Executive sedans are generally tuned for comfort. After all, their target market are usually busy executives who want nothing more than a soothing ride home after a hard day's work, and an equally stress-free drive in the morning rush hour.
As such, most cars in this class place ride comfort and all-round refinement as their priority. And, like the corporate world, the executive sedan market is ultra-competitive, with the Germans being the notable dominant leaders in this segment.
The French have not been very successful with their own sedans outside of their home market, despite their prowess in comfort engineering. No one does plushness like the French, but somehow, their offerings don't seem to appeal to the masses as much as the Germans do.
That doesn't stop them from having a go though, and Peugeot is now back with its new 508 sedan. Peugeot emphasises greatly on the 508's capabilities as a peaceful, cosseting cruiser for the busy executive, but is that enough to trouble the Germans?
Exterior
The 508 actually replaces two sedans in Peugeot's line-up, the 407 and 607. In terms of size, the new car fits right in between the two, edging slightly towards the latter. The length of the 508 is just about on par with its rivals, which have been edging towards the 5 metre barrier in recent generations.
As such, most cars in this class place ride comfort and all-round refinement as their priority. And, like the corporate world, the executive sedan market is ultra-competitive, with the Germans being the notable dominant leaders in this segment.
The French have not been very successful with their own sedans outside of their home market, despite their prowess in comfort engineering. No one does plushness like the French, but somehow, their offerings don't seem to appeal to the masses as much as the Germans do.
That doesn't stop them from having a go though, and Peugeot is now back with its new 508 sedan. Peugeot emphasises greatly on the 508's capabilities as a peaceful, cosseting cruiser for the busy executive, but is that enough to trouble the Germans?
Exterior
The 508 actually replaces two sedans in Peugeot's line-up, the 407 and 607. In terms of size, the new car fits right in between the two, edging slightly towards the latter. The length of the 508 is just about on par with its rivals, which have been edging towards the 5 metre barrier in recent generations.
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Despite its size, the 508 still manages to cut a sleek and svelte figure, with its softly-chiselled lines and an almost coupe-like silhouette. The front end looks classy and well-resolved too, featuring a more restrained version of Peugeot's grille, instead of the gaping hole of the 407 that polarised so many opinions. The sharp and slim Xenon directional headlamps give the Pug a streamlined look, and feature LED daytime running lights.
When contrasted against that, the rear end comes across as slightly disappointing. The plain-looking design, with just a single chrome strip and Peugeot logo adorning it, makes it look ordinary, while the high boot lid doesn't help with rearward visibility. Overall, the 508 looks fairly nondescript from the back.
Still, the 508 is a handsome looking thing as a whole. Most certainly when compared to its predecessors. The 508 is also available in SW estate form, which in our opinion actually looks better than the sedan, and is more practical too.
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Interior
With the bold claims that Peugeot is making about the 508 being a place of serenity, there are high expectations when you settle into the cabin of the car.
And for the most part, it doesn't disappoint. The interior is well decked out, with high quality materials and impressive fit and finish giving the car an almost decadent feel. The dashboard feels solidly put together, and gives an impression of tactile quality.
Oddly, the driving position is a bit low, and the car actually has a somewhat sporty driving stance. You feel wrapped and cocooned in a manner that feels snug and reassuring, although the seats themselves are a tad firm.
At the rear, passengers are treated to a comfort zone, with ample legroom and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Individual four-zone air con controls for the rear occupants add to the luxuriousness of the cabin.
With the bold claims that Peugeot is making about the 508 being a place of serenity, there are high expectations when you settle into the cabin of the car.
And for the most part, it doesn't disappoint. The interior is well decked out, with high quality materials and impressive fit and finish giving the car an almost decadent feel. The dashboard feels solidly put together, and gives an impression of tactile quality.
Oddly, the driving position is a bit low, and the car actually has a somewhat sporty driving stance. You feel wrapped and cocooned in a manner that feels snug and reassuring, although the seats themselves are a tad firm.
At the rear, passengers are treated to a comfort zone, with ample legroom and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Individual four-zone air con controls for the rear occupants add to the luxuriousness of the cabin.
