Quick Highlights:
- First Peugeot ever with an illuminated badge
- New split LED headlights with signature claws
- E-308 gains 23 miles of extra range for a total of 281 miles (WLTP)
- Extended Peugeot Care warranty launches May 2025, covering up to 8 years
The Peugeot 308 has long been a C-segment mainstay in the sedan and estate market in Europe, and the model receives a significant mid-cycle update in 2026. The 2026 308 continues to be built on Peugeot’s EMP2 modular platform, which underpins its compact architecture and allows for efficient integration of petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The hatchback and SW estate feature an updated look; the changes are more subtle yet deemed purposeful- an illuminated front badge and sharper LED claws make the car feel as though it has a stronger presence when it’s on the road.
Since its 2021 introduction, the third-generation 308 has been a solid return to form that blends French style with practical everyday ease of use. Peugeot has now tidied up the exterior styling, added a touch of cabin tech, and extended the range of its pure-electric variant, something that now makes the E-308 feel much more compelling than it was before.
A Glow-Up Outside
The most striking change is right up front: the Peugeot 308 is the first car in the brand’s history to wear an illuminated shield badge. It sits proudly in the middle of a cleaner grille design flanked by new split LED headlights. The GT and GT Exclusive trims also bring in Matrix LED technology with sequential indicators.
Instead of the old “fang” lights, Peugeot designers opted for three slim LED claws, extending into the bumper for a fiercer look. New air intakes at the outer edges improve aerodynamics by channeling air to the wheel arches, while fresh 17- and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and two new paint options — Lagoa Blue (hatch) and Ingaro Blue (estate) — round out the facelift.
The rear keeps its elegant shape, but all trims now wear Peugeot’s signature three-claw taillight design, previously limited to higher trims. Chrome inserts have been dropped in favor of a sleeker, black-lacquered look.
Familiar Interior, Fresh Details
Climb into the 308, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit immediately makes its presence felt. The small, driver-focused steering wheel sits below a high-mounted digital instrument cluster, while a 10-inch touchscreen dominates the center of the dash. The layout keeps the driver in command without overcomplicating things. This isn’t the SUV-style cockpit of the 3008, but Peugeot has added 3D graphics to the instrument cluster and tucked customizable i-Toggles beneath the screen, giving the driver quick access to key functions and smoother connectivity.
The benefits of Top trims are the i-Connect Advanced system that incorporates the voice assistant with ChatGPT. The system can be updated over the air to keep it up-to-date, and the MyPeugeot app gives remote control over some functions like pre-conditioning, battery scheduling, vehicle location and unlocking actions. Rear and front USB-C ports (two each) and full-color eight-area ambient lighting allow additional comfort and convenience.
Materials get an upgrade too, with Alcantara upholstery on GT trims, customizable eight-color ambient lighting, and AGR-certified front seats that offer heating, massage, and ventilation on top trims. A 10-speaker Focal Hi-Fi system, developed with French audio specialists, brings a true theater-like experience to the cabin.
Peugeot also emphasizes sustainability: the facelifted 308 uses 31% recycled and renewable materials—around 405 kg per car—including hemp fibers in the dashboard, recycled plastics in bumpers and storage compartments, 34% recycled steel, 58% recycled aluminum, and 40 kg of polymers/biomaterials. All models comply with 85% recyclability by mass and 95% recoverability.
More Range for the E-308
Under the skin, the all-electric E-308 sees a meaningful improvement. The 156-hp motor and 58.4 kWh battery remain the same, but Peugeot has refined efficiency to stretch the range by 23 miles, now reaching 281 miles on the WLTP cycle. A heat pump is standard on the GT Premium, helping the car maintain performance in colder conditions.
Charging is simple and convenient. The onboard three-phase 11 kW charger comes as standard, while a 100 kW DC fast charger can take the battery from 20 to 80 percent in just 32 minutes.
The car also supports Plug & Charge at over 10,000 stations across Europe, and adds Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability providing up to 3.5 kW/16 A output to power external devices.
Regenerative braking now features three selectable levels, with the rear brake lights automatically illuminating at higher regeneration settings.
Hybrid and Diesel Not Put Away
Peugeot is able to cover them all and provide a sufficiently diverse powertrain range:
- Hybrid 145: 145 hp, paired with an electrified dual-clutch automatic transmission, featuring extra torque boost and up to 50% electric driving in city traffic.
- Plug-in Hybrid 195: Next-generation system combining a 1.6L turbo and a 92 kW electric motor, producing 195 hp and up to 85 km of pure electric range.
- Diesel BlueHDi 130: A four-cylinder, the choice of the long-distance traveller.
All of this variety makes the 308 highly marketable, whether it’s efficiency, utility, or a smooth step into electrification for the customer.
Estate Lovers, Rejoice
The Peugeot 308 SW estate survives the facelift, and it’s as practical as ever. The longer body offers between 598 and 1,487 (21.1-52.5 cubic feet) liters of luggage space, plus a 40:20:40 split rear bench and an optional power tailgate. It’s a rare treat for wagon fans in a world increasingly dominated by crossovers.
Extended Warranty: Peugeot Care
Peugeot has introduced a new after-sales program called Peugeot Care, which officially started on 1 May 2025. It replaces the old Allure Care program and covers the entire lineup, including the facelifted 308 hatch and SW.
Here’s what it offers:
- Coverage: Up to 8 years or 160,000 km on the car and its key components.
- Battery Protection: Electric vehicles like the E-308 get a separate 8-year battery warranty, giving owners extra peace of mind.
- Automatic Activation: No paperwork required—Peugeot Care activates automatically after each scheduled service at an authorized Peugeot service center.
With Peugeot Care, the 308 becomes one of the most reassuring choices in the compact segment, particularly for buyers stepping into electric mobility.
Final Thoughts
The peugeot 308 facelift of 2026 is more than a remodeling. Armed with a glowing logo, more pointed LED claws and higher efficiency and a reasonable increase in the EV range, it turns out that hatchbacks and body complete wagons still have a role to play in Europe. It is dashing, has competitive technology and most of the power trains.
Be it a cool French hatchback, an almost-everything wagon or a long-range EV alternative, the 308 feels like Peugeot is putting its best foot forward in the compact segment-it also comes with Peugeot Care Warranty, too, which brings stability to ownership.
Source: Stellantis
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