Peugeot 408

Cabin

The latest-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit driver station combines an integrated compact steering wheel with a 3D instrument panel, incorporating a 10-inch digital panel and a 10-inch HD central touchscreen. This is a different ergonomic philosophy from what most family sedans use, positioning the smaller steering wheel low and the instrument display high so the driver looks over the wheel rather than through it.

Front Seat

• AGR-certified seats are available as an option, a German back-health certification that is an unusual inclusion at this price point.
• Heated and massaging seats are available depending on the version.
• A heated steering wheel with integrated controls is available, depending on the version.
• Front-row elbow width is listed at 1,443 mm, with chest height at 891 mm. 

The availability of AGR-certified seating on a mainstream family car is a rare touch that you will find on the 408. This points towards Peugeot’s ambition to position the 408 above its price bracket in terms of cabin comfort. 

Electronic Parking Brake

The 408 comes with an electronic parking brake, making everyday driving and parking more convenient.

Rear Seat

• The second row offers generous space for passenger comfort.
• Rear elbow width is listed at 1,446 mm, with 188 mm of knee room and 850 mm of chest height.
• Rear-seat headrests come standard. 

As you can see, the 188 mm knee-room figure is genuinely strong for this segment, suggesting Peugeot has not sacrificed rear-passenger comfort in pursuit of the dramatic fastback roofline. 

AC Vents

The 408 comes with dual-zone automatic climate control and dedicated rear AC vents, helping maintain good airflow throughout the cabin. Rear passengers benefit from improved cooling during the UAE’s hot summers. While the GT trim can further enhance cabin comfort, depending on the equipment configuration.

Storage Options

The 408’s cabin makes good use of its space with practical storage areas that keep everyday essentials within easy reach.

• Large centre-console storage compartment with front armrest
• Spacious front door pockets for bottles and smaller items
• Wireless smartphone charging pad on equipped variants
• Cupholders and additional storage spaces are integrated into the centre console
• Multiple USB ports for charging devices 

Everything is positioned within easy reach, making the 408 practical for both everyday commuting and longer journeys. 

Armrest

A front centre armrest comes as standard, providing comfortable support on longer journeys and complementing the 408’s driver-focused cabin layout.

Charging Options 

• An induction charger is available in the front, depending on the version.
• Two smartphones can connect via Bluetooth simultaneously.
• Four USB ports are fitted throughout the cabin, with two in the front and two in the rear.

Boot Space

The 408 offers 536 litres of boot space without the FOCAL Hi-Fi system, while capacity drops to 454 litres when the FOCAL Hi-Fi option is fitted. That is a generous figure for a fastback of this size, leaving plenty of room for family luggage, airport runs, or a week’s worth of shopping.

• Driver and passenger airbags are listed across the range.
• An Anti-lock Braking System is available as part of the safety equipment.
• Parking assistance with 360-degree vision is available depending on the version.
• Long-range blind-spot monitoring can cover up to 75 metres.
• Emergency Brake Assist is available depending on the version.
• Semi-autonomous driving with the Drive Assist 2.0 Pack is listed as coming soon, incorporating semi-automatic lane changing and recommended speed adjustments. 

The safety equipment on the 408 varies but is good and based on the variant's options, and you can always check the same with the dealer at the showroom.

Front

The 408 has an inspiring fastback shape from the front three-quarter angle, with a low grille and Peugeot’s now-familiar claw-shaped LED lighting signature giving it a feline stance rather than the conservative face most sedans in this price bracket settle for. The saloon-style driving position, combined with a higher posture, gives the driver a different perspective on the road compared with a regular low-slung sedan.

Side Profile

At 4,687 mm long, 1,848 mm wide, and 1,486 mm tall, the 408 has the look of a hatchback despite Peugeot positioning it as a saloon. Increased ground clearance, combined with fluid, low-slung lines, reinforces its aerodynamic character. This unusual silhouette for the segment should make the 408 stand out on the road in a way that its more conventionally styled rivals do not.

Alloy Wheels

The 408 is offered with 19-inch alloy wheels in the Allure, while the GT upgrades to 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Both sizes complement the fastback design well, giving the car a planted stance without looking oversized.

Rear

The rear-end design is quite unexpected, featuring an inverse-cut-out rear bumper and either full LED or 3D full LED rear lights. The lights up one claw at a time, creating a distinctive visual signature. The small cat’s ears at the rear of the roof direct external airflow for improved aerodynamics, a small but thoughtful engineering touch that you do not normally see in this segment.

