Driven: Peugeot 408 GT – Fancy A Crossover With Le Différence?

For some, a double-take is required before they're convinced that the 408 is indeed a crossover SUV-type thing...

Wait A Minute… It’s A Crossover SUV?

Yes, it is. In case you missed it, the third model from the renowned Stellantis-owned French silver lion marque to carry the 408 moniker is a very different thing altogether from its two predecessors – they were both traditional sedans by design and build.

This third iteration of the 408 instead sees the legacy French automaker go down the crossover SUV route, and not in the most traditional of senses as evidenced by the design it wear which, to put kindly, is best described as ‘very striking’ to say the least.

Looks aside, there are some surprising merits spurred by this sedan-to-crossover switch, especially in range-topping ‘GT’ guise featured. Yes, there is indeed plenty to look forward to in what we reckon is a very ‘unique’ left-field French number.

Apart from the double-take, many onlookers also tend to liken this French left-field number with a certain SUV with the famed Italian raging bull emblem.

It Looks Edgy, Almost Like An Urus!

We’re glad you think so. In truth, this is a subjective matter to gauge, but there’s indeed plenty of striking styling elements Peugeot incorporated in this 408 crossover redux to make it somewhat appealing. Key to which is of course the un-traditional ‘fastback’ or ‘liftback’ design. 

Couple that with the plethora of overly sharp and creased lines this 408 seems to have in abundance from almost every angle, and it’s easy to see how some tend to liken this Pug’ with a certain sharply-styled and quick SUV that bears the Italian raging bull emblem.

LED DRLs and LED taillight cluster forming a 'fang' up front and 'claw' at the rear respectively is a signature design trait of modern Peugeot models.

Exclusive to this GT range-topper are its 20-inch Monolithe Black rolling stock. Depending on who you ask, these can divide opinion, but they're undeniably striking.

What is certainly ‘very uniquely Peugeot’ here too is the distinct ‘fangs’ and ‘claws’ shaped by the LED DRLs up front and the LED taillight cluster respectively. Sure, these are traits seen in other contemporary Peugeot models, but these arguably look better in this 408.

Perhaps the only disagreement here for some – or most – stem from the rather outlandish yet proportionally massive 20-inch Monolithe Black alloy wheels this range-topping GT variant rolls on. Indeed, you either love them, or you don’t…

While it looks great, the Peugeot i-Cockpit design ethos does have several caveats, namely the compact (small) steering wheel and peculiar driver seat ergonomics.

How’s Life On The Inside?

Step into the 408 GT’s cabin and the story is very much typically Peugeot here – for better or worse. Obviously, one annoying kink of the swoopy liftback styling is the slightly reduced headroom for rear passengers resulting from the acutely steep roofline.

Unless you frequently ferry folks with six-foot-plus tall physiques on the regular in the back seat, this isn’t a deal-breaker, more so considering how Peugeot still kept this stylish look and stance without sacrificing on general space and comfort – and a practically large boot.

The steeply-raked roofline does rob a little headroom, but thankfully Peugeot still endowed the 408 with respectable large standard boot space of 536 litres. Bonus: said boot is accessible via a powered liftgate too.

For the GT guise as tested, the rich use of understatedly plush black leather upholstery covering the seats sees basic comforts sorted, as does the odd but equally stylish and understated suede-like fabric door panel and dash trims, which also adds some much needed contrast.

Typical of contemporary Peugeot models, what needs getting used to is the ‘i-Cockpit’ design that bring both a rather ‘compact’ – read: small – steering wheel and its peculiar driver ergonomics resulting from which.

Getting the ergonomics set-up right takes time in the 408 due to the aforementioned small steering wheel, as well as the positions of both the 10-inch digital instrument panel and driver seat itself.

Depending on your physique, it will take time to adjust both the seat and steering wheel position so as not to block your view of the 10-inch digital instrument panel. Perhaps this is the only caveat to an otherwise novel and very modern cabin design. 

Sure, plenty of ‘traditional’ segment peers are available that offer equal levels of luxe with significantly more space abound. However, there’s just something about Peugeot’s left-field charm that tends to woo those seeking something a tad more fine and different.

Besides power-adjustment and memory function, the front seats in the 408 GT also sports multi-mode massage function.

What About Kit And Amenities?

In range-topping GT guise as pictured, levels for both are naturally very high, and we’ll head straight into some key highlights starting with the power-adjustable front seats bolstered with both memory and multi-mode massage functions.

Next, the GT also sees the 10-inch digital instrument panel mentioned boast an added ‘3D View’ effect, though like the exterior’s 20-inch wheels, you’ll either love or hate this. Thankfully, there is a way to switch this off and use a traditional ‘2D’ display instead.

10-inch digital instrument panel display is indeed very interactive, and boasts a novel 3D view effect. However, the latter might not be everyone's cup of tea.

10-inch touchscreen infotainment features  connectivity function such as navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Present below  is a customisable 10-inch 'i-Toggle' touch panel, but both prove to be fingerprint magnets.

Whilst on displays still, there’s 10-inch touchscreen infotainment primed front and centre in the dash offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but it’s the ‘i-Toggle’ touchscreen panel below which featuring customisable shortcuts that sets this unit apart from most others.

Thankfully, the ‘i-Cockpit’ design ethos mentioned also includes aviation-inspired switches and toggles primed in the centre console and stack, which grants access to key amenities like the climate control, as well as core functions like both the drive mode and gear selector.

Another highlight in this GT range-topper is its adoption of a 10-speaker Focal Premium audio suite which, once tuned right, can sound pretty amazing. Otherwise, a wireless charging pad, adequate count of USB charging ports, as well keyless entry and ignition, are all accounted for here.

Predictably, the switchover from saloon to lifted crossover SUV does have its pros and cons...

How Does It Drive Then?

We’ll be the firs to admit that this is a mixed bag at best. Firstly, there’s some genuinely good traits here, like the soft, supple and very comfortable ride. This is perhaps one of the biggest bonus borne out of the switch from saloon to high-riding crossover SUV with longer-travel suspension.

The trade-off to this is of course losing out on that sure-footed, planted and seemingly precise agility of a more grounded sedan or saloon – something this 408’s last two predecessors somewhat got right. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker versus what we have to say next.

The 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill's 215 HP and 300 NM outputs aren't sluggish, but we can't deny a little more pep would've sweeten things. thankfully, the 8-speed automatic box paired with it is a slick and smooth operator. 

Indeed, the switch from sedan to SUV also brings added weight and heft, and this is evident in how this crossover’s powertrain tends to overwork itself at times. Nevertheless, the 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill’s 215 HP and 300 NM outputs are respectable, as is its 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 8.8 secs.

The fact that you’ll need to milk the mill out more than others, especially during highway overtakes, all begs one to ask if a little more displacement and pep would help. That aside though, there’s little to gripe with the powertrain, especially with the 8-speed automatic box’s slick action.

While not as nimble or sure-footed as its sedan predecessors, the crossover SUV-reduxed 408 is indeed as very comfortable thing to drive.

One saving grace here is the respectably low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels this 408 GT’s cabin and chassis is endowed with – a trait widely expected of any legacy continental make, French ones like Peugeot included. 

Nevertheless, we’re certain that should one take the time and adapt to this powertrain, then perhaps it wouldn’t feel to off over the long-term. Sure, this package is far from perfect, but the next set of facts could perhaps soften the blow a little…

Range-topping GT variant also benefits with a slew of ADAS features. plus a 360-degree surround view parking camera.

Is It Safe At The Very Least?

Yes! Specifically, this range-topping GT variant stand as the safest in its range thanks to its adoption of several Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features as standard. Included here is an Adaptive Cruise Control suite, front collision warning (FCW) with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot detection (BSD), as well as rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), amongst many.

By the, all that comes on top of core basics that includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic stability programme (ESP), hill-start assist, traffic-light recognition, as well as all-around parking sensors plus a 360-degree parking view monitor. Overall, it’s pretty apt to see that this GT range-topper is very much fully-loaded on this front too.

Should I Bother?

We won’t disagree that it’s going to take a lot convincing for anyone to venture this far into the segment’s left-field. Those willing to do so might just arguably reward themselves with a strikingly stylish and highly-equipped alternative as the 408 GT tested.

That’s really the only real challenge towards the Peugeot 408 in any variant, nevermind its price. Speaking of which, should everything we detailed about this GT range-topper tickles your fancy though, then you’d arguably agree its RM196,055 price tag stands somewhat justified.

Adding to which too are the rather convincing after-sales packages offered from parent firm Stellantis Malaysia. Present amongst which is a rather lengthy 7-year or 200,000 KM warranty option, which should make it arguably easier for anyone to say ‘oui’ to this French alternative…

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