Peugeot 508 SW estate review

Verdict - Is the Peugeot 508 SW a good car?

While the estate version of the Peugeot 508, known as the Peugeot 508 SW, may not be as sleek and low-slung as its standard hatchback counterpart, the extra practicality and boot space it offers thanks to a longer, taller roof and extended length means it’s a more attractive package for buyers after more space for people and luggage.

Peugeot 508 SW models, specs and alternatives

The practicality the 508 SW estate offers is competitive when compared to other estates on the market; while it may not match the Skoda Superb’s vast boot space – nothing in this class currently does – the 508 SW does offer more luggage space than a Mazda6 Tourer, BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class. The 508 SW’s wide opening, flat loading lip and powered tailgate makes the boot easy to access, too.

While some of the standard 508’s design is lost in the transition to an estate model, it’s undoubtedly still a handsome car. The increased headroom in the back will also be much more comfortable for tall back-seat passengers, making the 508 SW a much better choice if you intend to ferry adults or older children around.

The 508 SW has been designed to appeal to company-car buyers first and foremost, so Peugeot has pulled out all the stops to make its engines as efficient as possible. Although many manufacturers are ditching diesel engines, the 508 SW is still available with a choice of diesel, petrol and hybrid powertrains. 

The 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine is exceptional, with CO2 emissions of 115g/km equating to a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating and up to 64.1mpg fuel economy, plus a towing capacity of 1,500kg. The petrol option is a 1.2-litre PureTech engine which is capable of up to 50mpg and can tow up to 1,290kg. Both the diesel and petrol produce 129bhp. The hybrid option is capable of 222bhp, with fuel economy of up to 274.8mpg thanks to the ability to run solely on electricity for up to a claimed 40 miles per charge. The hybrid models have a towing capacity of 1,330kg.

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There’s a second hybrid option known as the Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) variant, with 355bhp. It’s the most powerful production model Peugeot has ever made and is capable of getting from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds. Both will be appealing to company-car drivers; BiK costs will be around two-thirds cheaper than the diesel.

Despite big wheels (up to 19-inches on GT and GT Premium versions), there's a compliance to the 508's suspension that ensures it doesn't thunk over bumps but it still remains planted at higher speeds. A small steering wheel helps it feel agile too, even if it's not quite as precise as a BMW 3 Series Touring overall.

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At a more relaxed pace the 508 SW feels accomplished, and there's more time to enjoy its interior, which is a highlight. Fresh design for the class sees digital instruments fitted as standard, thanks to Peugeot's quirky I-Cockpit layout. A second central display tilts towards the driver and offers infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the option of a high-end Focal stereo.

It all adds up to make the Peugeot 508 SW an exciting car in a struggling segment, largely deserted in favour of SUVs. It's not as big as a Skoda Superb, or quite as sharp as a Mazda6 Tourer, but the 508 SW isn't far off, has low running costs and arguably the most interesting interior in the class. In Allure Premium trim, the 508 SW with a 1.5-litre diesel automatic offers a lot of flair and space for around £30,000.