New Peugeot 508 PSE to make production-ready debut

Peugeot will use the Geneva motor show to launch the production-ready version of its 508 PSE performance saloon, which previews a range of electric performance vehicles.

Shown in concept form at last year's event, the PSE – named in reference to Peugeot's in-house Sport Engineering arm – uses a 197bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 110bhp electric motor to drive the front axle, while a separate 200bhp electric motor powers the rear.

The same powertrain features in the PSA Group's new range of mid-sized hybrid SUVs: the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 and Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4.

Peugeot claims the 508 PSE can hit 62mph in 4.3sec and a mechanically limited top speed of 155mph.

An 11.8kWh battery allows for a range of 31 miles in electric-only mode. When operating as a hybrid, the 508 PSE emits 49g/km of CO2.

Visual changes from the regular 508 come in the form of a redesigned front bumper, a rear diffuser and aerodynamic-enhancing winglets mounted on the wings.

Design elements such as the carbonfibre door mirrors and air-grabbing front valance hint at the model's performance aspirations, while the anodised Lion emblem pays tribute to the e-Legend concept of 2018.

Inside, grey-and-black Alcantara upholstery surrounds a touch-sensitive shift lever, asymmetrical steering wheel and 10.0in touchscreen. Bright green interior stitching and exterior trim accents break up the dark colour scheme.

David Peel, managing director of Peugeot UK, said the concept "shows what is possible and gives us a taste of things to come over the next five years as we continue the path towards the electrification of our entire line-up".

Peugeot first hinted at its ambitions to produce a range of electric performance vehicles when it pulled out of the World Rallycross Championship in 2018.

Although production hasn't been confirmed for the 508 PSE, the concept previews the technology and design of future performance EVs from Peugeot that could go on sale as early as this year.