Peugeot 4008 coupe-SUV seen testing on public roads

A heavily disguised Peugeot 4008 prototype has been pictured testing on public roads in Germany, sporting a line-distorting livery with minimal features on display. 

The new car, which Autocar understands is mechanically based on the new Peugeot 308 family hatchback, was photographed with an undisguised Peugeot badge and the firm’s staple sabre-tooth LED lights on display. 

It’s the first time the 4008 has been spotted in public. It sports a lower stance and a sleeker roofline to the 3008, suggesting it will offer a more dynamic driving experience to traditionally shaped SUVs. 

The model also appears to be roughly the size of the Citroën C5 X, meaning it would rival some of the segment’s most popular models, such as the Kia Sportage, Renault Arkana and Volkswagen T-Roc.

One image shows the driver’s side of the interior, including the steering wheel, part of the door trim, a digital cockpit and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. 

The model was photographed shortly after Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson suggested there were no plans to expand the French firm’s vehicle line-up with a 3008-based coupé. 

“We work on a core model strategy – that is, key models in the volume profit pool,” Jackson told Autocar in February, explaining how the French firm would target global expansion. 

“Peugeot is very fortunate to have representation in most of the key profit pools. I'm very happy with what we have.”

Because it’s based on the 308, the 4008 will likely be offered with a selection of petrol and diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain. An all-electric variant could also be on the cards. 

The new 308 is available with a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid offerings.

The all-electric e-308 meanwhile, which is set to join the Peugeot range later this year, will offer 154bhp and 199lb ft and 250 miles of range from a 54kWh battery.