Peugeot 408 2023: Australian release date confirmed for hybrid coupe SUV

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Peugeot Australia has confirmed that the 408 coupe SUV will be landing by late 2023. 

Set to go on sale in Australia first in plug-in hybrid guise, the 408 PHEV will join the recently-launched 308 GT Sport PHEV and 3008 PHEV in Peugeot’s growing electrified local line-up. 

Once on the ground in Australia, it’s likely that the 408 PHEV will face competition from the likes of other plugin hybrid SUVs such as the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV, Cupra Formentor VZe, and the BMW X3 xDrive30e.

Though the 408 is launching in PHEV guise, a Peugeot Australia spokesperson noted that the exclusively petrol-powered 408 has been homologated for the local market. 

With this in mind, Chasing Cars understands that it wouldn’t be outside the realms of possibility for the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol-powered 408 to be launched in Australia at a later date. 

Despite sharing the EMP2 platform and styling with the Citroen C4, the 408 adopts more of a sedan-like body style. It also gets a longer wheelbase at 2787mm, and is 6cm longer than the Citroen. 

Single PHEV powertrain to be offered

Beneath the bonnet of the 408 PHEV sits a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 132kW, and is paired with an 81kW electric motor. 

This makes for a total combined output of 165kW, which is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission exclusively to the front wheels. 

In Europe, the 408’s all-electric range is rated to 63km according to the WLTP testing cycle, drawing power from a 12.4kWh battery. 

308 inspiration evident in 408’s interior

On the inside, the 408 looks remarkably similar to the 308 GT that’s already sold in Australia, with Peugeot’s signature 10.0-inch 3D digital cockpit sitting behind the compact steering wheel. 

It looks to make use of the same 10.0-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dash, and if this is the case, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity should be included. 

The same goes for the updated switchgear that sits beneath the infotainment screen, that houses the climate controls. 

Peugeot Australia noted that further specifications are pricing will be announced closer to the 408’s launch in late 2023.