If you were to compare the Peugeot 408 to a similar car like the Mercedes GLC Coupé, you wouldn’t notice a significant difference in visual impact and materials quality. Peugeot has improved significantly in these areas, and the interior of their new fastback-crossover is a testament to their efforts to provide a more premium experience. The dashboard is beautifully contoured, with slim air vents at the upper edge. The GT-spec car we tested had a high-quality finish on the transmission tunnel, reminiscent of luxury German kitchen appliances. The instrument binnacle display also has an impressive 3D effect, and the three-strata control array – consisting of a touchscreen display, touch-sensitive menu panel, and physical toggle switches – adds a touch of sophistication. Overall, Peugeot’s interior design is impressive.
The Peugeot 408 also offers excellent ergonomics that match its personality. The high window line and concave dashboard create an amphitheatre-like atmosphere in the cabin, which is often found in purpose-built GT cars. The front seats are comfortable and enveloping, with plenty of electric adjustments. The optional Driver & Passenger Seat Pack adds heating and massage functions. The leather-trimmed steering wheel of Peugeot’s famous i-Cockpit is also comfortable to hold, although it may partially obscure the bottom of the instrument panel, especially at its lowest setting. The rear visibility is limited due to the sloping rear windscreen, but this is a minor trade-off for the car’s sleek design. In terms of practicality, the Peugeot 408 offers good storage space and ample legroom for rear passengers. It surpasses the 508 in this aspect, although the 508 SW’s larger boot space is more suitable for those who prioritize luggage capacity.
In terms of multimedia, the Peugeot 408 features a recognizable infotainment system seen in other Stellantis brands. The car’s central 10-inch touchscreen is large enough for easy use without feeling overwhelming. The software functions smoothly, although it may experience occasional latency. The graphics are crisp and modern. In addition to the touchscreen, there is also a physical volume dial and steering wheel controls for convenience. Peugeot has introduced i-Toggles, which are helpful shortcuts located below the touchscreen, providing quick access to functions like the media player, climate control, navigation, and smartphone pairing. The 408 also supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
As a family car, the Peugeot 408 offers ample charging and data ports. There are two USB-C connections in the front and two more in the back. Additionally, there are 12V sockets in the front cabin and the boot of the car for added convenience.