Overview

We like the 508 SW, and it’s a stylish alternative to the traditional estate or SUV – but if you’re looking for the most practical option for your money, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s not exactly troubled the BMW 3 Series in the UK in terms of sales, but it’s doing well enough for the firm to have gone to the trouble of facelifting it for 2024 with a sharp new look and some welcome interior updates.

We think Peugeot has done rather well here. The 508 SW is sleek and stylish, and appeals to buyers who want some extra versatility, but wrapped up in a package that really looks the business. As such, it rivals the likes of the premium Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring.

Yet Peugeot’s still firmly a mainstream brand, so the 508 SW must also compare favourably with the Skoda Superb Estate and Volkswagen Passat Estate. It’s off to a great start with handsome styling, a wide range of powerful and efficient engines and an avant-garde interior that’s like nothing else in the class. But can its driving credentials back up the bold looks?

There’s petrol and plug-in hybrid engine options for the Peugeot 508 SW. The range is identical to the Fastback’s, so there’s a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol develing 130hp and a 225hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV). All are matched to an eight-speed automatic.

The latter marries a petrol engine with electric power and available at a price premium over the standard models and is good a claimed electric driving range of up to 39 miles. Don’t forget that there’s also the 360hp Peugeot Sport Engineered high-performance version, which gets its own review.

The model range is nice and simple, offering Allure and GT variations with both available engines. Standard equipment has been upgraded to include new HD reversing cameras, which offer a 360-degree view on the on GT. Smartphone connectivity has also been improved, with Wireless MirrorScreen for Apple Carplay and Android Auto – an area where the pre-facelift model struggled.

In addition, two USB-C ports can now be found inside the centre console storage for front passengers and two USB-A ports for rear passengers. It’s not a massive upgrade, but enough to keep things relevant. As you’d expect, it’s the GT that’s the most appealing here, with very fancy quilted leather upholstery, interesting carbon-effect dashboard trim and plenty of chrome.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Peugeot 508 SW, and whether these 2024 tweaks have been enough make it worth recommending.