2023 Peugeot 408: New electrified coupe SUV announced

The 2023 Peugeot 408 will make its debut later this month, the company has announced, and it looks set to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Peugeot released a teaser image of the 408, which it says “combines the characteristic codes of SUVs with a dynamic fastback silhouette”, along with an image named 'peugeot_408phev' – all but confirming the electrified powertrain.

Spy photos of the vehicle published by Motor1 last month show the vehicle will use a coupe-style SUV body, complete with a highly-unusual set of wheels.

Reports suggest the 408 will be approximately the same size and shape as the Citroen C4, but will be based on the company’s larger EMP2 platform – while the Citroen is underpinned by the EMP1 (also known as CMP) chassis.

The EMP2 platform has been designed with plug-in hybrid powertrains in mind – compared to CMP, which skews towards all-electric power – but exact engine details will likely be announced at the car’s unveiling in the coming weeks.

It’s expected the Peugeot will go head-to-head against the Renault Arkana – another French coupe SUV, currently priced in Australia from $34,590 before on-road costs, and powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW and 262Nm.

The 2023 Peugeot 408 will be unveiled in the coming weeks, and could eventually join the brand’s line-up in Australia.