Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid4 200 hp, road test (Exterior design, interior and trim)

We continue with the road test of the Peugeot 508 RXH Hybrid4 with 200 hp of power, a hybrid that, as we saw in the first part of the road test, is propelled by a diesel engine and an electric motor. In the first part we reviewed the engine, behaviour, consumption and performance of this exclusive estate.

Now, in the second part, we are going to talk about the design, an important element of the 508 RXH since it differs from the standard Peugeot 508 estate precisely in its SUV-style design. But we also need to talk about the interior, the quality and the space it offers its occupants. Overall, we can already say that space is not a problem in this estate of considerable dimensions with 200 hp under the bonnet.

Exterior design

A hybrid estate with SUV design, this slightly exotic combination is what Peugeot offers us with the 508 RXH. It is based on the 508 SW but with more rugged lines, highlighting the contrasting wheel arches and the vertical LED daytime running lights. Furthermore, this RXH is wider and taller than the estate version.

For 769 euros you get the Vision pack, which groups together the bi-xenon adaptive headlights with LED indicators (these are actually the same as in the saloon and estate, where they act as daytime running lights) and automatic high beams.

In my view the front is more successful and has a slightly more feline touch than the conventional 508, while at the rear the lower part of the bumper in black stands out, adding that off-road feel, and it also features light protection on the underbody and sump. It follows the line of models such as the A4 Allroad or the Passat Alltrack.

Its dimensions are those of a large car, with its 4.82 metres in length and a weight of 1,845 kg, and as standard it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels in sizes better suited to the road than to off the tarmac, with 235/45 R18 tyres.

Interior design

The interior is similar to that of a Peugeot 508 SW, there are some trims and inserts that change compared with the estate, but otherwise the dashboard design is identical. The dashboard features trims worthy of the “premium” label, with soft, pleasant-to-the-touch plastics throughout the dashboard and with correct fit and finish.

The driving position is very comfortable, with leather seats (optional) of very high quality that hold the body very well. The front also offers plenty of space and good visibility. As a curious detail (shared with the rest of the range), the ignition button is on the left side of the steering wheel rather than the right, as is more common.

The rear seats are spacious, both for legs and in width for two occupants; three will travel more snugly. Our unit had the four-zone climate control, with which rear passengers can select the temperature they want for each side using the controls located next to the air vents on the centre console.

Storage spaces and boot

On the centre console, since it has the control for the hybrid system and the controls for the heated seats, we barely had a space anywhere on the console to leave the key itself, which in many cases we either put in a trouser pocket or in the ashtray.

In the doors the door pockets are large, properly upholstered and with enough space to store our things. At the rear there is an armrest in the centre seat and two cup holders.

The boot, in our unit with the electric tailgate, is slightly smaller than the estate version of the 508. This is due to the space taken up by the batteries, and even so, the total capacity is 400 litres (not a great figure, but bear in mind this is a hybrid car and the batteries take up room).

In the third part of the road test we will discuss the equipment, both safety and standard equipment on this 508 RXH, as well as the price and our overall assessment, comparing the model with the Peugeot 508 SW.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira