In 2024, the Peugeot 407 celebrates its 20th anniversary. Launched in 2004, this model marked an important step in the evolution of the lion brand's sedans. A look back at the history of a vehicle that has combined elegance, performance and innovation, while establishing itself as a popular choice on the European market.
A new era for Peugeot
The Peugeot 407 arrived on the market in 2004, succeeding the highly successful 406. This new model represented a significant leap forward for the French brand, both in terms of design and technology. Designed at the Peugeot Style Centre in Vélizy, under the direction of Gérard Welter, the 407 had more dynamic and modern lines than its predecessor.
The 407's design stood out for its sporty and aerodynamic appearance, with an impressive drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29 for the saloon and 0.32 for the SW (estate) version. This attention to aerodynamics was not only aesthetic, but also contributed to the vehicle's fuel efficiency and performance.
A diversified range
The 407 was offered in three distinct body versions:
The classic sedan: With its four doors, it represented the heart of the range.
The SW estate: Offering more space and versatility, it was particularly popular with families.
The Coupé: Unlike the Pininfarina-designed 406 Coupé, the 407 Coupé was designed entirely in-house by Peugeot, marking a new era of design for the brand.
These different versions allowed the 407 to meet a wide range of consumer needs and preferences.
A complete range of engines
The Peugeot 407 stood out with a varied and high-performance range of engines, aimed at competing directly with large German sedans such as the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The range included:
Petrol engines:– 1.8 litre: 118 HP and 125 HP– 2.0 litre: 136 HP and 140 HP– 2.2 litre: 158 HP and 163 HP– 3.0 litre V6: 211 HP
Diesel engines:– 1.6 HDi: 109 HP– 2.0 HDi: 136 HP, 140 HP and 163 HP– 2.2 HDi: 170 HP– V6 2.7 HDi: 204 HP– V6 3.0 HDi: 241 HP (the most powerful in the range)
This diversity of engines allowed the 407 to adapt to different user profiles, from drivers prioritizing economy to those seeking high performance.
A concentrate of technologies
The 407 also stood out for its advanced level of equipment for the time. Among the technologies offered were:
– ESP stability control– Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers– Cruise control-speed limiter– Up to 9 airbags for optimum safety
Additionally, premium finishes with leather and Alcantara seats were available, offering a level of comfort and luxury comparable to German premium sedans.
Innovative concepts
Around the 407, Peugeot has developed several interesting concepts:
– The 407 Elixir: presented at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, it announced the launch of the model.– The 407 Silhouette: a racing version based on the Coupé.– The 407 Prologue: a foretaste of the production Coupé design.– The 407 Macarena: created by coachbuilder Heuliez, it explored the idea of a convertible version of the Coupé.
These concepts demonstrated Peugeot's desire for innovation and explored new possibilities for the 407 range.
A commercial success
The Peugeot 407 enjoyed significant commercial success during its eight years on the market, from 2004 to 2011. With a total production of 1,109,148 units, it proved its appeal to European consumers.
This success can be attributed to several factors: – Its modern and dynamic design – Its complete and high-performance range of engines – Its excellent equipment/price ratio – Its versatility thanks to the different versions offered
The legacy of the 407
The Peugeot 407 played a crucial role in the evolution of Peugeot's saloon range. It allowed the brand to position itself more firmly in the premium family saloon segment, competing directly with German manufacturers.
The emphasis on aerodynamics and performance, combined with bold design, paved the way for future generations of Peugeot saloons, including the 508 which succeeded it in 2011.
A look into the future
As we celebrate 20 years of the 407, it is interesting to note how the automotive industry has evolved since its launch. Today, Peugeot, like many other manufacturers, is focusing more on electric and hybrid vehicles, responding to new environmental demands and changing consumer preferences.
The new Peugeot 408, which mixes the codes of the saloon and the crossover, illustrates this evolution. However, the heritage of the 407 in terms of bold design, performance and technological innovation continues to influence the brand's new models.
In conclusion, the Peugeot 407 remains an important chapter in Peugeot’s history. It symbolises a period in which the French brand successfully combined elegance, performance and affordability, setting standards that continue to inspire contemporary automotive design. Its 20th anniversary reminds us not only of Peugeot’s past achievements, but also of the brand’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of the changing challenges of the automotive industry.