Colors

• Selenium Grey
• Pearl Nera Black
• Obsession Blue
• Cumulus Grey
• Elixir Red
• Okenite White

As you know by now, both variants come with the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox, so the choice between the Allure and GT comes mainly down to comfort features, technology, and equipment rather than any difference in outright performance. 

City Performance

The 408 should feel comfortable in everyday city driving despite its coupé-inspired shape. The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivers strong performance when pulling away from traffic lights, while the eight-speed automatic keeps progress smooth in stop-start traffic. The slightly raised driving position also gives you a different view of the road than many traditional sedans.

• The 360-degree camera makes parking in tight spaces much easier.
• The available wheel designs complement the car’s fastback proportions without making it look oversized.
• The sloping rear design slightly limits rear visibility, making the parking camera particularly useful. 

It is the kind of car that feels just as comfortable on the daily commute as it does on a weekend road trip. 

Highway Performance

The 408 feels well-suited to long highway journeys, and the reason is its well-balanced powertrain. With 215 hp, it has enough performance for confident overtaking, while the eight-speed automatic keeps the engine relaxed at cruising speeds. The streamlined body also helps give it an aerodynamic character, making longer drives more comfortable.

• Long-range Blind Spot Monitoring helps during highway lane changes.
• Peugeot lists combine fuel consumption of around 14 km/l for the 408 in the UAE.
• The 408 is designed for comfortable road use rather than outright sporty driving, and that becomes clear on a longer drive. 

Whether you are driving in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or travelling to Al Ain, the 408 should feel composed and comfortable throughout the journey. 

Ride and Handling

Looking at the specifications, it is quite clear that the 408 aims to strike a rare balance between comfort and control. This is visible in its suspension, which absorbs everyday road surfaces well, while the higher ride height gives it a little more confidence over rough roads than a typical sedan. At the same time, it still feels refined and easy through corners without sacrificing day-to-day comfort.

• The light, accurate steering helps when driving in both city traffic and on the highway. 
• The higher seating position offers a commanding view without making the car feel like an SUV.
• The chassis feels composed through lane changes and sweeping bends, giving you a good sense of confidence.

Overall, the 408 is targeted at buyers who want the comfort of a family car, with plenty of attention given to ride and handling. This becomes especially clear during a test drive.

1.6T Allure

The Allure starts at AED 121,000 and comes with the full 1.6-litre turbocharged powertrain producing 215 hp, paired with the eight-speed automatic. Based on the UAE specification listing, it includes the Peugeot i-Cockpit with a 10-inch HD touchscreen, Active Lane Keep Assist, a 3D digital instrument display, front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, and keyless entry.

1.6T GT

The GT is the higher-spec model, starting at AED 149,900. At this higher price, you get additional technology and comfort equipment, including a hands-free motorised tailgate, connected navigation with a 10-inch central touchscreen, configurable i-Toggles, and voice recognition.

AGR-certified, heated, and massaging seats are available depending on the configuration. Looking at these variants, it is clear that the GT is where the 408’s more premium cabin and overall luxury feel become most obvious.

Zigwheels Recommendation

There are only two choices here, and they are not very difficult to distinguish. The 1.6T GT is worth choosing if you want the 408’s cabin to be more modern and comfortable, particularly with the option of AGR-certified and massaging seats, which few rivals in this segment offer.

The Allure is a good choice for anyone who wants the 408’s distinctive fastback design and strong 215 hp performance without stretching to the GT’s more elaborate comfort options. For most buyers in this segment who are considering several other brands on value, however, the Allure is the right pick.

Having explored the 408 in depth, what becomes clear is that this is not just another family sedan, and that is what makes it stand out. Its fastback styling, raised driving position, and modern cabin give it a different character from what we generally see in this segment.

At the same time, the 1.6-litre turbocharged powertrain is capable enough for the car’s main use cases, whether for daily commuting or longer highway journeys.

Other notable advantages are the spacious 536-litre boot and comfortable cabin, which make it practical enough for family use. However, you need to look at the equipment list carefully, as some convenience and driver-assistance features vary between trims.

Broadly, the 408 is best suited to anyone looking for something more distinctive than a traditional sedan without giving up everyday comfort and practicality. It is a sensible and well-built alternative to the usual choices in this segment and one that is likely to appeal to buyers who value design as much as usability. Whatever the case, you should add it to your shortlist and take it for a test drive before deciding.

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