√2024 Peugeot 508 facelift may go plug-in hybrid only in Australia

The updated version of Peugeot’s flagship may double down on plug-in hybrid power – but the starting price could soar to more than $80,000 before on-road costs.

The 2024 Peugeot 508 mid-size car appears set to axe solely petrol power – and move to plug-in hybrid propulsion only – when the updated model arrives in Australian showrooms either later this year or some time next year.

Australian government approval documents filed by Peugeot and seen by Drive show liftback and wagon body styles are expected to be retained for the facelifted 508 range.

However only the plug-in hybrid versions have been certified for Australia – with no sign of the standard petrol variants, even though they accounted for 85 per cent of Peugeot 508 sales last year.

MORE: 2024 Peugeot 508 facelift unveiled

If the standard petrol versions are axed – and there are no plans to reintroduce them at a later date – the starting price for the flagship Peugeot is expected to push beyond $80,000 plus on-road costs.

The current Peugeot 508 is priced from $63,431 to $65,657 plus on-road costs in petrol form; the 508 plug-in hybrid costs $81,610 plus on-road costs.

Prices may rise further for the updated model, to account for the new look, updated technology and any new standard featues.

An Australian launch for the updated Peugeot 508 has been confirmed, but arrival timing is yet to be announced.

When asked by Drive if the 508 will go plug-in hybrid (PHEV) only – or if standard petrol versions are planned – a Peugeot Australia spokesperson said:

“The new 508 and 508 Sportswagon are planned to launch in Australia. Further information on local product specifications will be announced when further … details for Australia are finalised.”

In the meantime, the pre-facelift 508 is due to add the option of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sportswagon before the end of next month, pending any delays.

The updated PHEV is set to retain the current car’s 133kW 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and 81kW electric motor, good for 165kW combined, and about 55km of electric driving range.

It is unclear why the petrol Peugeot 508 is in the firing line to be dropped, when it accounted for about 85 per cent of examples reported as sold last year, as reported by Drive in January.

It is possible the 165kW/300Nm version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sold in Australia is no longer being produced by the factory in France.

The sole petrol engine available to European buyers is a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder with 96kW – alongside a 1.5-litre diesel engine, and the Australia-bound plug-in hybrid.

There is no sign of the high-performance Peugeot Sport Engineered hybrid flagship in the Australian model range, which remains under consideration for local showrooms.

Standard features on the updated 508 will be confirmed closer to launch, though the government documents show 18- or 19-inch wheels will be available. The current model is fitted with 19-inch alloys.

Features available overseas include a 10-inch touchscreen with new software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (previously wired only), a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, nappa leather trim, and power-adjustable front seats with heating and massaging.

There is also a power-operated tailgate, sunroof, 10-speaker Focal premium sound system, matrix LED headlights, satellite navigation, and an array of advanced safety features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a night vision mode.

Stay tuned to Drive for more details on the 2024 Peugeot 508 as its eventual Australian arrival nears.

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