If the current 508 does not meet with the hoped-for success, Peugeot has no intention of abandoning the family category. A new electric generation is therefore in the pipeline.
Launched in 2018, the current 508 will soon be restyled. A facelift that will allow it to last a few more years. But then ? What will become of the model?
We could have imagined a disastrous fate for him, as the category is in great difficulty, obviously because of competition from SUVs and crossovers. Moreover, aware of this decline, Peugeot had bet on a new formula for the 508, adding a good dose of sex appeal, the sedan eyeing the five-door coupe and the SW towards the shooting station wagon. This was not enough to boost sales. Even if the objectives were modest, they were not achieved.
However, the 508 should have a sequel, even if Peugeot will gradually switch to all-electric. A few weeks ago, Linda Jackson, boss of the brand, indicated that the Lion intends to keep the same range structure. The boss therefore seems to be attached to the standard bearer at the top of the offer.
In addition, during the presentation of its strategy in terms of electric vehicles, Peugeot released an image giving a taste of its next family of models inspired by the Inception concept. In the dark, you could guess a typical sedan silhouette. And besides, the Inception concept is a sedan, proof that the future is not all-SUV for brands.
Illustration that the sedan is not dead, Tesla has completely relaunched the family category with the Model 3. And the first BMW of the Neue Klasse family will be a Series 3 sedan. a new electric 508 would tackle.
Peugeot could however change the formula, and give elevated looks to the car, even crossover. This is the path taken by the 408. If it is successful, that would confirm Peugeot in this direction of the SUV-tinted sedan.
On the technical side, Peugeot’s next flagship must be based on the STLA Large platform, which served as the basis for the Intention. This platform is promised with autonomy up to 800 km.
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