SWGreen: Peugeot 508 RXH Diesel-Electric

Peugeot 508 RXH Diesel-Electric Amps up the “Allroad” Segment 

Let us begin by admitting a known bias: we mostly report on German, American, and Swedish sport wagons. It’s not that we don’t enjoy other makes- but their models too often lack the allure we crave…until now. French automaker Peugeot has just released information about their super-efficient 508 RXH Tourer, a high-riding wagon that offers to put the Swedes and Germans on their toes. Based on the 508 Estate, the RXH model offers increased ride height and competes with the Volvo XC70 and Audi A4 Allroad. 

Utilizing a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine that powers the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear axle, the 508 RXH uses a similar diesel-electric design as the Volvo V70 plug-in diesel-hybrid. With this brillant set-up, the 508 RXH achieves an incredible 55.9 MPG combined fuel economy, despite its hefty mass and ride height. With the 2.0 liter diesel churning out 163 horses, and the electric motor providing an additional 37 hp, the 508 has a total output of 200 horses, but a much more important 332 lb-ft of torque (love those turbo-diesels!). Importantly, the 508 can run entirely on electric power for an unspecified distance (Peugeot promises more details are forthcoming). Like the Audi Allroad, the 508 RXH beneifits from a stronger suspension, new front bumper with integrated LEDs, 18-inch wheels with wheel-arch extenstions, and chrome roof rails.

Stay tuned as we expect to author a comprehensive review of diesel-hybrid sport wagons in the near future.

July 11th, 2011 (Source: CarScoop)