Peugeot 508 SW facelift (2023) – Back to Basics

Peugeot 508 SW 1.2 PureTech 130 EAT8 Allure – €46,050

Peugeot is having a nice facelift this year. In addition to a renewed 208 and 2008, the brand also presented a renewed 508 a few months ago, with a clearly addressed front and a slightly less clearly addressed rear. A facelift naturally also includes a new price list, with new prices and changes to the (standard) equipment. This becomes clear when we flip back to the last time the Peugeot 508 shone in this section. In 2018, the simplest version of Peugeot’s largest low car was still a diesel, the BlueHDi 130 with manual gearbox. Both manual and diesel engines are now completely discontinued, limiting the choice to petrol versions with automatic transmission or plug-in hybrids. The cheapest facelift 508 is equipped with what is undoubtedly the most used powertrain within the former PSA: the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder with 130 hp and an EAT8 automatic transmission.

The fact that we are now talking about the SW instead of the Berline for a change does not affect the equipment. At €46,050, the SW is exactly €1,600 more expensive than an otherwise identical Berline and that certainly seems worth considering, if only for the trade-in value. In both cases we are talking about a considerably higher amount than in 2018, when you could still buy a 508 for €38,590. That difference is caused by inflation, but also by implementation. The Active of the time has been deleted, so that the Allure is now the entry-level version.

Not really basic

Anyone who is a little familiar with the names of Peugeot versions knows that this will be far from a bare car. With the 308, for example, the Allure is the second step. The fact that this 508 is on a similar level becomes immediately clear when you look at the standard equipment. Keyless entry and start, the aforementioned automatic transmission, a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, two-zone climate control and an auto-dimming interior mirror are all standard equipment. Although the seats are covered with black fabric, they look far from ‘basic’.

Also visually, this simplest 508 does not come across as a basic version. Peugeot provides the most charming-looking 17-inch alloy and sprays the 508 in a color of your choice. By default, the car is shown in the configurator in black, but your writer chose the stylish ‘Blue Eclipse’ without spending a penny extra. The only color that does drive up the price is ‘rouge Elixir’, but for the privilege of a red 508 you only pay €250 extra. Compared to the Active of yesteryear, it is striking that the dark rear side windows are also standard, which again does not make everyone happy. The frame of the same side windows is now always high-gloss black, where a 508 could previously also be supplied with an aluminum-colored frame.

Another striking step has been taken when it comes to the headlights. The pre-facelift 508 was one of the last cars in this class to offer halogen headlamps, but the new entry-level 508 switches to matrix LED lighting in one fell swoop. Yes: automatic and adaptive high beam, on an entry-level version! This is not only pleasant for the driver, but of course also looks extra attractive and modern.

Comfort Business Pack

In appearance, the difference between this Allure and the more expensive GT is minimal. The latter (from €49,150) has larger wheels and a bumper lip in black instead of body color, but the latter is hardly noticeable. The GT does open the way to more specific options, such as leather upholstery and a panoramic roof. With the Allure, the choice of options is limited. A package including adaptive cruise control and a wireless phone charger costs €1,300. We think the ‘Comfort Business Pack’ is highly recommended, because it includes fine and more extensively adjustable AGR front seats and seat heating for €600. Very pleasant on long journeys, which we would enjoy finishing in this ‘simple’ 508.