Peugeot 508 RXH hybrid
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Peugeot 508 here next month
1st June, 2011
31st August, 2011
- Diesel-electric hybrid
- Peugeot continues its upmarket trend
Diesel-electric hybrid and distinctive ‘high-end’ appeal combine to offer an original view of the world
of all-wheel drive vehicles with enhanced driving pleasure: introducing the new Peugeot 508 RXH.
The new 508 RXH demonstrates the modern, enhanced ‘top-of-the-range’ vision for Peugeot, and its
premiere is scheduled for Germany's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) which opens to the public on 15th
September. The style of the 508 RXH and its innovative HYbrid4 drive unit provide features that allow it to
combine new levels of driving freedom and pleasure in a form not seen before in its segment:
- 200 bhp
- ZEV - 100% electric mode
- Four-wheel drive
- CO2 emissions of 109 g/km
After the successful launch of the 508 Saloon and SW earlier this year, where they were highly acclaimed
for their styling elegance, on-the-road presence, high levels of build quality and attention to detail, the
508 RXH further elevates the profile of the entire Peugeot brand reinforcing its technological and
environmental leadership.
The Peugeot 508 RXH has a road presence and specific design that immediately places it in the
environment of ‘top-level’ all road vehicles. Unique, refined, higher and wider, it is also distinguished
by a singular visual identity, characterised by its distinctive LED daytime running lights that give an
impression of having three vertical ‘lion claws’ on each side of its ‘floating’ grille, the combined style
of which is all the more striking.
To reinforce its exclusive character, the interior of the 508 RXH benefits from special features with
distinctive colours and the use of luxurious materials.
Its unique level of finish and equipment is coherent with the ‘top-of-the-range’ and technological
positioning of the vehicle. Richly equipped as standard with electric front seats, head-up display, 18"
wheels, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, half leather trim, latest
generation audio and satellite navigation RXH welcomes its occupants with care, refinement and a high level
of comfort features.
Equipped with the 2.0 l HDi FAP HYbrid4 powertrain, a world first when featured in the 3008 HYbrid4, the
diesel-electric hybrid in the 508 RXH extends driving freedom and pleasure to traverse all roads. With a
maximum power of 147 kW (200 bhp), four-wheel drive and a maximum torque of 450 Nm, the 508 RXH has been
designed to adapt to all uses, in a wide spectrum of conditions. Furthermore, it opens up new perspectives
in the segment, offering a ZEV (100% electric) mode.
Following the launch of the 3008 HYbrid4, the Peugeot marque continues its innovative strategy,
combining enhanced driving sensations and advanced environmental developments by extending HYbrid4
technology to other models.
The 508 RXH goes on sale mid-2012 across Europe in both left and right hand drive versions. A local
release will be somewhat later.
Peugeot 508 RXH
The 508 RXH represents the new, up market positioned Peugeot.It sees the launch of an identity that
combines the traditional designation of Peugeot models, incorporating the central zero, and three letters
that characterise the marques vehicles. This new model both heads up and extends the 508 range, with an
original design silhouette, justifying its exclusive designation – RXH.
A distinctive appeal
The 508 RXH styling has its own distinctive expression within the 508 range. Its elegance and style
place it immediately in an exclusive world that combines premium-positioning, technology with the ability
to experience adventure and promises of a new and unparalleled driving experience.
With a 40 mm wider track and its height increased by 50 mm, this new Peugeot has an individual stance,
without sacrificing the characteristics of the 508 range - poise, elegance and status. The use of new, 18”
forged wheel rims allowed designers to make a very fine wheel design with an internal diameter increased
by 10 mm in comparison with conventional wheel rims. The result is a dynamic and elegantly enhanced body
style.
