Plug-only Pugs! 2023 Peugeot 508 goes hybrid-only as Sportswagon PHEV lands to entice BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70 buyers

Peugeot's new 508 Sportswagon plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will herald a shift in strategy for the French medium-car line-up as it drops all internal-combustion engine (ICE) versions in favour of a hybrid-only play.

Priced at $82,915 before on-road costs, the Sportswagon sits just $1305 upstream of the already-launched $81,610 fastback, while the existing petrol-only-powered 508 GT fastback ($63,431) and wagon ($65,657) are now retired.

Peugeot Australia is clearly going all-in on an electrification strategy having already rolled out PHEV versions of the 308 hatchback and 3008 mid-size SUV, as well as its first all-electric model in the form of the Partner light-commercial van, and will continue down the path with the e-208 light hatch and e-2008 crossover in the near future.

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"As we build on our electrified offering in Australia across passenger, SUV and LCV, the introduction of the 508 Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid further demonstrates our commitment to offering choice for local customers considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle," said Peugeot Australia Managing Director Kate Gillis.

But back to the 508 Sportswagon, which features a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 165kW/360Nm – the same powertrain found in its less-practical sibling.

With an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery in tow, the 508 Sportswagon Plug-In Hybrid is certified for 55km of all-electric driving range under WLTP conditions, while recharging can take as little as 3.5 hours with the right outlet.

Under standard household conditions with a 2.3kW domestic plug, however, the 508 PHEV needs 5.7 hours for a full charge.

Under standard household conditions with a 2.3kW domestic plug, however, the 508 PHEV needs 5.7 hours for a full charge.

Also, as a PHEV, there are four driving modes on offer – Electric, Hybrid, Sport and Comfort.

Aside from the advanced powertrain, the new Peugeot also offers more practicality thanks to its boot capacity of 530 litres, which can expand to 1780L litreswith the rear seats folded down.

Handling multimedia duties is a 10.0-inch screen with satellite navigation, 10-speaker sound system, digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.

This compares to the fastback's 487-litre and 1537L-litre figures.

Standard equipment in the 508 Sportswagon PHEV includes 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, multi-function leather steering wheel, front massaging seats, Nappa leather interior, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry and dual-zone climate control.

Handling multimedia duties is a 10.0-inch screen with satellite navigation, 10-speaker sound system, digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.

The 508 Sportswagon features a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 165kW/360Nm.

In terms of safety, each 508 comes with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, driver attention alert and adaptive cruise control.