Peugeot 408 (2026 - ) review

The 408 is a large car with a commanding presence. This inspires confidence, though having such a small steering wheel in a big car can make the 408 feel wider than it really is, particularly on tight country lanes. All models come with a range of safety systems including lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and a speed limiter with other useful features including rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Higher trim levels gain front parking sensors, a fancier 360-degree camera system and bind spot monitoring as standard which some trims will allow you to add these as part of an optional package.

We do think Peugeot could improve its infotainment layout, though, as even with short cut buttons, functions like adjusting the fan speed or temperature are overly reliant on the touch-screen, which distracts attention away from the road.

The comfort level in the 408 greatly depends on where you are sitting. In the front, the 408 feels plush and spacious. In fact, we would go so far as to say Peugeot’s interior quality gives Audi a run for its money, blending stylish design with cosseting seats. However, while legroom is generous in the back, the headroom is severely reduced by the sloping roofline – taller occupants are required to fold themselves up like an accordion. Then there’s the long boot which isn’t as roomy as you’d expect for a car of this size because the shallow, slanting tailgate reduces the space making it unsuitable for larger items or dogs.

As with all Peugeot’s the small steering wheel sits below the driver display and it’s worth trying before you buy to check this set-up works for you. Once you get out on the road the 408 is most at home at a motorway cruise where it is quiet, composed and comfortable. Yet, on smaller roads it is a noticeably wide and heavy car, which is particularly apparent in the corners.

All versions are relatively well-equipped, though only the electric model gets heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. We love the look of the ‘i-Cockpit’ which provides a sporty and modern look, yet despite the addition of some new 3D graphics, the infotainment is still fiddly to use. Despite the configurable ‘i-Toggle’ shortcuts and some physical shortcut buttons it’s still all too easy to end up stupefied by the maze of submenus.

On the outside there’s a new standard paint colour – Flare Green Metallic – and in addition to the new front light signature, higher level trims get an illuminated front badge, too, while at the rear all models get ‘PEUGEOT’ spelt out in red lights.

Peugeot offers the 408 with a range of fuel types to suit your needs. The mild hybrid is surprisingly nippy despite having a tiny petrol engine – it does growl when you jam your foot to the floor, but it still perfectly capable of joining busy motorways without running out of puff. While it can’t cover any meaningful distances using only electricity, it can complete short manoeuvres without firing up the engine.

By contrast the plug-in hybrid now provides up to 50 miles of all-electric range according to official figures. This packs considerably more power than the mild hybrid, but it is a car of two halves: in EV mode it is very smooth, quiet and responsive, while the petrol engine is comparatively noisy and sluggish when it takes over.

To avoid this jarring switch between fuel types the electric E-408 is undoubtedly the smoothest operator of them all with instant power allowing for a much more zen-like experience for up to 283 miles on a single charge.