2021 Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered unveiled, Malaysian arrival not yet confirmed

KUALA LUMPUR: Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show, the Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered concept has now transformed into the production-spec electrified sedan and wagon. That’s right, the 508 PSE is a plug-in-hybrid vehicle and will be available in two body styles.

The performance PHEV models combine a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. The combustion mill churns out 200 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. The electric motor at the front axle is rated at 110 PS and 320 Nm while the rear motor generates 113 PS and 166 Nm. This hybrid setup enables the PSE version of the 508 to get a combined output of 360 PS and 520 Nm. For transmission, it is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to all four wheels.

These numbers represent that the 508 PSE is the most powerful Peugeot road car ever, as the automaker could not roll out the road-going version of the 308 R Hybrid unveiled as a concept in 2015 with around 507 PS.

The PSE can hit the 0-100 kmph run in 5.2 seconds, and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. The 11.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that does not reduce the cabin and cargo space, offers an electric-only range of 26 miles (42 km) and can be fully charged in just two hours with the help of a 32-amp wall box.

The chassis tweaks also contribute to the enhanced power, these include tri-mode adaptive dampers, 24 mm front and 12 mm rear wider tracks, 380 mm front brake discs clamped by four-piston calipers, 20-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, and lower seat bases. Five driving modes on offer are Comfort, Hybrid, 4WD, Sport, and Electric.

Decked up in Selenium Grey, the 508 Sport Engineered also features a new front bumper with 3D printed valence, a restyled rear diffuser, subframe flaps, and winglets on the quarter panels. The bright green exterior accents and brake calipers represent its electrified underpinning. Inside, the headliner, A-pillar, seats, and steering wheel, all are wrapped in Alcantara trim.

The 2021 Peugeot 508 PSE will be available to order from mid-October in certain markets. About its arrival in Malaysia, no information is available at the moment.

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