Peugeot 508 RXH (2011) first official pictures

Peugeot isn’t going to replace the 607, its big French attempt at taking on the hegemony of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Instead the plan is to offer its Mondeo-sized 508 in posh, premium specs, and to tempt buyers with this, the 508 RXH.

A 508 SW dressed in Audi Allroad attire. Raised suspension means it rides higher than the SW estate, and the black body cladding means it’s wider too. And there are LED lights in a ‘lions claw’ motif in the front bumper.

Peugeot promises a unique interior, with special colours and materials, and there’s loads of standard kit to reflect the expected £30k-plus price tag: sat-nav, electric front seats, keyless entry and go, a head-up display, a panoramic glass roof and 18in wheels are standard.

There’s not, but the sole powertrain available is the clever bit, utilising the same Hybrid4 diesel-electric set-up that’s already debuted in the 3008. A 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel drives the front wheels, and a 37bhp electric motor powers the back axle. And the latter’s modular configuration means Peugeot can bolt it into any car from the 308 upwards – and sister brand Citroen can do exactly the same.

All in the system makes 200bhp and 332lb ft, and while the motor spends much of its time assisting the HDI engine, it’s also able to run the RXH in 100% EV mode. That means rear-wheel drive, but also some impressive official figures: 67.2mpg and 109g/km CO2. Blame the big wheels and bigger body for the RXH’s inability to match the 74.4mpg and 99g/km CO2 recorded by the identically powered 3008 Hybrid 4.

The Peugeot 508 RXH will make its official world debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2011, and UK sales will follow in spring 2012. 

By Ben Pulman