Launched in 2022, the Peugeot 408 made an immediate impression with its daring crossover-coupe silhouette, ditching the conventional sedan shape of its predecessor altogether. Now four years later, the French marque has introduced a new 2026 facelift update for the unique Peugeot 408 that builds on its head-turning design, refining the formula to better suit these ever-changing times.
The biggest change to the updated Peugeot 408 is found up front, where the distinctive “fang” daytime running light (DRL) signatures introduced with the original model are no longer present. In their place is a new three-claw DRL design integrated into the headlight assemblies. While subtle at first glance, the car also adopts a new split headlight layout, with the main light beams neatly tucked lower into the bumper, separate from the signature lighting elements.
Further down, the front grille and bumper have been reworked with a new “3D sculpted” design, combining gloss black elements with intricate lighting elements that run along the upper edge of the grille and align with the DRLs, just like the recently unveiled 308 facelift. While not a full-width light bar, it creates a similar visual effect. The headlights feature Peugeot full LED technology on the Allure and Allure Business trims, while the GT and GT Exclusive variants gain the more advanced Peugeot matrix LED units.
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At the rear, the 408 adopts newly illuminated “PEUGEOT” lettering, creating a similar full-width lighting effect. Peugeot claims this makes the updated 408 the first model in its lineup to feature illuminated branding. The taillight clusters are framed in gloss black for a stealthier appearance, while a new exclusive Flare Green paint option (as seen in these images) debuts on the new 408.
Wheel designs also vary by trim level. The Allure and Allure Business variants ride on 17-inch glossy black wheels as standard, while stepping up to the GT trims equipped with Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains brings model-exclusive 19-inch Adakite wheels. Sitting at the top of the range, the Plug-in Hybrid GT Exclusive is distinguished by larger 20-inch Monolithe wheels.
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Inside, the overall layout remains largely familiar. Peugeot says the 10-inch digital instrument cluster now features new 3D graphics for improved visibility and readability. It continues to be paired with the brand’s distinctive 10-inch centre infotainment display with configurable i-Toggles. Upholstery options have also been updated, with new fabric trims introduced alongside optional Alcantara and Nappa leather for higher-spec variants.
For those who place a premium on audio quality, the 10-speaker Hi-Fi Premium Focal sound system has been upgraded with TNF aluminium inverted dome tweeters and a new 12-channel, 690 W Class D amplified setup.
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At launch, the 2026 Peugeot 408 facelift will be offered in Europe solely with electrified powertrains, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric (EV) options available.
In hybrid form, the Peugeot 408 is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 145 hp, paired with a six-speed e-dual-clutch (e-DCS6) automatic transmission. The battery recharges automatically while driving, providing additional torque during acceleration, while delivering a claimed fuel consumption of 5.0 litres per 100 km (WLTP). In urban conditions, Peugeot says the new 408 Hybrid is capable of operating in 100% electric, zero-emission mode for up to 50% of the time.
For the PHEV variant, the 408 combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 180 hp, with a 125 hp electric motor, for a total system output of 240 hp, with drive sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed e-dual-clutch (e-DCS7) transmission. Powering the electric system is a 14.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling an EV-only driving range of up to 85 km, and a recharge time of as little as two hours and five minutes via a 7.4 kW AC wallbox charger.
Lastly, there is the fully electric Peugeot 408, which is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 213 hp and 343 Nm of torque. Energy is supplied by a 58.2 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, delivering a claimed driving range of up to 456 km on the WLTP cycle.
The electric Peugeot 408 also introduces new features such as battery preconditioning, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and Plug and Charge capability. The new battery preconditioning function allows the battery to be brought to its optimal charging temperature, particularly useful in colder climates. When activated via the centre touchscreen, the navigation system will automatically trigger preconditioning when approaching a charging station suggested by the Trip Planner.
Beyond preconditioning, the E-408 also supports V2L, delivering up to 3.5 kW and 16 A of power to supply energy to external devices such as e-bikes or household appliances. Public charging is made easier with the Plug and Charge feature, which automatically recognises the vehicle once the cable is connected and bills electricity costs directly to the user’s account. All charging transactions can be monitored via the central infotainment display or the Free2Move Charge app.
Plug and Charge is currently only available in Europe. Peugeot notes that the feature is planned for rollout in additional markets in the future, which could see it introduced to our region in time.
Here in Malaysia, the pre-facelift Peugeot 408 is offered in three variants — Allure, Premium, and GT — with prices starting from RM146,055 on the road, without insurance. Unlike Europe, which received the 408 with electrified powertrains only, our market instead gets a petrol-powered engine to suit local demand and infrastructure.
Under the bonnet, the Malaysian Peugeot 408 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 218 hp and 300 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
READ MORE: 2024 Peugeot 408 launched in Malaysia, from RM146k – CKD, GT variant, 3 variants
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