Peugeot: This is how the 508 PSE SW station wagon drives
STRONG, PRACTICAL, MARKANT While the most powerful models in Peugeot's model series were previously adorned with the magic three letters GTI, the top model now has a new abbreviation. The 508 PSE SW is the name of the nippy loadmaster. The concept was devised by engineers from the motorsport departments. 360 hp are available to balance longitudinal and lateral acceleration [...].
The concept was devised by engineers from the motorsport departments. 360 hp are available to find the balanced path between longitudinal and lateral acceleration. SW for Sports Wagon indicates the high practical utility as an estate car. PSE stands for Peugeot Sport Engineered.
Significant strengthening of the brand in hybrids
The fact that the 508 PSE is offered as a sedan and as an estate is testimony to the belief of Peugeot's strategists in the success of a segment that tends to run in reverse.
The hybrid range is intended to significantly strengthen the class. And the ample cargo space with a volume of up to 1780 liters fulfills the wishes of active people who want to pull up in front of the hardware store as well as at the vintner's or the golf course.
The production sports car is also spiced up with all kinds of tasty ingredients. Matt shimmering paint, bright yellow accents on the wheels and body, as well as powerful spoilers and a diffuser under the rear are intended to show the potential of the all-wheel-drive station wagon.
Complete equipment including night vision system
The interior is sporty and elegant. Alcantara, leather and glossy paintwork are paired with aluminum and stainless steel. It goes without saying that the pedals also need metal caps. The seats are finely contoured with variable supports for the thighs and provide good lateral support.
The cockpit has a three-dimensional appearance, and instead of classic displays, a scale shows the current energy consumption. The three driving programs Electric, Hybrid or Sport are also signaled. It's good that the rearview camera and parking beeper are standard equipment, because the driver's area isn't particularly clear, and the edges of the body don't get lost anywhere.
Speaking of equipment, we're presenting it by way of exclusion for the sake of brevity. Only a panoramic glass sunroof, a more powerful on-board charger and two special paint finishes are on the list of extras. All the other expensive extras and resourceful assistants are already on board, right up to the Night Vision system.
1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine and two electric motors
The drive system comprises a 200 hp turbocharged gasoline engine with 1.6 liter displacement, an 81 kW (110 hp) electric motor at the front and another with 83 kW (113 hp) at the rear axle. Like the power output, the maximum system torque is not calculated but controlled adaptively by the power electronics.
The highest torque provided by the mixed triple is 520 Newton meters. The quasi-digital all-wheel drive helps the 508 PSE get out of the starting blocks without scraping.
Top speed is limited to 250 km/h
The fast station wagon sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Electrically driven, up to 140 km/h is possible, and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The PSE is well-mannered even when cornering at high speeds. It remains track-neutral for a long time and gently understeers at the limits. If you play with the throttle and ask the electrician in the rear to step up the effort, you'll experience a gentle approach to drifting. Of course, this is immediately stopped by the vigilant control system.
The steering is not biting and is very conducive to a spirited, spirited driving style. The same applies to the enlarged brakes, which respond precisely and with fine dosing. This makes a car really fun to drive.
Conclusion:
Peugeot's sports station wagon is appealing and represents a pleasant and suitable change from SUV mania. Prices start at 69,900 Swiss francs for the SW, while the sedan is available from 67,620.
