Peugeot has released official details of the all-new 508, an upmarket replacement for the 407 range. Marketing gurus from the French marque describe the 508 as being full of French chic, with an elegant and timeless exterior design.

Materials used in the 508 are said to be of higher quality than its predecessor. It benefits from a larger boot and a general increase in interior space.

The new e-HDi stop and start system offers a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 15%, according to Peugeot. The brand's Hybrid4 technology will become available after launch and will feature 200 bhp and an AWD system. Emissions are 99g/km in normal combined driving or 0g/km in full electric mode. Cutting C02 emissions is paramount to Peugeot's sales strategy, and the 508 is said to lower emissions while improving engine performance. Dynamics are also said to be up a notch and weight is kept to a minimum.

Peugeot will start selling the 508 in sedan and wagon (SW) bodystyles from the beginning of 2011 following its public debut at the 2010 Paris International Motor Show in October. Europe will get a French-built model while China will market its own built-in-China version.