Peugeot 508 PSE: the wildest lion will arrive in 2020 with 360 CV

The Peugeot 508 PSE will be the most radical version of the French saloon, will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain and will deliver 360 horsepower

The Peugeot 508 arrived this same year as one of the most attractive launches from the lion brand in recent years. It is already the second generation of the saloon and has taken a great leap forward in every respect, now looking sideways at the most premium models in the segment.

We have already carried out the road test of the Peugeot 508 BlueHDI, although this year has also brought a plug-in hybrid version, or PHEV, to complete a very interesting range. However, this family still lacked a bit of spice, because the most powerful version so far uses the PureTech 225 petrol engine, which is excellent for its grand touring character but not enough to compete with models such as the Audi S4 or the Mercedes-AMG C43.

However, the French manufacturer had already been planning something since the last Geneva Motor Show, where it presented the Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered Concept, a prototype that anticipates the next production model, due in 2020.

The most sporting version will be called the Peugeot 508 PSE

According to rumours, its final name will be Peugeot 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered), a designation that aims to become the most sporting division of the brand, in the style of M Motorsport at BMW.

With all this, it seems that the handsome saloon will receive a treatment to make it more radical, thanks to a body kit, 20-inch wheels and a sporty interior that will presumably make use of carbon fibre and Alcantara.

However, this will not be mere cosmetic makeover, because the company will revise elements such as the suspension and the braking system. But the most important thing will not be this, but what it will fit under its bonnet.

Three powertrains to exceed 350 CV of power

To achieve an interesting power figure, Peugeot will turn to hybridisation, so it will fit a layout similar to that of the prototype we saw on the stand at the Geneva Motor Show: the 200 CV 1.6 PureTech engine and an electric motor on each axle. Therefore, this configuration would achieve all-wheel drive and, presumably, the 0 emissions label from the DGT.

All of this with power that will approach the already more than respectable figure of 360 CV. This leap in power will be achieved thanks to the two electric motors: the one on the front axle will have 110 CV and the rear one another 200 CV. With this, we know the prototype was capable of reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

According to Jean-Philippe Imparato, the brand’s chief executive, reservations will open from March and the Peugeot 508 PSE will reach dealerships in October 2020. Reading between the lines, we can draw a great piece of news: this will be only the first model of a new breed of sporting vehicles under the PSE designation.