Overview

This is the Peugeot 508 SW – and it’s a more stylish alternative to the best SUVs on sale. But we’ll warn you now, if you’re looking for the most practical option for your money, you might want to look elsewhere.

The 508 SW isn’t exactly troubling the BMW 3 Series in the UK in terms of sales, but it’s doing well enough for the firm to have gone to the trouble of facelifting it for 2024 with a sharp new look and some welcome interior updates.

We think Peugeot has done rather well here. The 508 SW is sleek and stylish, and appeals to buyers who want some extra versatility, but wrapped up in a package that really looks the business. As such, it rivals the likes of the premium BMW 3 Series Touring and Volvo V60.

Despite this, Peugeot’s still firmly a mainstream brand, so the 508 SW must also compare favourably with the Skoda Superb Estate and Volkswagen Passat Estate. It’s off to a great start with handsome styling, a wide range of powerful and efficient engines and an avant-garde interior that’s like nothing else in the class. But can its driving credentials back up the bold looks?

There’s petrol and plug-in hybrid engine options for the Peugeot 508 SW. The range is identical to the Fastback’s, so there’s a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol developing 130hp and a 225hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV). All are matched to an eight-speed automatic.

The plug-in hybrid option comes at a price premium over the standard model, but it has a good claimed electric driving range of up to 39 miles. Don’t forget that there’s also the 360hp Peugeot Sport Engineered high-performance version, which gets its own review.

The 508’s model range is nice and simple, offering Allure and GT variations with both available engines. Standard equipment has been upgraded to include new HD reversing cameras, which have a 360-degree view on the on GT. Smartphone connectivity has also been improved, with Wireless MirrorScreen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – an area where the pre-facelift model struggled.

In addition, two USB-C ports can now be found inside the centre console storage for front passengers and two USB-A ports for rear passengers. It’s not a massive upgrade, but enough to keep things relevant. As you’d expect, it’s the GT that’s the most appealing here, with very fancy quilted leather upholstery, interesting carbon-effect dashboard trim and plenty of chrome.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Peugeot 508 SW, and whether the last round of tweaks have been enough make it worth recommending. You can find out exactly how we test cars here. 

Plus, if you’d rather absorb our thoughts on the 508 through more visual means, we’ve got a detailed video of the car below. Scroll down to watch it.

Watch our Peugeot 508 SW video review