I currently tested the Peugeot 508 SW in the highest specification. Model 508 has already become quite a faithful "partner" for me, which I value above all for its excellent exterior design, well-functioning interior and above-average driving characteristics.
I have already tested the "Pětsetosma" and its "liftback" version twice in the past, and then I also got my hands on the younger "station wagon" version of the SW. Now we have a second station wagon, this time with the highest GT equipment. The currently tested "getéčko" also had the most powerful 130 kW two-liter diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic EAT8.
I have already written quite a lot about the successful 508 model in previous tests, so I will focus this review on the top GT equipment.
Sporting character, family ambitions
The Peugeot 508 SW very successfully follows its "liftback" sibling in its external appearance. The uniform front part bearing wide proportions has a typical light signature, which quite easily catches the eye of passers-by. Furthermore, we have a very low side silhouette of the car, which is also accompanied by frameless side door glazing in the estate body. The SW version will then offer a very elegant version of this body variant in the rear section. "Inflated" rear fenders and strict horizontal proportions look very effective. Horizontally oriented lamps based on the "liftback" design clearly underline the overall effect.
In terms of exterior design, the tested top-of-the-range GT does not differ significantly from the lower GT Line. Either the monogram on the front fenders or the design of the wheel discs becomes the distinguishing sign of these equipment. GT Line will offer 18" HIRONE rims, GT 18" SPERONE rims, the "goth" can also offer very decent 19" AUGUSTA rims.
Peugeot 508 SW is a very good car in terms of bodywork, its handsome low silhouette does take up the volume of the luggage compartment, but the resulting impression is definitely worth it.
GT interior and equipment
The interior of the 508 SW is quite clearly governed by the i-Cockpit principle, as well as very elegant and pleasing horizontal proportions. A 12.3" wide instrument display in front of the driver and air conditioning vents are integrated into the upper part of the dashboard. The fully digital display of the devices has very pleasant graphics and the displayed data can be set in different display modes. The next level of the dashboard, which similarly to the upper one elegantly follows the door panels, is dominated by the 10" on-board infotainment display. In its lower part there is an effective keyboard with individual controls. Under the notified keyboard, there are other controllers, but they do not have classic buttons, but are only touch-sensitive.
The massive inclined central panel connected to the dashboard is equipped with an automatic transmission selector, a driving mode selector, a start button or an electronic handbrake, and in the next part there is a storage box and drink holders.
In the interior, the GT equipment impresses at first glance with the treatment of the individual seats, which offer combined upholstery of ALCANTAR and black NAPPA leather. The tested car then had additional seats with a multi-point massage function, an electric lumbar support, full leather NAPPA upholstery with black stitching and, in the case of the driver's seat, two memory positions.
In the case of the "Gétéčka", the dashboard and side panels of the doors are lined with Zebrano wood decor, or Gray Oak decor at an additional cost. Also worth mentioning is the very effective dark ceiling upholstery available from the GT Line equipment. Then aluminum pedals and foot rest.
The GT equipment then has the FOCAL premium Hi-Fi system, which offers 9 speakers, a subwoofer located in the trunk and a total of 515 W of power. With the Allure and GT Line equipment, you can purchase this great music with an additional charge of CZK 25,000.
The luggage compartment of the 508 SW offers 530 liters of volume under the luggage compartment cover. With folded seats in the second row and up to the ceiling 1780 liters. Rails with sliding anchor eyes are part of the GT equipment (with additional equipment for an additional fee). In terms of floor plan dimensions, the luggage compartment of the 508 SW is not small at all, unfortunately, a certain price for beauty in the form of a low roof entails certain limitations in its height.
Engine for GT trim
The Peugeot 508 SW GT is only offered with a pair of power units. It is either a turbocharged PureTech gasoline sixteen-cylinder engine that offers 165 kW (225 hp), or a turbocharged two-liter diesel engine with 130 kW (177 hp). Both engines work only with the eight-speed automatic EAT8.
This time, a diesel-powered "getéčko" passed our editorial test. In addition to its 130 kW, it also offers a very respectable 400 Nm of torque and acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. The combination of a potent diesel power unit and an eight-speed automatic works very well. In most cases, the motorization is supported by a fast and suitable automatic gear shifter. All this with an average consumption of less than seven liters.
The 508 SW also offers the option of choosing a driving mode, in addition to the classic mode, there is also a SPORT mode, an ECO mode and a manual shift mode. The sports mode really revives the car noticeably, the reaction to the gas pedal changes and you can also feel the change from the steering itself. The ECO mode is the exact opposite of the sporty mode, the car's response to instructions from the gas pedal is very lukewarm.
The behavior of the chassis, steering and transmission depends on the selected driving mode. The Peugeot 508 can be supple and rocking, on the other hand, it can stiffen considerably and not have the slightest problem with dynamic driving.
Conclusion
You can buy the 508 SW model from 770,000 CZK including VAT, in the basic Active equipment with a diesel turbocharged BlueHDi 130 S&S and a manual six-speed gearbox. The basic Active equipment is also available with the mentioned diesel and an eight-speed automatic, then with the PureTech petrol sixteen-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic, or with the weaker of the two-liter diesels and again with an eight-speed automatic.
Next in order, the Allure equipment starts at CZK 895,000 including VAT, the GT Line at CZK 985,000 including VAT, and you can buy the tested top GT equipment from CZK 1,100,000 including VAT.
The Peugeot 508 scores points for me mainly thanks to its original and dynamic exterior style, also thanks to its balanced driving characteristics that can offer multiple positions and, last but not least, thanks to its imaginative interior. The SW variant gave it more practicality and fortunately did not take away any of its charm.
And what about the top GT equipment? The level of equipment is a matter of your priorities and requirements. Personally, I think that the Peugeot 508 slightly struggles with the higher purchase price, and in the case of the "goth" that starts at 1.1 million CZK, this problem is the most striking. On the other hand, the 508 model is such an interesting, handsome and original car that the highest equipment clearly belongs to it.
