2023 Peugeot 408 GT PHEV | French Elegance
The world of cars is buzzing with electric innovation, and Peugeot is nestled at the forefront. Its design, combined with state-of-the-art features and a mixed power source, raises many eyebrows. Wondering if this could be the stylish, eco-friendly powerhouse you've been waiting for? Dive in with us, and discover the mysteries of the Peugeot 408 GT PHEV.
French Car Design
When you mention Peugeot, the image of great designs and stunning colors instantly springs to my mind. The 408 GT PHEV 2023 doesn't disappoint, it's a shining addition to their lineup, especially with this “Obsession Blue” exterior color. That said, I’m pleased to be your guide on the Peugeot 408 GT PHEV exterior tour we’re about to start. Starting with the car's face, it's hard not to be drawn immediately to that iconic Peugeot lion emblem. Sitting confidently in the center, it acts as a focal point, drawing the gaze of onlookers. Flanking this emblem, you have the LED headlamps. Sleek, with sharp, almost “Smilodon” appearance DRLs. These lights are more than just good-looking, they add character, giving the car a ready-for-action look. Rawrrr! Just a bit below, you can spot the meticulously designed air intakes. These aren't just random openings, they're shaped and positioned to hint at the car's aerodynamic capabilities and its hunger for performance (or humans?).
As we move on to the car's side, there's an evident smooth and flowing design to admire. The body boasts gentle curves, perfectly balanced with some bolder, athletic shapes, especially noticeable around the wheel area. The 19-inch “JASPE” wheels themselves are worth a mention. Sporting a modern and “special” design with a mix of shiny and matte finishes, they add a contemporary flair to the car. A particularly eye-catching feature is the blacked-out trim line delicately tracing along the windows, seamlessly connecting the car's front to its rear, enhancing its cohesive and streamlined appearance. Additionally, there's an extra set of Peugeot logos adorning the sides of the front wheel fairings, just to ensure you unmistakably recognize it as a Peugeot.
Our exterior tour ends and concludes at the car's rear, a place where the design harmoniously ties in with the rest of the vehicle. The 3D Full LED taillights match the sharpness of the headlights, creating a well-balanced and consistently appealing look. There's a cool spoiler, or as Peugeot calls it, "Cat Ears," that adds a bit of sporty flair without going overboard. Delve a bit deeper, and you'll notice the integrated diffuser, subtly hinting at the car's hybrid power and performance capabilities. And, importantly, there's a badge that proudly announces its environmentally-friendly nature.
So, after this detailed walkaround, one thing is clear: The Peugeot 408 GT PHEV 2023 is a playful design masterpiece. Merging elements from Peugeot's rich history with the latest advancements in automotive design, this car stands out visually and promises robust performance while being kind to our planet. It's a delightful blend of the past, present, and future.
Enter The Smilodon
Stepping inside the Peugeot 408 GT PHEV reveals a seamless blend of high-quality materials, great craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Soft and comfortable surfaces, premium upholstery, and a strong commitment to quality come together to create an elegant ambiance. This doesn't just give an impression, but you can feel the solid construction and sturdiness. At the center, the Peugeot 408 GT presents a user-friendly HD infotainment system with a 10” touchscreen. This system is your gateway to a range of features and, importantly, it offers easy smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means smooth navigation and entertainment, making your driving experience a breeze. Just underneath the infotainment system, you’ll notice Peugeot’s i-Toggles. It’s a fully customizable screen, apart from the infotainment system, which gives you easy access to commonly used functions like temperature, phone, music, or settings.
An exciting surprise awaits when you look at the instrument cluster, where the Peugeot 408 reveals its Peugeot 10” 3D i-Cockpit. This state-of-the-art display is not only futuristic in appearance but also highly functional. It allows you to customize the display to show important information like your speed and navigation directions with a 3D depth look. It's visually impressive and sets the Peugeot 408 apart from the rest.
The seats inside the Peugeot 408 prioritize comfort. Whether you're the driver or a passenger, you'll find the design to be considerate and supportive. The seats are fully adjustable, ensuring a pleasant journey. The luxury is taken up a notch with heated seats with an optional massage function and a heated steering wheel, making your ride truly indulgent. The Peugeot 408's interior design focuses on using space efficiently, making it a spacious haven for all passengers. Both front and rear seats offer ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. The rear seats can be folded down, allowing you to easily increase cargo space when needed. Convenient storage spaces and cupholders are thoughtfully placed, adding to overall convenience. The center console and door pockets provide plenty of room to store personal items, making your daily commutes and road trips hassle-free.
In summary, the Peugeot 408's interior effortlessly combines sophistication, comfort, and practicality. The use of quality materials, advanced technology, and thoughtful design elements ensures that every moment spent inside the vehicle is enjoyable. Keep in mind that specific features and design elements may vary depending on the trim level and market, like that beautiful optionally panoramic roof which I always recommend!
Combined Power
Behind the wheel of the Peugeot 408 PHEV, you'll enjoy a seamless blending of power. It combines a 132 kW turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an 81kW electric motor and a 12.4 kWh battery pack, resulting in a total system output of 165 kW or 225 HP. The eight-speed automatic transmission complements the powertrain's capabilities, ensuring smooth and well-handled gear changes. Whether you're driving in all-electric or hybrid mode, the shift between them is nearly unnoticeable, providing a truly enjoyable driving experience. With a WLTP electric-only range of up to 63 kilometers, it's perfect for daily drives and eco-friendly commuting.
Safety takes center stage with the Blind Spot Indicator, scanning the surroundings up to 75 meters away. This feature acts as a co-pilot, alerting you to potential hazards and making lane changes safer than ever. In emergency situations, the Emergency Brake Assist adds an extra layer of protection. This intelligent system can detect imminent collisions and automatically apply the brakes.
The Peugeot 408 GT PHEV also elevates the driving experience to new heights. Thanks to the Semi-Automatic Drive Assist 2.0, this vehicle effortlessly integrates advanced driving assistance, providing a seamless and secure journey for drivers. Navigating tight parking spaces becomes a breeze with the 360-Degree Park Assist, an innovative feature that takes the stress out of parking. Whether in crowded urban environments or tight spots, this technology ensures that parking is not just convenient but also precise. The Peugeot 408 GT PHEV sets a new standard in automotive technology, seamlessly integrating these features to create a driving experience that is not only comfortable and enjoyable but also safer than ever before.
The 408 Wrapped Up
In summary, the Peugeot 408 GT PHEV is a noteworthy option for eco-conscious consumers seeking a stylish plug-in hybrid. With its design, state-of-the-art features, and a mixed power source, this car is definitely worth its competitive starting price of €43.780 (BE). The strong environmental credentials embody sustainable mobility and signify a step towards a greener future in the automotive industry.
