Peugeot 508 Previewed In New Video Commercial, Australian Debut Likely For Mid-2011

Peugeot has released the first video commercial for its upcoming 2011 508 sedan and wagon, offering a glimpse of the new model in motion. The video comes just weeks before the 508's public debut at the Paris Auto Show later this month.

Previewed by spy photos earlier this year and with the 5 By Peugeot concept at the Geneva Motor Show, the 508 is set to go on sale in Europe early next year. It replaces both the 407 and the larger 'executive-sized' 607, sitting between the two outgoing models in size.

While technical details are thin on the ground, Peugeot has revealed that a Hybrid4 variant will be offered sometime next year, pairing a turbodiesel engine up front with an electric motor mounted in the rear. 

Combined, the diesel-electric hybrid system will develop 150kW, sending power to all four wheels, the diesel driving the front wheels and the electric motor powering the rear.

Peugeot says the Hybrid4 508 will release no more than 99g/km of CO2 in hybrid mode, and - of course - no emissions at all in electric mode.

The HYbrid4 technology is described as a parallel system, allowing for motivation to be provided in any of three states: diesel-only, electric-only, or the two working in tandem.

While Mercedes expects to have its own diesel-electric hybrid on the market sooner, Peugeot's Hybrid4 system is expected to be among the first diesel hybrids available to consumers.

While the Hybrid4 model will debut next year, the 508 will launch with a range of petrol and diesel engines, although Peugeot has yet to reveal specific powertrain options.

Pricing and availability for Australia is still being finalised, although Peugeot Australia's Richard Grant has confirmed that both the sedan and wagon are being reviewed for a local release, with a mid-2011 launch looking likely.

 “At this stage we are unable to confirm pricing for Australia, however we remain confident that the new 508 will be highly competitive and represent a compelling proposition for the discerning luxury car buyer,” Ken Thomas, General Manager and Director at Peugeot Australia said.