Peugeot 508 PSE 2021, the most powerful production car from the lion brand

The Peugeot 508 PSE 2021 has just been unveiled. The lion brand’s high-performance division, PSE, has launched a saloon and an estate, both plug-in hybrids with all-wheel drive. The new Peugeot Sport Engineered division has presented the Peugeot 508 PSE as the most powerful production car the brand has made so far. As the first of a line of performance hybrid models that will be sold under the PSE banner, the new Peugeot 508 acts as a “technology showcase”.

It also arrives as Peugeot prepares to make its historic return to top-level motorsport with a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a hypercar.

The production model of the Peugeot 508 PSE will be available in saloon and estate versions and will remain largely faithful to the aggressive styling concept shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Its bright green exterior details, its brake calipers are a nod to its electrified foundations and, together with the 20-inch high-performance alloy wheels, the front spoilers that improve aerodynamics, the gloss black diffuser and the black contrast finish details, allow for a strong differentiation between the Peugeot 508 PSE and its series-production sibling.

The new electrified flagship of the lion brand will be available in three colours: Perla Nera Black, Pearl White and Selenium Grey.

Peugeot 508 PSE, an electrified beast that delivers 360 CV

The PSE division’s ‘Kryptonite‘ claw styling signature is inspired by the rear light design of the historic Peugeot 504 Coupé. It has been applied to the front wings, the rear window panel and the steering wheel. The 508 PSE’s hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 200 CV with a pair of electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear, sending a combined 360 CV and 523 Nm of maximum torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

These figures mean the new Peugeot 508 PSE can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.2 seconds and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 155 km/h. Its 11.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which does not reduce cabin space or boot capacity, offers an electric range of 41 kilometres and can be fully charged in two hours with a 32-amp wallbox.

In addition to offering improved straight-line performance, the new model has been tuned to deliver greater “driving pleasure” and agility. To do this, it features three-mode adaptive dampers, a widened track at the front and rear, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance tyres and 380 mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers.

Five driving modes are available. Electric mode keeps the petrol engine inactive at speeds of up to 90 km/h. Comfort softens the suspension. Hybrid automatically switches between the two power sources as appropriate. Sport delivers the maximum combined output of 360 CV and sharpens the steering, suspension and throttle for a more engaging experience. 4WD mode can be used for maximum traction in slippery conditions.

The interior is familiar from the standard 508, with the Peugeot i-Cockpit design that features a 10.0-inch high-definition infotainment screen and its physical “piano key” controls. The most obvious additions are the bright green upholstery stitching and the custom graphics for the digital instrument display and the central screen. The seats are upholstered in a combination of leather, mesh and Alcantara, and a premium Focal sound system is included as standard. The PSE 508 will reach dealerships in the first half of 2021.