Peugeot 408 2026 revealed with exclusive 240 hp plug-in hybrid

Peugeot begins 2026 by unveiling the updated 408 at the Brussels Motor Show. Introduced in 2023, it now gains styling revisions, upgraded technology and a plug-in hybrid option exclusive to the French marque’s range.

Its redesigned front end is the immediate highlight, appearing to closely follow that of the 308, which underwent a similar update only a few months ago - and which we have already driven.

The lighting units are now split, with a fresh LED “three-claw” light signature on each side at the top of the front assembly, “linked” by smaller illuminated sections. The main headlights (Full LED or LED Matrix, according to trim) sit lower down, carefully “concealed” within the sizeable openings at either side of the reshaped bumper.

For the first time, it features an illuminated badge at the front, while the “Peugeot” lettering at the rear also lights up. New 19-inch Adakite alloy wheels are also introduced exclusively for Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants; they are standard on GT trim and optional on Allure.

More technology inside the Peugeot 408 2026

While the exterior receives visible changes, the cabin of the Peugeot 408 2026 remains almost unchanged and continues to be defined by the divisive i-Cockpit. There are two 10-inch displays: one serving as the instrument panel and the other, a touchscreen, operating the infotainment system.

Five i-Toggles beneath the central display provide customisable shortcuts for functions including navigation, multimedia and contacts, while the ambient lighting offers a choice of eight colours.

The front seats are AGR-certified and can optionally be specified with electric adjustment, pneumatic massage and heating. Rear-seat room is generous - with 183 mm of knee room - and boot capacity ranges from 536 litres to 1611 litres, according to the seating configuration.

In terms of connectivity and safety, the revised 408 comes with numerous driver-assistance systems, along with over-the-air updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and the MyPEUGEOT app, which enables vehicle functions to be monitored and controlled. Electric Peugeot 408 models (E-408) additionally include a journey planner, battery pre-conditioning, Plug & Charge functionality and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.

Exclusive 240 hp plug-in hybrid

The engine line-up remains largely unchanged, with one notable exception: the plug-in hybrid. Both the Hybrid (48 V mild hybrid) and E-408 carry over unchanged, but the 408 Plug-in Hybrid is now more powerful, delivering 240 hp of maximum combined output (+15 hp compared with before). Peugeot says this powertrain will be exclusive to the 408 - plug-in hybrids in the 308 and 3008, for instance, are limited to 195 hp.

Here is the full Peugeot 408 2026 powertrain range:

• 408 Hybrid - 1.2 Turbo (petrol) 136 hp; 21 kW (29 hp) electric motor; 145 hp maximum combined output; e-DCS6 gearbox;
• 408 Plug-in Hybrid - 1.6 Turbo (petrol) with 180 hp; 92 kW (125 hp) electric motor; 240 hp maximum combined output; 14.6 kWh battery; 85 km electric range (WLTP urban cycle); e-DCS7 gearbox;
• E-408 - 157 kW (213 hp), 343 Nm torque; 58.2 kWh battery; 456 km range (WLTP combined cycle).

Regarding charging, the E-408 supports rapid direct-current (DC) charging at up to 120 kW, allowing the battery to be replenished from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes. The 408 Plug-in Hybrid battery, meanwhile, can be fully recharged in approximately 2 hours 5 minutes using a 7.4 kW (32 A) Wallbox or the optional 7.4 kW single-phase on-board charger.

When will the Peugeot 408 2026 arrive?

The updated Peugeot 408 will reach the market in the coming months, although UK prices have not yet been announced. Production remains based in Mulhouse, France and, like other Stellantis models, it comes with a warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 km for the vehicle and battery.