We have 30,000 kilometers ahead of us with the Peugeot 508 SW PSE, as a work car, from circuit to circuit: and so far we have been enthusiastic
Our Peugeot 508 SW PSE “Selenium Grey” with neon yellow accents -called Kryptonite- has powerful skirts, side sills, small spoilers all around on the sides, diffuser and many more.
The Peugeot came fully equipped as standard, with leather seats with a massage function, 20-inch wheels, a system power of 360 CV and a price that easily exceeds 70,000 euros.
It’s a plug-in hybrid, what exactly does it mean? Well, we can also shoot electrically from time to time. But the technology of the 508 PSE has much more to offer. The name PSE -Peugeot Sport Engineered- says it all. Here, the electric accessory motor was not installed to save money. The extra power should also bring more dynamism and, above all, thrust.
Peugeot 508 SW PSE Engine
On paper, we have a maximum of 360 hp and 520 Newton meters available. At the front is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 hp, reinforced by two electric motors.
One of them is located between the combustion engine and the transmission, the second on the rear axle provides all-wheel drive. The electrical part of the powertrain is powered by an 11.5 kWh battery.
The family member thus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, according to the manufacturer. And if you go only in electric mode, up to 140 km/h are possible. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Behavior
At 1,950 kilograms, the Frenchman is not exactly a lightweight. The first work trip was to Austria, to the Red Bull Ring. There, KTM presented its new sports car there. The tour begins with a lot of speed on the German highways. Wider tracks compared to the “normal” 508 and a lot of fine work on the adaptive chassis create plenty of comfort and a healthy, sporty toughness at the push of a button.
It handles fast corners very well, even at over 200 km/h, and effectively filters even short bumps, surprising with its 20-inch wheels. The steering wheel, which initially seems too small, is surprisingly suitable for everyday use and the steering is sufficiently responsive. The eight-speed automatic transmission always acts willingly and anticipates desired gear points.
The transitions between the combustion engine and the electric motor could sometimes be smoother. But if you want to go from 100 to 200 quickly, it’s extremely fast… as long as the battery is reasonably full. By the way, you can always charge it while driving.
At 190 km/h the electrical support stops. From this moment on, it only pushes the four-cylinder, but that is enough for a speed of 230 and more.
And in the city? Well, unusually agile for a 4.78-meter car, it maneuvers easily and allows you to speed it up a lot in tight parking spaces, because its front wheels spin a lot,
Factors to decide the purchase
It positively surprises us after the first kilometers, as a work car. It allows us to move quickly from circuit to circuit, many times on German highways, and it has not exceeded 8 liters. The problem is that the deposit is small, and does not allow a range of more than 500 kilometers. We will continue to tell you in the following stages!
Conclusion
The best
Interior space, engine, sporty and comfortable behavior
Worst
Very high price, small deposit and fair autonomy
