MOTORING REVIEW: Peugeot’s E-408 is stylish and practical

The updated Peugeot 408 fastback range, which arrived here late 2025, features a fully electric 408 version, giving Irish 408 customers the option of an electrified petrol-hybrid or fully electric powertrain. 

The all-electric E-408, manufactured at the Stellantis Mulhouse plant in France, brings a distinctive silhouette to the important C-segment with coupe-like lines and distinctive French styling. I like the car’s overall look which is a blend of saloon and crossover, the signature Peugeot fang LED lights at the front, the stylish grille with the new shield badge in the centre, and the triple-clad LEDs at the rear, along with the two high rear spoilers charmingly referred to as ‘cat ears’ due to their angular shapes at the top of the roof, which are designed to help airflow around the vehicle. Black cladding around the 19-inch graphite alloy wheels adds to the overall look along with privacy glass. But I missed a rear wiper. While there are five exterior colours to choose from, my car looked really good in Okenite White. 

The cabin is upmarket, typically Peugeot, with gorgeous materials and trims and a nice sweep to the dash. This top specced car had black inner roof lining, aluminium front door sills, lovely Alcantara soft touch materials. Well-bolstered, ergonomically designed bucket seats were sporty and comfy; front ones can be heated. Seats had manual adjustments. They are certified by the German Action Gesumder Rucken Association, which campaigns for healthier backs and offers optimal support to prevent spinal pain through extensive adjustments. 

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Peugeot’s i-Cockpit features a flat top, compact steering wheel, a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a similarly sized, centrally located touchscreen, the latter mid-dash with beautiful graphics. It comes with Peugeot I-Connect Advanced, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, built-in navigation and voice recognition. A trip planner with charging station integration is included in the infotainment system.

Below the touchscreen are five virtual i-Toggle buttons for shortcuts, and a row of physical buttons for climate control, fan, screen demisters, as well as a volume knob. The 10-inch customisable digital instrument panel shows all the necessary information including your current speed. But when adjusting the steering wheel to suit your driving position, make sure the top of the wheel doesn’t block your vision of your speed. Paddles off the steering wheel manage up to three levels of regeneration.

The user-friendly Stellantis flick-switch transmission shifter is on the split level central console. 

Features include wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, dual zone climate control, a decent glovebox and door bins, and a storage area beneath the twin-door front armrest. 

Rear space is much better than you would expect from a coupe-style car with OK headroom for tall people and best-in-class knee room, aided by deep indents on the front seatbacks. The transmission tunnel isn't high enough to impede foot space. There are two Isofix child seat anchors in the rear; seats split 60/40 and the middle seat back comes down to provide a hatch to the boot.

The power tailgate provides wide access to the boot. Luggage capacity is a very decent 470 litres that can expand to 1,545 litres with rear seats folded using a lever in the boot. The hybrid version provides 536 litres. An area below the floor is for storing cables and puncture repair kit. 

The entry Allure trim features keyless entry, 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 180-deg colour reversing camera with wash system with rear sensors, LED headlights, automatic dual zone air conditioning, high beam assist, extended traffic sign recognition, and cruise control. The upper-level GT trim adds more Peugeot shield badging, a drive assist plus pack that includes adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and the foot operated power tailgate.

Safety features include automatic emergency breaking (detects pedestrian and cyclists, day or night; collision risk warning, long-range blind spot monitors on side mirrors, and rear cross traffic alert - ideal for busy supermarket carparks! 

The E-408 features a 210hp electric motor with 345 Nm of torque paired with a high-efficiency 58 kWh battery (under the floor to preserve interior space), offering up to 453km WLTP range and a heat pump that helps maintain range in cold weather. An 11 kW AC onboard charger comes as standard; you can fast charge from 20-80 per cent in just over 30 minutes or quick charge to add 100km in 10 minutes. 

E-408 offers a comfy and very refined drive experience over all types of roads making it ideal for urban or country journeys. The suspension seemed to glide over rural roads where I live while the 453km range is practical for daily commuters, especially those with home chargers. Visibility was good out front/side when approaching roundabouts; rear visibility was hindered somewhat by the car’s coupe styling. Drive modes are Eco, Normal and Sport. 

The 2025 Peugeot 408 maintains a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating, based on testing carried out in late 2022. 

Peugeot offers a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and three-year EV Service Plan. Annual road tax is €120 for the all-electric and €190 for the Hybrid145.

The Hybrid145hp and E-408 start at €38,995; the E-408 GT from €43,995 (electric price includes SEAI grant and VRT rebate).