total output of 240 PS, and it offers a solid electric-only range of 53 miles. There is also a mild hybrid version, the Hybrid 145, which uses a smaller engine to recharge the battery while you drive. It is designed to save fuel in stop-and-go city traffic, where it can run in zero-emission mode about half the time.

Inside, the new 408 is packed with technology designed to make life easier. The driver is met by the "i-Cockpit," which features a compact steering wheel and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster that sits high up, directly in your line of sight. On higher trim levels, this screen uses 3D graphics to prioritize important information.

The central 10-inch touchscreen handles navigation and media, and it includes "i-Toggles" - customizable touch shortcuts that let you jump to your favorite settings, like calling a specific contact or adjusting the AC, with one tap. The system, of course, integrates ChatGPT for voice commands and supports over-the-air updates.

Despite the sporty roofline, the 408 is surprisingly practical. The long wheelbase of 9.15 ft provides plenty of legroom for rear passengers - roughly 7.2 inches of knee room. The trunk offers 18.9 ft³ of space, which expands to a massive 56.9 ft³ when you fold the rear seats down.

Peugeot also paid attention to comfort. The front seats have been certified by AGR, a German association of back health experts, and offer massage functions on higher trims. The cabin is kept quiet with thicker window glass, and an air filtration system monitors pollution levels to keep the air inside clean.

Peugeot is backing the new E-408 with a comprehensive warranty package called "Peugeot Care," which covers the vehicle and the battery for up to 8 years or 99,400 miles. With its mix of daring French style, practical space, and modern electric tech, the new 408 looks ready to take on the compact car segment.

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