Peugeot unveils 157 kW e-408 crossover

Peugeot first presented the 408 in 2022 and launched the partially electrified versions shortly afterwards. Launching the electric version with the e-408 has taken a little longer. But now it’s ready to go: the new electric Peugeot boasts 157 kW of power and a 58.2 kWh NMC battery, which makes its debut with the Stellantis brands. Officially, Peugeot refers to the 408 as a model with a “fastback silhouette to the top of the C segment.” However, it is a crossover between a saloon and an SUV – a hatchback saloon (with the slightly raised fastback rear) has been raised slightly in SUV style and fitted with SUV-like plastic panelling on the wheel arches.

Peugeot is pursuing a similar concept to its sister brand Citroën with the C5 X – only Citroën has raised a kind of estate car slightly higher. At 4.80 metres, the C5 X is also slightly longer than the Peugeot 408 (4.69 metres), but the wheelbase is the same for both models at 2.79 metres. The boot capacity of 536-1,611 litres (Peugeot) and 545-1,640 litres (Citroen) also differs only slightly between the two models.

That is hardly surprising, as both vehicles are based on the EMP2 platform (as does the Peugeot e-308). However, in the case of the e-408, the French have enriched the architecture with new elements. Instead of the usual 115 kW motor, it has a 157 kW drive, corresponding to the output of the two electric vehicles E-3008 and E-5008, which are already based on the STLA. The battery is also new.

But let’s stay with the motor for a moment, which is a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets. In addition to 157 kW of power, the unit offers 345 Nm of torque. The motor is built by the Stellantis-Nidec joint venture. The gearbox comes from Stellantis from Valenciennes. Peugeot states that the battery has a capacity of 58.2 kWh, without specifying whether this is the net or gross value. It comprises 18 modules with NMC cell chemistry (80 per cent nickel, 10 per cent manganese, 10 per cent cobalt). It remains to be seen who will supply the battery. However, as the electric car subsidy in France is linked to CO2 emissions in the production and logistics of electric cars, they are unlikely to be a Chinese manufacturer.

Peugeot specifies the e-408’s charging capacity as 11 kW AC and 120 kW DC. At fast chargers, this should allow the car to charge from 20 to 80 per cent in just over 30 minutes. However, these are rather mediocre values for an electric car launched in 2024.

The full dimensions of the crossover are 4.69 x 1.85 x 1.49 metres with a wheelbase of 2.79 metres. The French company puts the boot capacity at 471 litres. With the rear seats folded down, the storage space increases to 1,545 litres. To improve aerodynamics, the model has a special underbody. In addition, a heat pump is fitted as standard to increase efficiency.

Visually, the e-408 has a sporty touch thanks to its fastback silhouette. The side body and wheel panelling merge into a robust black rear bumper at the rear. At the front, the radiator grille and bumper form a single unit thanks to the matching colours. Peugeot remains true to its latest design line in terms of lighting. The wheels are 19-inch tyres. Buyers can choose from five body paint colours: Okenite White, Obsession Blue, Selenium Grey, Elixir Red and Perla Nera Black.

In true Peugeot style, the e-408 is also offered in the Allure and GT equipment variants. In the basic version, the model comes with LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, the ‘PEUGEOT i-Cockpit’ operating concept with a 10-inch instrument cluster, a sat nav, and route planner. Voice control, a mirroring function for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an audio system with six speakers are also standard. Other features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a rear parking camera and sensors and a heated driver’s seat and steering wheel.

In addition to the features of the Allure version, the GT version of the e-408 also has Matrix LED headlights, front parking assistance, aluminium interior trim with customisable ambient lighting in eight colours, aluminium door sills, a sensor-controlled tailgate and a Drive Assist Plus package that supports semi-autonomous driving (Level 2).

The electric 408 is produced at the Mulhouse plant. The manufacturer estimates the purchase price to be 46,600 euros. It is thus aimed at the high-end C-Class segment. Peugeot offers a warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 kilometres on the model. Introducing the new electric vehicle increases Peugeot’s electric range to twelve electric cars and light commercial vehicles.

media.stellantis.com