Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid4 200 CV, test drive (Equipment, price, overall assessment)

We have reached the end of the test drive of the Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid4, a different estate with hybrid technology capable of delivering 200 CV of power to all four wheels. We covered the hybrid system as a whole, as well as the performance and handling of the RXH, in the first part of the test drive.

The design, the interior or the space it offers its occupants, were the subject of the second part of the test drive. Space and quality of finish are two of its most notable features in this respect. And now we come to the third part of the test drive, where we review the equipment (safety included), the price of the car and our overall assessment.

Equipment

In terms of equipment, the Peugeot 508 RXH comes with a comprehensive standard specification and has barely any extras available. It is also true, however, that it is the most expensive 508 in the range, and in many cases this price premium is only justified by the propulsion system. Before going into detail, let’s start with the safety equipment fitted as standard.

As standard in terms of safety, it comes with front, side and curtain airbags, six airbags in total, stability control with traction control, among other features. It is a complete package, but we cannot overlook that other brands already offer 9 airbags (including rear side and knee airbags), an important detail if it wants to compete in a premium segment.

In the EuroNCAP safety tests, the Peugeot 508 earned five stars with a score of 90% for adult occupant protection. Its good results in the whiplash tests stand out, thanks to its active head restraints.

The standard equipment is complete, with daytime running lights, electric seats (leather is optional, along with xenon), navigation, a panoramic glass roof and a leather steering wheel. For the final price, bi-xenon headlights should be standard rather than costing around 769 euros extra. The amount is small, which is why, when buying a car from a mainstream brand that costs around 40,000 euros, it is better to have as much equipment as possible.

The standard sound system is signed by JBL, or so the centre console says, but compared with other HiFi systems we have tested in other PSA models or Peugeot, such as the 607, we miss a subwoofer and a bit more power.

I insist that these “drawbacks” are not important, but they may help justify the final price and make it far more competitive within the premium segment it aspires to. That said, we strongly recommend the optional bixenon lights, for the good illumination they provide.

Price of the Peugeot 508 RXH

The starting price is 39,500 euros, although if we add metallic exterior paint, premium leather seats, keyless entry and start, four-zone climate control and an electric tailgate, as well as bi-xenon lights, the price of the unit rises to around 43,000 euros.

We configured a Peugeot 508 SW 2.2 HDi of 204 CV with the same equipment as the 508 RXH, and the final price was 40,920 euros, compared with the 43,000 of the RXH with the same extras, that is, fully loaded. The difference is not large, but if we go for the GT trim of the 508 estate, it starts at 37,570 euros with bi-xenon lights included and very complete equipment too, compared with the 39,500 euros of our protagonist, which has less equipment.

The difference is not large and the styling changes, but that is a decision for future buyers to weigh, and whether they are willing to pay around 2,000 euros more for a hybrid engine and a distinctive look.

Overall Assessment

We cannot combine a hybrid powertrain with a car weighing 1800 kg and expect an economical result, or at least not a very economical one. That is the problem we found with the Peugeot 508 RXH. The prospect of savings fades as the kilometres add up, and we see that it consumes less than a 200 CV 2.2 HDi, but the reduction is not very significant.

That said, in its favour is the extra of four-wheel drive, as you never know when you might need it. Without being a true 4×4 (the electric motor pushes from the rear), it can help in specific situations where traction is lacking. If your driving is mainly in the city, you will also notice a difference compared with the diesel version, provided you are careful with the accelerator.

Space and interior quality are a growing strength of this 508 RXH, its best asset along with an elaborate and very eye-catching exterior design. The final price is high, and our only objections are the equipment details already mentioned that we believe should come as standard. That said, if we consider the premium segment, the Audi A4 Allroad starts at 40,270 euros with a 143 CV diesel engine and less equipment.

And that leaves us with the dilemma: pay for a less equipped premium car, or pay for a mainstream car with more equipment that is not 100% premium. What do you think?

Photos | Diego G. Moreira