508 Peugeot Sport Engineered unveiled

Petrol-electric concept hints at future production options for a high-performance 508 variant

We're another day closer to the Geneva show, and therefore another day into the usual parade of concepts which await an official unveiling on the Palexpo floor. Today it's Peugeot's turn, which has released details of a "high-performance, electrified" variant of its mid-size 508 saloon.

Although best known for its hot hatches, the venerable French manufacturer does have some previous when it comes to sporty saloons. Models like the legendary 405 Mi16 and V6-engined 605 SV have proven it doesn't have any trouble applying its successful recipe to larger models.

Of course, its latest concept doesn't do anything quite so last century as deploy a bigger engine in the business of going faster. An evolution of the new 508 Hybrid, the newcomer is dubbed the 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered, and is very much expected to follow its predecessor into production as Peugeot ramps up its efforts to offer electrified models across its entire range by 2023. The car's 1.6-litre PureTech engine is claimed to output 200hp; alongside a pair of 110hp and 200hp electric motors powering the front and rear wheels respectively. This allows the all-wheel drive 508 PSE to his 62mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

It also provides it with a 31-mile all-electric range, and WLTP-rated CO2 emissions of 49g/km when the petrol engine is required to kick in. Design-wise it's certainly not as dramatic as last year's e-Legend concept, being much closer to production ready than that car was. Therefore it makes do with a 3D-printed valance upon the new front bumper as well as subframe-mounted flaps and quarter panel winglets, all to improve air flow, and a new rear diffuser to use that air to the car's benefit.

There's a bespoke 'Selenium Grey' paint with highlighter yellow details, carbon fibre on the door mirrors and wheels and anodised badges. Inside, "comfort fit" seats show that despite its prodigious performance the priority is still on cosseting its occupants rather than outright speed, though swathes of Alcantara on the seats, steering wheel, ceiling, A-pillars and quarter panels should give things a sporty enough vibe.

Talking of the intent behind the concept, David Peel, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: "The work of everyone at Peugeot involved in developing our electric dream is starting to move faster than we ever thought possible. The 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered concept shows what is possible and gives us a taste of things to come over the next five years as we continue the path towards the electrification of our entire line-up." We look forward to seeing it in the metal next month.