The 2024 Peugeot 408 GT oozes style and uniqueness with its angular body lines and fastback looks. It comes in just one trim level, as a plug-in hybrid (with a full hybrid and refreshed design on the way in 2025).
Decidedly European, it’s instantly recognisable. The Blue Obsession colour of our test vehicle is the standout hue too, with hints of green, blue and even purple shining through, depending on the light.
That’s not bad for a paint you don’t even pay extra for, especially when you consider that the more traditional white, silver and black, along with Elixir Red, all have an additional cost. So to does the $2,000 sunroof, meaning the 408 GT will set you back $67,990.
The price is before on-roads, but you get plenty for your money. There is the signature cat-like front, as well as Peugeot’s new badges, which adorn the front doors as well as the front and rear of the vehicle.
The long DRL’s in the front bumper provide that distinctive Peugeot look and serve double duty as the indicators when activated. The side profile shows off the fastback shape as well as a bunch of creases, as part of the brand’s current design language.
The unique design of the 408’s 20-inch rims make a visual statement, which we weren’t initially a fan of, but we grew to like them. An angular spoiler over the rear glass, and some detailed 3D-style taillights adorn the rear, along with a very plastic-looking rear bumper.
Inside, you’ll find some comfortable Nappa leather seats, with front passengers treated to electric adjustability, heating and a plethora of massage options. Gone are the ‘piano key’ buttons for the display (a feature from the 508).
These have been replaced with a customisable touchscreen interface and some classy looking switchgear underneath. In front of the driver is the new i-Cockpit 3D, which layers different elements over others in an effect that provides a bit of depth.
Displays can be customised to the driver’s liking in addition to several default layouts. The arrangement is familiar for returning Peugeot drivers but can take some getting used to over a traditional interior layout.
The 408 has a higher seating position than a regular car as well, so we found getting the right driving position with the i-Cockpit took some finessing. That aside, the dashboard has a very modern look, with a lot of clean surface area on show.
There is also plenty of bright green contrast stitching throughout, which calls to Peugeot Sport’s branding; the same happens when selecting the Sport drive mode, with the dash and display lighting changing to bright green.
You’ll find convenient places for your phone and twin cupholders under a retractable cover and some other storage areas around and under the centre armrest. The transmission selector is a plastic switch with buttons for Park and B/Brake mode.
A plastic rocker switch lets you change between the three drive modes (Eco and Hybrid being the other two). What is missing is a wireless charging pad, but you do get cord-free Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This feels like a weird omission, especially in GT trim.
The second row is a little bare too, and while there are air-conditioning vents and USB ports, Australia misses out on a fold down armrest and cupholders. It puts a bit of a dent in the idea of the 408 being a decent family car and grand tourer.
Headroom is pretty good though, especially in a fastback-style car like this, but we’d be ticking the sunroof box to brighten the darkened interior. Each of the three rear seats feature a tether point in the back, while the outer seats have ISOFIX connectors.
For those longer trips, the 408’s boot capacity is a very reasonable 471-litres, which grows to 1,545-litres with the second row folded. Being a plug-in hybrid, it’s powered by a 1.6-litre four cylinder engine and a 12.4kwH lithium ion battery.
The combination offers a combined 165kW and 360Nm, driving the front wheels in a car that’s no slouch in putting down the power. It doesn’t really feature any sporty sort of exhaust note, or steering and suspension feel though.
Sport mode does improve the acceleration but we also don’t imagine many owners of the 408 will be carving through tight mountain passes too enthusiastically. Fuel consumption is a claimed 1.3-litres/100km, with 60km WLTP electric-only driving range.
In our time with the car, we saw 1.8-litres/100km and were mostly able to cover our regular 50km or so commute in electric mode. A single parking assist camera is included in the rear bumper, but we do feel the competition does a better job.
There’s not much to help you in keeping those unique 20’s away from kerbs and the reverse camera is also used to create the top down 360-degree view on the infotainment display. It only shows you the ground you’ve travelled over though.
It’s a strange setup that’s only really useful for reversing manoeuvres. The final top down image can often be distorted too, curving the parallel lines of a parking. Peugeot’s standard warranty covers 5-years and unlimited kilometres.
Impressively, servicing intervals are annual or every 20,000km, which is a lot of mileage compared to others. The brand offers some servicing packages and the battery is covered for 8-years or 160,000km.
The 2024 Peugeot 408 GT PHEV is a decent car overall, that’s bundled up in a genuinely unique and beautiful looking package, with unmistakable Peugeot design flair. Yet it somehow falls short of being all that it could be.
The lack of a wireless charger and omitting a rear armrest and cupholders for the second row will take away some of its potential desirability. If that led to cars like this going missing from Australian roads, well that would be the biggest shame of all.
You can find out more on the Peugeot Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Credit One, Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Peugeot Australia for independent review purposes. Images supplied.
