When it comes to cars that stand out from the crowd, the Peugeot 408 GT easily commands attention. With its sharp lines, feline-inspired accents, and a unique combination of fastback styling and crossover practicality, the 408 is a car that resists easy categorization. Is it a sedan? A crossover? An SUV? After spending some time behind the wheel, I’ve decided to simply call it a crossover—a beautifully designed one at that.
The Peugeot 408 doesn’t try to fit neatly into one box, and that’s exactly what makes it special. Let’s dive into what makes this car such a head-turner, starting with its striking design.
Design: Sharp, Distinctive, and Full of Character
One look at the Peugeot 408 and you’ll notice its angular, almost sculpted design. It’s as if every surface of this car was carved by a scalpel, creating a shape that plays with light and shadow. Whether it’s the pointy front wings, the sleek headlights, or the edgy roof winglets, the 408’s exterior is full of sharp facets that change with the light. It’s the perfect contrast to Mazda’s flowing, curvy designs, making the Peugeot 408 the bold, edgy alternative.
Then there are the details that Peugeot cleverly integrates into the car’s theme—those two LED light strips at the front? They’re called fangs, adding a playful nod to the brand’s lion logo. The winglets at the rear? Cat ears. But it’s not all for show; these elements actually help channel air more efficiently to the bootlid spoiler, enhancing the car’s aerodynamics.
The 20-inch alloy wheels exclusive to the GT trim are another standout feature, though I’m still undecided on their design. Maybe they’ll look better when they’re in motion.
Interior: A High-Tech, Driver-Centric Experience
Step inside the Peugeot 408, and the dashboard immediately grabs your attention. It’s not like the minimalist, sleek designs found in many modern cars. Instead, the 408 features a multi-tiered dashboard with an unusual layout that draws you in. The air vents are positioned high up—ideal for quickly cooling down the cabin—and the design gives off a dynamic, layered effect that’s rarely seen today.
At the heart of the cabin is Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit. This driver-centric layout places all the key controls, displays, and switches within easy reach. The 10-inch touchscreen serves as the central hub for interacting with the car’s functions, while the lower i-Toggle screen acts as a customizable shortcut menu for your most-used settings. It’s a clever touch that makes navigating through the car’s tech a breeze.
One feature I particularly appreciated is the physical climate control buttons. While pressing them does bring up a digital screen for further adjustment, having actual buttons for quick changes is a nice nod to convenience. And for audiophiles, the physical volume knob makes controlling the Focal speaker system simple and satisfying.
Behind the compact, unique steering wheel, you’ll find a high-tech digital instrument cluster. The screen has a cool floating effect thanks to its dual-layer design, though the high placement of the cluster means you might have a portion of it blocked unless you adjust the steering wheel just right. Despite that, the steering wheel itself is comfortable, grippy, and adds to the sporty vibe of the cabin.
Comfort and Practicality: Designed for Driving Pleasure
Peugeot hasn’t overlooked comfort in the 408, especially when it comes to the front seats. These seats come with an impressive seal of approval from AGR, a German association dedicated to ergonomics and back health. Not only are they supportive, but they also come with massage functions offering eight different treatments. While the massages focus mainly on your back, they’re still a welcome luxury feature, especially on longer drives.
The materials inside the cabin are a mix of fabrics, soft-touch plastics, and even some neon yellow stitching on the door cards to add a pop of color. The rear seats are roomy enough for passengers, and the boot space is respectable. However, the low, sloping roofline limits your ability to store tall items when the seats are down.
Performance: Turbocharged Power and Agile Handling
Under the hood, the Peugeot 408 GT packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering 218hp and 300Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine is responsive and eager to push the car forward. The 408 loves to sprint, and while the official 0-100 kph time is listed at 8.8 seconds, it feels faster when you’re behind the wheel.
There are three driving modes to choose from—Eco, Normal, and Sport. While Eco mode tries to keep things efficient (though I didn’t manage to hit the claimed 7.56 liters per 100 km), Sport mode unleashes the full potential of the engine, making the 408 feel lively and quick off the line.
Where the 408 truly shines is in its handling. The steering is sharp and responsive, giving the car a level of agility you wouldn’t expect from something this long. The suspension strikes a perfect balance between firmness and comfort. It’s stiff enough to prevent excessive body roll in corners, yet soft enough to glide over bumps without jarring the passengers. It’s a joy to drive, whether you’re cruising through city streets or tackling twisty mountain roads.
Final Thoughts: A Stylish and Versatile Crossover
The Peugeot 408 GT is a car that defies simple categorization. It blends fastback styling with crossover practicality, all while delivering an engaging driving experience. Peugeot has designed a car that’s not only fun to drive but also comfortable and packed with thoughtful features.
While some may find the exterior design polarizing, there’s no denying that it’s unique—and in a world of cookie-cutter crossovers, that’s a big win. The 408 GT is a standout vehicle for drivers who want style, performance, and a bit of flair in their daily commute. It may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate Peugeot’s bold design language, the 408 is a compelling choice.