Its adventurous side profile is illustrated through the bodywork extensions in satin stealth grey that
envelope the lower body of the car. From the bottom of the front bumper, the line extends over the wheel
arches, along the sill panels to meet the rear bumper. The choice of the satin trim finishers contribute to
position this station wagon within a refined world, as do the satin chrome inserts, with 'HYbrid4' badging,
that adorns the sill panel, and front and rear protective trims. Fully integrated, they reflect the
integrity applied to the cohesive design of the 508 RXH.
This individual personality is more striking at the front end, which has become even more expressive
while maintaining the strength of the brand’s new style aesthetics. Accompanying a wider and taller body
silhouette, the grille is extended on its lower edge. More strikingly, the new grille accentuates the
illusion that it is ‘floating’ within the aperture. To achieve this, designers have taken influence from
aviation reference points, notably taking inspiration from aircraft jet engine cowls. The air therefore
seems to be well-channelled around the grille, which stands out distinctly from the bonnet line.
Its distinctive style lines give the 508 RXH a very individual visual identity. It is the first Peugeot
to use the iconic theme of the ‘claw’ on the front. Its LED daytime running lights illuminate to form
three ‘lion claws’, instantly recognisable by day and by night to reinforce the characteristic ‘feline’
appearance of the head lamps. This unique and dynamic signature is complemented with the illumination of
seven orange LEDs, from within the LED tube that is an original directional indicator function.
Like the 508 SW, the lines flow together in a harmonious and dynamic manner, falling back to a rear that
is well seated on its haunches. The extensive panoramic glass roof has the benefit of being a continuation
of the windscreen, with the profiled aluminium roof bars merging with the bodywork to enhance the
exclusivity of the car. In this spirit, there are flush surfaces, highlighted by its high build quality
finish. At the rear, the lights portray an elegant red band that glows brightly when the lights are on.
Refined interior styling and technology
The styling of the dashboard is centred heavily around the qualities evoked by the exterior design of
the vehicle, with continued illustrations of high quality, purity, elegance, etc. Its design supports a
multiplex centre console with switchgear that is equipped with technology designed to provide easy control
to a host of features.
This purity and simplicity of design and integration is best demonstrated on the HYbrid4 drive mode
selection knob and the gear selector lever. It has the design that combines the traditional gear selector
lever and a computer mouse called the 'manettino' - it fits perfectly into this pure and technological
environment.
White backlighting is available throughout the 508 RXH interior (on the instrument panel, displays and
the various lighting zones within the car), showing great care in detail and finish. It is this and the
attention to detail that illustrates the hallmarks of the latest Peugeot range.
The car’s internal trim and decor have been designed in harmony, evoking elegance without ostentation.
The use of natural materials and colours, sometimes exclusively, enhance the distinctive character of the
508 RXH. Brushed aluminium and shaded lacquers are used on the dashboard for the first time in this way. A
spectacular treatment in keeping with the electricity supplied by HYbrid4 technology, this decor is
specified in tinted shades of copper. This theme, again unprecedented, is subtly continued throughout the
interior with matching trim stitching in this copper shade. The exterior is also themed with a copper
colour theme through the colouring of the lock tumblers in Calern Brown, a shade exclusive to the 508
RXH.
The choice of light-coloured alcantara leather and an innovative laser-printed fabric creates a two-tone
upholstery that reinforces the refined image of the car. Depending on preference, the customer may opt for
full leather or half-leather upholstery.
A generously-proportioned, high-quality boot
In keeping with the vehicle’s interior, the boot of the Peugeot 508 RXH has been fitted out with care,
using materials that continue to reflect a high level of quality with the materials specified. The
aluminium rails and four solid chrome hooks elegantly decorate the functional boot floor, while a loading
sill guard in the same material offers protection for the rugged ‘adventurer’ potential of this new
Peugeot.
The 508 RXH boot has a capacity of 423 litres beneath the parcel shelf (or 400 dm3 in
accordance with the VDA 210 standard). Its rectangular shape, with motorised tailgate and the storage
compartments located under the flat floor (11 litres) make it easy to use. It is also possible to
compartmentalise the boot using partition bars available as accessories, which attach to the aluminium
rails inside the boot.