The 508 is also packed with technological features, some of which are novel innovations. Aside from your usual Bluetooth connectivity, engine stop-start, and electronic parking brake, there are also less common features, like the blinds for the rear windows and windscreen, the head-up display that pops-up as a screen above the dashboard, the all-round parking sensors that can assist even with parallel parking, and the automatic high beam function that sets the headlights on high beam as default, and dips them when it senses an oncoming vehicle.
The Drive
Given the nature of the 508, one would expect it to be a soft, plushy barge that soaks up all your worries away as you glide along to your destination.
In part, it does. The 508 rides comfortably, with its well-damped suspension easing out all but the harshest of bumps. It offers a peaceful drive as you eat up the miles along the highway.
The Drive
Given the nature of the 508, one would expect it to be a soft, plushy barge that soaks up all your worries away as you glide along to your destination.
In part, it does. The 508 rides comfortably, with its well-damped suspension easing out all but the harshest of bumps. It offers a peaceful drive as you eat up the miles along the highway.
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However, it also has another side to it. The car features a 1.6-litre Twin-Scroll turbocharged THP engine, which is essentially the same that you find in various Citroen models as well as the MINI Cooper S. Fitted in the 508, the unit produces 156bhp and 240Nm of torque.
Despite the car's size, the engine propels the 508 deftly and responsively, and the power comes in a smooth and immediate manner. There is even a slight growly note to the turbocharged engine, which sounds rather amusing in an executive sedan.
Equally smooth is the six-speed automatic gearbox, which changes cogs seamlessly, and comes with manual override mode as well as steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Unfortunately, its pseudo-sporty pretensions bring with it a fair bit of wind and road noise at higher speeds. Also, because of its soft suspension set-up, the car doesn't feel as planted as some of its rivals when you are whisking along a bit vigorously.
That said, the 508 is a rather balanced car, more than capable of holding its own. The steering is light and reactive, and although there is some understeer and body roll when cornering, it holds the road decently for the most part.
Despite the car's size, the engine propels the 508 deftly and responsively, and the power comes in a smooth and immediate manner. There is even a slight growly note to the turbocharged engine, which sounds rather amusing in an executive sedan.
Equally smooth is the six-speed automatic gearbox, which changes cogs seamlessly, and comes with manual override mode as well as steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Unfortunately, its pseudo-sporty pretensions bring with it a fair bit of wind and road noise at higher speeds. Also, because of its soft suspension set-up, the car doesn't feel as planted as some of its rivals when you are whisking along a bit vigorously.
That said, the 508 is a rather balanced car, more than capable of holding its own. The steering is light and reactive, and although there is some understeer and body roll when cornering, it holds the road decently for the most part.
Conclusion
Having driven two of the 508's contemporaries in recent months, namely the Volkswagen Passat and Renault Latitude, I can't help but compare the trio, especially when they are fighting for the same market segment.
Put alongside the aforementioned duo, the 508 most definitely has the upper hand when it comes to the business of comfort. It pampers and sooths its occupants like nobody else can, and throws in a bit of verve in the driving experience as well, with its 1.6-litre turbo engine providing for some impressive performance.
It is undoubtedly a very well-rounded car, and hits its target market smack on, but so do many of its rivals nowadays, and having to choose one outstanding car in this sector is very difficult indeed.
What I can say though, is that if you desire a bit of luxurious peace, without compromising on pace, then the 508 might well be right up your alley.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Having driven two of the 508's contemporaries in recent months, namely the Volkswagen Passat and Renault Latitude, I can't help but compare the trio, especially when they are fighting for the same market segment.
Put alongside the aforementioned duo, the 508 most definitely has the upper hand when it comes to the business of comfort. It pampers and sooths its occupants like nobody else can, and throws in a bit of verve in the driving experience as well, with its 1.6-litre turbo engine providing for some impressive performance.
It is undoubtedly a very well-rounded car, and hits its target market smack on, but so do many of its rivals nowadays, and having to choose one outstanding car in this sector is very difficult indeed.
What I can say though, is that if you desire a bit of luxurious peace, without compromising on pace, then the 508 might well be right up your alley.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
