Peugeot 408 vs Polestar 2

The Peugeot 408 starts from $57,990 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $62,400. That makes the Peugeot 408 the more affordable entry point by $4,410.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,789 and $68,640 respectively.

The Polestar 2 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Peugeot 408, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

The Polestar 2 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Peugeot 408. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Peugeot 408 and 92% for the Polestar 2.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 2 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Peugeot 408.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Peugeot 408 and 8 in the Polestar 2.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Peugeot 408 features a 10-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 2 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Peugeot 408 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Focal audio that you will not find on the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Peugeot 408 uses a Hybrid producing 107kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.

The Polestar 2 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 107kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 2 is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Peugeot 408 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 84mm longer than the Polestar 2 at 4,606mm (2,735mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Peugeot 408 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 508L in the Peugeot 408 and 407L in the Polestar 2, giving the Peugeot 408 a 101L advantage.

For towing, the Polestar 2 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 408) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 2). Both match on warranty length.