Peugeot’s latest update to the 308 and 308 SW is a measured but confident move. No theatrics, no forced reinvention, just a cleaner design, smarter engineering and a stronger everyday driving experience. It’s an evolution that understands how people actually use cars in 2025, without drifting into marketing fluff or unnecessary complexity.
More Purposeful Design
The new illuminated Peugeot emblem grabs attention, but it’s the overall front-end refinement that lands the impact. The reshaped grille, tighter lines and the familiar three-claw LED lighting bring more presence without shouting about it. Aerodynamic tweaks guide air more efficiently around the wheel arches, supporting the gains Peugeot has made in hybrid and electric efficiency.
The rear of the hatch and SW estate stays close to a silhouette that already works. Peugeot didn’t reinvent it for the sake of headlines. It simply refined what was already smart and proportionally balanced.
Interior: Peugeot Leaning Into Its Strengths
Inside, the 308 sticks to Peugeot’s design DNA. Aluminium and Alcantara introduce a more mature material mix, and ambient lighting adds personality without drifting into gimmicks. The 10-inch central screen is clear and responsive, supported by five customisable “i-Toggle” shortcuts that cut down the need to dig through menus.
The compact steering wheel remains a talking point, some love it, some don’t, but it undeniably gives the cabin its distinctive driving position. It’s part of the Peugeot identity now, and this generation embraces it fully.
308 SW: Practicality Without the Bulk
The estate version is the quiet standout. With a flexible 40/20/40 split rear seat and a two-level boot floor, it delivers up to 1,487 litres of capacity. That’s serious, real-world usability without needing to jump into a crossover or SUV.
Simple details, USB-C ports in the right places, a powered tailgate option, thoughtful storage, make the SW feel like it was designed by people who actually load an estate every day.
A Powertrain for Every Type of Driver
Peugeot isn’t betting everything on a single drivetrain strategy. Instead, the 308 arrives with a spread of options that reflect the varied reality of European driving.
Fully Electric (E-308): A 115 kW motor and 58.4 kWh battery delivering up to 450 km WLTP. Charging from 20 - 80% in around 32 minutes on a 100 kW fast charger gives it credible long-distance flexibility.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): 195 hp combined output and up to 85 km of electric driving. A realistic solution for urban commutes with occasional long-distance trips.
Self-Charging Hybrid: 145 hp and the ability to run around 50% of city driving electrically. Smooth, predictable and targeted at everyday efficiency.
Diesel: A familiar 1.5-litre BlueHDi for those still covering high motorway mileage. Not flashy, but dependable.
Across the board, refinement and efficiency take priority over performance theatrics. The powertrain range feels balanced rather than bloated.
Driving Experience: Subtle but Meaningful
Peugeot describes the new 308 as agile and stable, and the engineering matches the claim. Suspension tuning has been tightened to reduce road chatter, making motorway miles and rougher surfaces easier to live with.
The low-set driving position, part of the i-Cockpit layout, gives the car a planted, focused feel. Peugeot isn’t trying to turn the 308 into something sporty; instead, it’s offering a calm, predictable driving experience with just enough personality to stand out.
Technology That Actually Improves Daily Driving
The infotainment system splits into two clear tiers. The standard version covers wireless phone mirroring and essential connected features. The advanced system adds navigation, a sharper interface and integrated ChatGPT for in-car queries or route prompts.
“Plug & Charge” on the electric model removes app fiddling at compatible chargers, plug in and the car handles authentication. Over-the-air updates keep the system current, preventing the tech from ageing prematurely.
A More Sustainable Approach
More than 30% of the materials used in the new 308 come from recycled or renewable sources. It’s not a headline stunt; it’s part of a gradual shift in how Peugeot builds its cars. Recycled plastics, renewable fibres like hemp in the dashboard and adherence to strict recyclability targets give the model a smaller environmental footprint without turning sustainability into a marketing gimmick.
A Car Built for Real European Roads and Real Drivers
The refreshed Peugeot 308 and 308 SW aren’t trying to dominate the segment or shout their way into attention. They’re more considered than that. The design is sharper without being loud. The efficiency improvements make sense. The tech supports the driving experience instead of overshadowing it.
This update is about coherence a car that feels consistent from exterior styling to cabin layout to drivetrain choice. In a segment full of safe, predictable competitors, Peugeot has managed to deliver something quietly confident, modern and genuinely well-balanced.
