The new “408 GT Hybrid” released by Peugeot on July 15, 2025, is a crossover model equipped with an innovative hybrid powertrain and has made significant advancements from the previous model. With a price tag of 5.29 million yen, it is a car that symbolizes Peugeot’s new challenge.
The power of the newly developed 48V mild hybrid system
Innovative powertrain configuration
At the heart of the new 408 GT Hybrid is a 48V mild hybrid system that combines a newly developed 1.2L gasoline turbo engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that incorporates an electric motor.
The system features:
- Total system output : 145PS (approximately 11% increase over previous model)
- Engine output : 136PS/23.5kgm (6PS increase)
- Electric driving : 100% electric driving is possible up to approximately 30km/h
- Fuel economy improvement : conventional gasoline model
Technical improvements
The new engine features around 40% new parts compared to the previous model, and includes the following technical improvements:
- Timing belt → Timing chain : Improved durability
- Miller cycle : Highly efficient operation
- Turbocharger Improvement : Expanded variable range
- Roller valve lifters : Reduced friction
- High-pressure injectors : Maximum injection pressure 35MPa
Fuel efficiency and practicality of EV driving
Excellent fuel economy
- WLTC mode : 20.4km/L
- Conventional gasoline model : 16.7km/L
- Improvement rate : Approximately 22% improvement
Practicality for city driving
When driving in urban areas with many traffic lights, the engine is not used for approximately 50% of the hour, dramatically improving practical fuel efficiency. The electric motor assist suppresses vibration when starting and stopping, and provides smooth, comfortable acceleration with powerful torque even at low speeds.
Limited edition “408 GT Hybrid Selenium Edition”
To commemorate the launch, the 408 GT Hybrid Selenium Edition will be available in a limited run of 100 units, featuring a special body color called Selenium Gray, which is not available in the regular color lineup.
- Price : ¥5,355,000
- Limited quantity : 100 units
- Special edition : Selenium Gray body color
Price and grade structure
Full lineup
- 408 GT (1.2L gasoline) : 4.89 million yen
- 408 GT Hybrid (1.2L gasoline MHEV) : 5.29 million yen [New]
- 408 GT Plug-in Hybrid (1.6L PHEV) : 6,216,000 yen
- 408 GT Hybrid Selenium Edition (limited edition) : 5,355,000 yen
About the new Peugeot 408
Peugeot announced the Japanese model of its new coupe-crossover SUV, the 408, on June 20, 2023. As a coupe-crossover SUV, it will likely rival the new Crown in Japan.
Innovative fastback design
The 408 breaks away from conventional categories with its innovative fastback design, featuring a sloping coupe-crossover-style rear window for improved aerodynamics and driving efficiency.
Interior texture
- Digital meter : 10-inch display
- Infotainment : 10-inch touch display
- Interior space : Spacious interior thanks to extended wheelbase
- Luggage space : 536L under normal conditions, 1611L maximum
Advanced safety technology
Full range of safety equipment
- Active cruise control (with stop and go function)
- Lane Positioning Assist
- 360° Vision (with front and side cameras)
- Ultra-thin matrix LED headlights
Body size
- 408 : Length 4700 x Width 1850 x Height 1500mm
- Wheelbase : 2790mm
- Ground clearance : 170mm
The overall length is longer than the Peugeot 308SW, providing an efficient and spacious interior space.
About the exterior of the new Peugeot 408
As its name suggests, the 408 is sized between the 308 (hatchback) and 508 (sedan). It’s built on the EMP platform. Its body dimensions are 4,687mm long, 1,848mm wide, 1,478mm high, and 2,787mm wheelbase. It shares the same basic layout as the four-door, with a sporty liftback rear and higher ground clearance compared to the conventional sedan. Its body panels are characterized by a bolder face, different window designs on the rear doors, a squared-off rear end, and more assertive lines. Black cladding on the bumpers, wheel arches, and under the doors creates a slightly more poised look. Ultra-slim LED headlights complement its moody appearance and the front-end design.
About the new Peugeot 408 interior
Inside, the i-Cockpit features a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment display. It features MirrorScreen compatibility (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), wireless smartphone charging, and an optional 515-watt FOCAL sound system. It comes with seven elegant piano keys for radio, climate control, satellite navigation, vehicle settings, phone, mobile apps, and hazard warnings. Hybrid versions also have specific buttons for accessing electrical functions in the menu. Internal combustion models come standard with a driving mode selector, allowing the driver to choose between Normal, Sport, and Eco modes. Plug-in hybrid models offer EV, Hybrid, and Sport modes.
Powertrain Comparison Table
| item | gasoline | Gasoline MHEV | Plug-in hybrid |
| Powertrain | Inline 3-cylinder 1.2L turbo | Inline 3-cylinder 1.2L turbo + 48V MHEV | Inline 4-cylinder 1.6L turbo + electric motor |
| System maximum output | 130ps | 145ps | 225ps |
| Maximum system torque | 23.5kgm | 23.5kgm | 36.7kgm |
| transmission | 8 speed AT | 6 speed DCT | 8 speed AT |
| Fuel economy (WLTC mode) | 16.7km/L | 20.4km/L | 17.1km/L (in hybrid mode) |
| EV range | – | – | 66km |
| Drive system | FF | FF | FF |
The “mild hybrid” boasts excellent fuel economy. The newly developed 1.2L gasoline turbo engine is combined with a 48V mild hybrid system. In urban areas where there are many traffic lights, the car can be driven with the engine off for about half the time, dramatically improving practical fuel economy. The maximum output of the entire system is 145ps, which is about 11% more powerful than the gasoline model.
A powerful plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6L engine with an electric motor to produce a high overall system output of 225ps. With a maximum range of 66km on the motor alone, it can be used as an electric vehicle for everyday travel and as a hybrid vehicle for longer trips, achieving both powerful driving and environmental friendliness.
An improved 1.2L gasoline turbo engine is also available as a lightweight “gasoline engine” base model.
A word from the editorial department
The new 408 GT Hybrid is a significant improvement over the previous model thanks to its innovative mild hybrid system, which simultaneously achieves a 22% improvement in fuel economy and an 11% increase in power output, and is highly practical, allowing 50% of city driving time to be spent in EV mode.
With a starting price of 5.29 million yen, it is competitive for a premium crossover model, and with the limited edition model available, it is a vehicle that is attracting a lot of attention.
Stellantis Peugeot News Release
https://www.stellantis.jp/news/20250715_peugeot_408_hybrid
Peugeot 408