Finally, the loading volume can be increased easily by folding the 1/3 – 2/3 split rear bench seat in a
single movement.
Enhancement through technological equipment
The 508 RXH is offered in a single trim finish, generously-equipped, in accordance with its distinctive
high-end positioning. All of the high-tech equipment available either as standard or as an option
accentuates its exclusive character: ‘Open and Go’ Stop Start, Colour Head-Up Display (that includes the
display of the navigation system information), main beam head lamps assistance, automatic electric parking
brake, new telematics, JBL hi-fi stereo, Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance, Xenon lights, etc.
A high level of comfort
Quality of comfort aboard the 508 RXH has been the focus of particular care to ensure that each
passenger can benefit from individual treatment. In addition to the generous space given to each seat,
notably in the rear with excellent leg room and the panoramic glass roof, dedicated equipment allows
everyone to have a high-level of comfort: with quad-zone air conditioning, driver’s seat electric lumbar
massage, electrically-adjustable driver and passenger seats with adjustable cushion edge and laminated
acoustic rear side windows for road noise reduction, etc.
Benchmark for road handling
The suspension and wheel design also contribute to onboard comfort: with a Pseudo-McPherson type front
axle and specific HYbrid4 technology, modular multi-arm rear axle. While cleverly incorporating the hybrid
architecture and taking into account a new weight distribution, the Peugeot engineers have retained the
recognised dynamic characteristics of the 508 range with an excellent synthesis of suspension comfort,
light steering and good handling. The 508 RXH is one of the latest generation of vehicles that expresses
driving pleasure, due to its Peugeot chassis 'genetics' and full diesel hybrid technology.
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HYbrid4 technology: A logical combination
Offering the 508 RXH with a HYbrid4 technology powertrain that combines diesel and electric motors, is a
logical choice primarily because it provides a level of functionality that is perfectly matched to the
various customer expectations in this segment:
- High performance combined with first-rate handling;
- Freedom to travel on all roads with confidence, with all-wheel drive;
- Ease of use with four unique drive modes available (Zero Emission Vehicle, 4WD, Sport, Auto) and
battery charging which is carried out automatically;
- Quiet operation, with the ability to drive in the all-electric (ZEV) mode.
The next generation enhances driving emotion
HYbrid4 technology also opens up new perspectives in the segment with a breakthrough in improved fuel
consumption - 67.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 109 g/km in the Combined Drive Cycle with a
completely silent electric mode with zero emissions; ideal for driving around town efficiently.
In terms of performance, 508 RXH benefits from the efficiency and power of its internal combustion
engine combined with the electric motor during acceleration phases for an immediate increase in power (the
‘boost’ function maximises performance and available power in the Sport mode). The maximum combined power
can reach 147 kW (200 bhp) by combining the 120 kW (163 bhp) from the 2.0 l HDi FAP diesel engine and the
‘on-demand’ peak power of the 27 kW (37 bhp) electric motor. Up to 300 Nm of torque is delivered to the
front wheels by the HDi diesel unit and up to 200 Nm to the rear wheels with the electric motor. The
maximum combined value however is 450 Nm at lower road speeds, which guarantees excellent traction in most
driving conditions including low-grip surfaces like snow and dirt roads, providing customers of this
all-wheel drive station wagon to comfortably go much further than ever before.
Manufactured in France
The 508 RXH will be manufactured in Rennes (France), with the modular hybrid rear drive axle being
assembled and supplied from Mulhouse (France).
Australian availability
Next Car expects the new Peugeot 508 RXH to be released in Australia in early 2013, although a
very late 2012 release could be a remote possibility. Peugeot's other diesel/hybrid, the smaller 3008
HYbrid4, will be on sale locally prior to the 508 RXH's arrival.
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