Peugeot Details New 408 for GCC With 215 HP and Flare Green
Peugeot has detailed the new 408 for Gulf Cooperation Council markets, combining a 215-horsepower turbo engine with revised lighting, expanded standard driver-assistance equipment and a color designed to shift dramatically with the light.
The regional announcement, published October 9, 2026, positions the fastback-shaped 408 as a design-led alternative in the upper end of the compact segment. Peugeot says the model will be offered in Allure and GT trims across the GCC, while a Saudi Arabian introduction is planned later in 2026. The release does not provide a U.S. launch plan, so shoppers should not read the announcement as confirmation of North American availability.
What changes on the new 408
The most visible changes are at the front and rear. Three narrow LED strips form the daytime-running-light signature and also function as scrolling turn indicators. On GT models, those lights connect visually across the nose above an illuminated Peugeot shield. The rear receives illuminated PEUGEOT lettering inside a clear lens strip, which the company says is a first for the brand.
Flare Green is the launch color. Peugeot describes it as moving toward bright yellow in direct sunlight and appearing deeper green in shade. Perla Nera Black, Selenium Grey, Okenite White and Elixir Red are also listed. Allure models use 18-inch Detroit wheels, while the GT gets 20-inch Monolith wheels.
Engine, dimensions and cabin
- Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
- Output: 215 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with Sport mode and paddle shifters
- Claimed acceleration: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 8.8 seconds
- Claimed top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
- Wheelbase: 2.79 meters
- Cargo room: Up to 536 liters behind the rear seats and 1,611 liters with them folded
Those performance and efficiency numbers are manufacturer-supplied figures; Chiefs Review has not independently tested this version. Peugeot lists combined fuel consumption at 15.7 km/L under the applicable regional certification.
Inside, both trims receive a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a driver-angled 10-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT adds customizable i-Toggle shortcuts, navigation, voice recognition and wireless phone charging. Its front seats carry an AGR ergonomics label, and the driver’s seat includes 10-way power adjustment, memory, heating and massage. Peugeot also lists a standard Clean Cabin filtration system and sunroof for the GT.
Driver assistance is standard, but remains assistance
Peugeot says every new 408 for the region includes a driver-monitoring camera, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert and six airbags. These systems can support the driver, but they do not make the car autonomous; the person behind the wheel remains responsible for control and attention.
Where it fits
The 408’s low 1.48-meter roof and fastback profile separate it visually from conventional crossovers, while its elevated seating position and large hatch aim to preserve everyday usefulness. It arrives as Peugeot expands its Middle Eastern lineup alongside the 2008, 3008 and 5008. The company says the 408 is built in Mulhouse, France.
For more new-model context, see Chiefs Review’s coverage of the new Lancia Gamma and the Volkswagen ID. Tiguan.
Featured image: licensed illustrative photograph by Stoyan Ramalchanov via Unsplash. The vehicle shown is not the Peugeot 408.