Imagine a car that's like a French lover: elegant, a little arrogant, but always ready for adventure. The new Peugeot 308 and its wagon sibling, the 308 SW, are just that – a refreshed classic that combines a design that turns heads with technology that won't let you down. With an electric range of up to 450 km and engines for every taste, this is a car that proves that the French still know how to make a vehicle worth coveting. But will it beat its German competition? Read on to find out.
In a world where cars are being massively transformed into boring electrical boxes, Peugeot 308 remains true to its French soul. This compact hatchback and its practical estate sibling, the SW, feature a refreshed design with an illuminated lion on the grille that screams “look at me!” – as if Peugeot were saying: “Why be boring when we can shine?” With a range of up to 450 km in electric versions and with engines ranging from diesel to hybrids, this car promises to satisfy both eco-dreamers and those who still love the smell of petrol. But is it really as good as it promises? Let's delve into the details, where the real fun lies - and maybe a cynical smile.
French flair: Design that steals the show
Peugeot is not just a car brand; it is like French cheese – full of flavour and surprises. The new 308 and 308 SW are the first models to feature an illuminated lion emblem on the grille, which lights up like a Christmas tree, but in an elegant way. This trick is not just for show; it hides the radar for the security systems, so it remains invisible while you enjoy the drive. The front grille has been redesigned, with more open elements in the middle for better aerodynamics, which means less consumption and more range – genius, isn’t it? And there are three LED “claws” for the lights, which act as daytime running lights and indicators (sequential on the GT and GT Exclusive), giving the car that iconic Peugeot look.
The 308 hatchback is sporty, with balanced proportions, while the SW stands out with its elegant silhouette and practical rear. Both are among the most aerodynamic in the C-segment, thanks to air intakes that direct air into the wheel arches. New features include 17-inch wheels on the Allure and 18-inch on the GT and GT Exclusive, with all electric models getting 18-inch wheels as standard. The colours? Lagoa Blue for the 308 and Ingaro Blue for the SW – blue tones that will remind you of the Côte d’Azur while you’re stuck in traffic on the motorway.
The interior is clean and inviting, with materials such as real aluminium and Alcantara®. The dashboard is designed to maximise space up front, with a digital instrument display (new 3D graphics on GT Exclusive), a 10-inch central display and five i-Toggles for quick settings – like having a personal assistant. Ambient lighting in eight colours extends from the dashboard to the doors, while the SW adds practicality with split rear seats (40/20/40), boot volume from 598 to 1487 litres in hybrids and an electric tailgate. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit® with its small steering wheel and head-up display remains unique – some love it, others complain that it blocks the view, but hey, the French Revolution wasn’t for everyone.
Engines for all tastes: From electric to diesel, no compromises
The Peugeot 308 2025 offers four types of drivetrain to satisfy everyone – from green enthusiasts to those who still swear by long journeys without charging stations. Let's start with the star: the **electric E-308**. The engine with 115 kW (156 hp) and 270 Nm of torque ensures dynamic acceleration, while the battery has a capacity of 58.4 kWh (55.4 kWh usable), allowing a range of up to 450 km (WLTP). This is 34 km more than before, thanks to optimization. Regenerative braking has three levels: low (-0.8 m/s²), medium (-1.3 m/s²) and high (-1.8 m/s²), the last two of which activate the brake lights. Charging? Standard three-phase charger with 11 kW, from 20 % to 80 % in 32 minutes at a 100 kW public station. Add the V2L function (up to 3.5 kW/16 A for charging the bike) and Plug & Charge for automatic payment at over 10,000 stations in Europe – the future is here, and it's not as painful as it seems.
For those who want the best of both worlds, there's the **195 hp (143 kW) plug-in hybrid**: a 92 kW (125 hp) electric motor plus a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 150 hp (110 kW), mated to a 7-speed e-DCS7 transmission. The 17.2 kWh battery gives 85 km of electric range (WLTP), and charging takes 2 hours 5 minutes at 7.4 kW or 7 hours 25 minutes at a conventional socket (10 A, 2.3 kW). Top speed? Up to 225 km/h (140 mph), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 7.5 seconds – enough to overtake with a smile.
The 145 hp self-charging hybrid is for beginners in electrification: 6-speed e-DCS6 transmission, consumption of 4.7 to 5 l/100 km (WLTP), up to 50 % of time in the city on electricity with zero emissions. And for traditionalists: the 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel with 130 hp, with EAT8 automatic transmission, ideal for long journeys with low consumption.
Driving dynamics? Peugeot lives up to its reputation: agility, stability and vibration filtration are top-notch. The low driving position and i-Cockpit® ergonomics ensure a pleasurable ride, while the AGR-certified seats (optional with massage and heating) and the Focal® Hi-Fi system (690 W, 10 speakers) make the journey like a first-class concert. Add the AQS system for clean air, the panoramic roof and wireless connectivity (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB-C).
Sustainability and French excellence: A car that thinks about the future
Peugeot has not forgotten the environment: more than 30% of the materials are recycled (31% in the 308, 405 kg; in the SW 423 kg), including hemp fibres in the trim. Chrome-free for a modern aesthetic, and all models are 85% recyclable. Manufactured in Mulhouse, designed in Vélizy – pure French excellence.
Connectivity? PEUGEOT i-Connect® Advanced with TomTom navigation, ChatGPT AI assistant and MyPeugeot app for remote control (locking, air conditioning, charging). Trip Planner optimises routes for EVs, taking into account range and stations. Warranty? 8 years/160,000 km for vehicle and battery – Peugeot Care protects you longer than most laws.
Conclusion: Why choose the Peugeot 308? Because life needs a little French spark
After reviewing several sources, it's clear: the new Peugeot 308 and 308 SW 2025 are not just refreshed models, but a real evolution. The design with its illuminated emblem and aerodynamic tricks is like a French perfume - subtle but memorable. The electric E-308 with 450 km of range and fast charging proves that EVs are not just for city driving, while hybrids offer versatility without sacrificing power. Diesel? Still the king of the highway, with low consumption that would make even frugal Germans jealous.
But here's the cynicism: in a segment dominated by the Golf and the retired Focus, the Peugeot isn't the most practical – the back is a bit tight for tall passengers, and the i-Cockpit® can be a nuisance for those not used to a small steering wheel. Prices? They start around 29,000 euros, but for the top-of-the-range GT Exclusive with all the extras you can climb to over 40,000 – not cheap, but for this style and technology? Worth it.
Personally? The Peugeot 308 impresses me with its mix of elegance and dynamism – it also finds good in the electrics that some people hate. If you are looking for a car that is fun, green and French charming, this is the right choice. Go for a test drive and let the lion conquer you.