We tested the new Peugeot 508 SW: are you really sure you prefer an SUV?

The new Peugeot 508 SW breaks the mould in terms of design and dynamic behaviour in the family saloon segment, and it even becomes an alternative for those who are not sold on the SUV craze.

We have been able to get behind the wheel of the new Peugeot 508 SW during the international presentation of the estate version of the Peugeot 508 in Portugal. And the impression could not be more favourable.

To start with, I will give you three reasons why I would recommend buying the SW version over the saloon. Firstly, as is logical in this type of car, because of the boot. In the estate you not only get more capacity, you also have the versatility added by the tailgate. Secondly, because its rear seats have a little more headroom. And thirdly, because Peugeot has made adjustments so that its estate-car character does not compromise in any way the sporty handling that the Peugeot 508 shows behind the wheel.

Cabin and boot of the Peugeot 508 SW

Let’s take it step by step. The boot of the Peugeot 508 SW, with 530 litres (1,780 with the seats folded down), while not among the best, is above the average for its category. And it stands apart from the 487 litres offered by the saloon.

Nor does it have the best load space when compared with other family saloons that do not opt for such a sporty design, such as the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, the Ford Mondeo Sportbreak, the VW Passat Variant or the Mazda 6 SW. But overall, everything related to luggage is very well resolved.

The tailgate can be power-operated, the rear seats fold down easily (there is a control to do so from the boot itself), and a practical rail system can be fitted with movable hooks to which nets can be attached to secure the load…

As we have said before, the rear seats are better than in the saloon. But you should bear in mind that if you frequently make long journeys with adults in these seats, there are better options among family saloons. But none with a design like that of the 508 SW, which may be one of its best selling points.

In fact, There are no family saloons that reach only 1.42 metres in height with the roof rails included (just 2 cm more than the saloon, and 6 less than the previous-generation 508 SW). And which keeps the doors with frameless windows of the 508. A solution we see on rivals of the Peugeot 508, such as the Volkswagen Arteon or the Audi A5 Sportback, but which is not carried over to their respective estate versions.

I take this opportunity to note that although it is difficult for a car with frameless windows to achieve the same acoustic insulation as one with conventional windows, especially at high speeds, the Peugeot 508 (saloon and SW) is well resolved in this respect. At least at the cruising speeds at which it is normal to travel on motorways.

Otherwise, the cabin of the Peugeot 508 SW is identical to that of the saloon. It stands out for the Peugeot i-Cockpit, which I always recommend trying because not everyone ends up liking it. The instrumentation is located here above the steering wheel. If you have never tried it, you may feel strange at first. But in the 508 there is no problem finding a comfortable position, and you soon get used to handling an unusually small steering wheel.

Noteworthy is the leap in quality seen in the interior of the Peugeot 508, at least in the better-equipped versions we were able to test. The presence of the materials, as well as their fit, is impeccable. It is combined with a modern design that does not forget digitalisation without giving up physical controls for the main functions. Ergonomics are also well resolved, with practical recesses for emptying your pockets.

Engine range of the Peugeot 508: five options

The engine range for the Peugeot 508 SW is the same as for the saloon. You can choose from three variants, four diesel and two petrol. For the second half of 2019 the arrival of the 508 Hybrid version is expected, with plug-in hybrid technology and the CERO DGT environmental label.

The diesels are called BlueHDI. The entry version is a 1.5 of 130 CV with a six-speed manual gearbox or the EAT8 automatic gearbox with torque converter and 8 speeds. The 2.0 BlueHDI splits into two power variants, with 160 and 180 CV, and is always paired with the automatic gearbox.

Without having had the chance to try it, we would bet on the 1.5 BlueHDI of 130 CV as a very reasonable minimum that can be a logical purchase. But without a doubt, the 2.0 version with 160 CV is the most balanced in the range, offering the best balance between performance and consumption. Unless you want a 508 SW at the lowest price and with a manual gearbox, the difference between the 1.5 HDI 130 automatic and the 2.0 Blue HDI 160 automatic will be – as in the saloon – around 1,800 euros, which I think is worth investing.

In petrol, and until possibly less powerful engines arrive in the future, the offer starts with the 1.6 PureTech of 180 CV, with the top of the range being the 225 CV variant for the GT. Both come with the EAT8 automatic gearbox as standard. The more powerful one is ideal if you are looking for a car that lives up to the GT badge. It is somewhat short of the exquisite refinement of the Audi TFSI engines, but its performance and sporty response are there.

The 180 CV version should not go unnoticed. If you travel by road very frequently, the BlueHDI is better. For everything else, the petrol version will only bring satisfaction. For its feel, its smoothness and its pure performance. Assuming, of course, that to enjoy those advantages you will have to visit the petrol pump more often than with the BlueHDI. Though you will have a favourable “balance” of almost 3,000 euros for fuel, which is what the diesel would cost extra with equal equipment.

By the way, once again note the magnificent operation of the EAT8 automatic gearbox. It is quick enough that you do not miss a dual-clutch gearbox and stands out for exquisite smoothness of operation. And when selecting ECO mode, it has a coasting function, decoupling the engine from the transmission between 25 and 130 km/h, to reduce friction and save fuel.

As for dynamic behaviour, Peugeot has made adjustments to the suspension to compensate for the slight increase in the centre of gravity height of the 508 SW compared with the saloon. And they have achieved it. At least with two passengers on board and two small travel bags in the boot, behind the wheel there is no difference between driving a 508 saloon or an estate.

The suspension is firm even when the most comfort-oriented driving mode is selected, without becoming uncomfortable. There are other estates that pamper passengers more on long journeys, but few are as driver-oriented as this 508 SW when it comes to agility and sporty sensations.

The new Peugeot 508 SW will initially go on sale in the First Edition version, only with the most powerful petrol and diesel engines, and with exclusive and very complete equipment. For the moment there are no prices for the Spanish market, where it will be offered from next spring, with the same trim levels as the saloon. If what is normal in the category holds true, the price for the same engine and equipment could be around 1,500 euros above the Peugeot 508.

Peugeot 508 SW image gallery