Peugeot 508 Plug-in Hybrid Engine Review

For much of its life, the plug-in hybrid was the Peugeot 508 that made the most sense in the UK, at least for company-car drivers. Low official CO2 figures kept benefit-in-kind tax down, and the electric motor makes the big Fastback and SW feel more effortless than the 130 hp petrol and diesel versions. There were three plug-in versions, ranging from sensible to seriously quick.

The Three 508 Plug-in Hybrids

All three combine a 1.6-litre PureTech turbo petrol engine with electric power, a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery and Peugeot's 8-speed e-EAT8 electric automatic gearbox. These figures come from the English Peugeot 508 owner's handbook:

Hybrid 225: Inside the Numbers

Peugeot's brochure breaks the Hybrid 225's system down further:

• Petrol engine: 1,598 cc, 181 hp (133 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb ft) at 3,000 rpm
• Electric motor: 81 kW (about 110 hp), with 320 Nm (236 lb ft) available from 500 to 2,500 rpm
• System total: 225 hp (165 kW) and 360 Nm (266 lb ft)

The key detail is where the electric motor's torque comes in: almost from a standstill. That's why the hybrid 508 pulls away so smoothly and feels faster in everyday driving than its power figure suggests. The petrol engine takes over at higher speeds.

PSE Hybrid4 360: The Performance Flagship

The Peugeot Sport Engineered 508 adds a second electric motor on the rear axle, giving it all-wheel drive. Peugeot quotes a system total of 355-360 hp (265 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb ft). It also has a lower towing limit than the front-wheel-drive hybrids.

Fuel Economy: Read the Small Print

Peugeot's WLTP combined figures were 1.0-1.5 l/100 km for the Hybrid 225 and 1.8 l/100 km for the PSE. Like all plug-in hybrid figures, these assume you start with a fully charged battery. To get anywhere near them, you need to:

• Charge regularly, ideally every night at home or at work
• Use the electric range for short, everyday journeys
• Accept that on long motorway trips the car mostly runs on petrol

If you can't charge, the BlueHDi 130 diesel will often be more economical in practice.

Charging and Driving Tips

• Charging: a home wallbox is the best option for daily use; a domestic socket works but takes much longer. Charging times depend on your car's on-board charger and the supply, so check the handbook.
• Hybrid mode lets the car manage the two power sources for you. It's the best setting for most journeys.
• Electric mode keeps the petrol engine off while there's enough charge. Use it in town and for low-emission zones.
• Regenerative braking: slowing down with the gearbox in B mode (where fitted) recovers more energy back into the battery.

Who Should Buy One?

A 508 plug-in hybrid is ideal if you can charge at home, do mostly short to medium journeys, or run it as a company car. The PSE suits buyers who want a fast, discreet, all-weather saloon or estate. High-mileage drivers who can't plug in are better off with the diesel.

Compare all the engines in our Peugeot 508 engine and performance review, or read the full Peugeot 508 review.