New Peugeot 408 Launched: Inside the Fastback’s Design, Power, and Key Specs

Saudi Arabia: The New Peugeot 408 brings together the look of a fastback with the practicality expected from an everyday car. Its sharply sculpted bodywork, distinctive lighting signature, and sloping silhouette give it a sporty presence, while the cabin focuses on comfort, space, and Peugeot's latest i-Cockpit layout. In Saudi Arabia, the 408 is offered with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces 215 hp and 300 Nm and has a combined fuel consumption of 14 km/L.

Fastback design with a distinctive face

The 408's most obvious feature is its fastback silhouette, combining a dynamic profile with the proportions of a practical five-door model. Peugeot describes the exterior as having sculpted and faceted bodywork, with sharply defined lines throughout the car. Key exterior highlights include:

• Fastback silhouette
• Sculpted and faceted bodywork
• Sharply sculpted lines
• Exclusive lighting signature
• Illuminated front face
• Piercing LED claws
• Bold red PEUGEOT rear signature
• Illuminated rear PEUGEOT lettering
• Striking rear design
• Flare Green body colour

The New Matrix LED technological headlights are available on the GT and GT Exclusive versions, which add a more advanced lighting setup to the higher-spec models.

1.6-litre turbo engine with 215 hp

Under the bonnet, the New Peugeot 408 is equipped with 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

Specification	New Peugeot 408
Engine	1.6-litre turbocharged
Maximum power	215 hp
Maximum torque	300 Nm
Peak torque	2,000 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Combined fuel consumption	14 km/L

408's other highlights include responsive handling and elevated driving position, ensuring a combined driving experience with everyday usability.

Inside the Peugeot i-Cockpit

The cabin is built around Peugeot's latest i-Cockpit, with the controls positioned to make key functions easy to access. The setup includes a compact steering wheel, head-up cluster and configurable controls with i-Toggles. The digital-focused dashboard also features a 3D digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch HD touchscreen. The cabin's technology highlights include:

• PEUGEOT i-Cockpit
• Compact steering wheel
• 3D digital instrument cluster
• 10-inch HD touchscreen
• Configurable i-Toggles
• Integrated steering-wheel controls
• Paddle shifters
• Push-button start

The overall layout is designed around the driver, with the compact steering wheel and digital displays positioned as central elements of the driving experience.

A spacious cabin for five

The Peugeot 408 features a sporty fastback profile while maintaining generous passenger space. The rear gets dedicated climate vents, and the use of refined materials and high-end seats creates a spacious lounge-like environment for all the occupants. 

Interior measurement	Figure
Front elbow width	1,443 mm
Front chest height	891 mm
Rear elbow width	1,446 mm
Rear knee room	188 mm
Rear chest height	850 mm

Practicality is another important part of the 408's package. The luggage compartment offers up to 536 litres of capacity with folding rear seats. 

Comfort and technology

Peugeot positions the 408 as more than just a sporty-looking fastback. Its cabin combines comfort-focused seating with connectivity and premium features. Highlights:

• Heated seats
• Massaging seats
• Refined interior details
• Generous rear space
• Premium sound
• Full connectivity
• Climate vents for rear passengers
• Wireless charging on GT
• Configurable i-Toggles

The GT takes the comfort equipment further with electrically adjustable front seats and memory functionality, along with massage and heating functions.

Driving aids and safety technology

The New 408 comes with a range of driving-assistance technologies designed to make daily driving and parking easier. Another highlight includes the Visio Park 3, which uses a 360-degree four-camera vision system to assist with parking. Driver Attention Alert monitors lane positioning to help maintain driver awareness.

• Active Lane Keep Assist
• Drive Assist Plus Pack
• Rear warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Front parking sensors
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear-view camera
• Visio Park 3
• 360-degree four-camera vision
• Driver Attention Alert

The exact availability of individual assistance functions varies by trim, so check for the trim you are getting. 

Peugeot 408 Allure vs GT

The GT adds several comfort and convenience features over the Allure. Here is a detailed comparison: 

Feature	Allure	GT
Keyless entry	Yes	Yes
10-inch HD touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Active Lane Keep Assist	Yes	Yes
3D configurable digital instrument cluster	Yes	Yes
Drive Assist Plus Pack	Yes	Yes
Front & rear parking sensors	Yes	Yes
Rear-view camera	Yes	Yes
Hands-free motorised tailgate	—	Yes
Wireless charger	—	Yes
Driver's seat	Standard	10-way electric + memory
Passenger seat	Standard	6-way electric
Massage function	—	Yes
Heated front seats	—	Yes

Allure

The Allure provides the core 408 technology package, including keyless entry, the 10-inch HD touchscreen, 3D configurable digital instrument cluster, Active Lane Keep Assist and the Drive Assist Plus Pack. It also gets front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

GT

The GT builds on the Allure with additional convenience and comfort equipment. Its additions include a hands-free motorised tailgate, wireless charger and upgraded front seats. The driver's seat gets 10-way electric adjustment with memory, while the passenger seat gets 6-way electric adjustment. The seats also feature lumbar adjustment, multipoint massage and heating.

Dimensions of the New Peugeot 408

The 408 measures 4,690 mm long, 1,848 mm wide and 1,480 mm high, excluding the wing mirrors for the quoted width figure.

Exterior dimension	Measurement
Length	4,690 mm
Width, excluding wing mirrors	1,848 mm
Height	1,480 mm

New Peugeot 408 verdict

The New Peugeot 408 stands out by combining a fastback design with a practical cabin and a sizeable 536-litre boot. Its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine produces 215 hp and 300 Nm, with power sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission. For buyers choosing between the two listed variants, the Allure covers the core technology and driver-assistance equipment, while the GT is the more comfort-focused option with its motorised tailgate, wireless charging and upgraded heated, massaging front seats.

Overall, the 408's combination of fastback styling, 215-hp turbocharged power, 14 km/L combined fuel consumption and 536-litre boot capacity gives it a distinctive position for buyers looking for something more design-led without giving up everyday practicality.

Also Read: Ferrari Purosangue: Four Doors, V12 Power and the Specs That Matter