Should you buy one?

On paper, the 508 PSE seems to tick a lot of boxes, offering sharp looks, everyday practicality, performance and low running costs. However, the hefty list price and less-than competitive finance make it a tough sell for private buyers, who would be much better served going for a BMW 330e.

We’d like to recommend the 508 PSE for offering something different, but this would make more sense as a secondhand buy. It’s definitely a halo car for the firm in terms of price and tech, but one that will struggle to convince the masses against accomplished rivals. This will be a purchase that will have to appeal emotionally, especially those who find choosing conventional rivals a little too predictable.

Having said that, as a company car driver, the 508 PSE has much more to recommend it, not least its low BIK tax rates and potential for excellent fuel economy. You’ll also stand out from the crowd in having one, and there aren’t too many PHEV coupes out there.

What we like

The 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered retains as much everyday usability as the regular version, but with the ability to utilise its plug-in hybrid hardware for both performance and low running costs, depending on your mood.

Despite the upgraded chassis, this remains a comfortable car to live with.

What we don’t like

The idiosyncrasies of the 508 platform – mainly the driving position and the lack of true family-friendly practicality – means that the Sport Engineered won’t be for all people. It’s certainly a divisive car, leaving some of the team rather smitten, while others found it too flawed.