2028 Peugeot 208 EV Reveals Rectangular Hypersquare Wheel

Peugeot has begun public-road testing of the 2028 208, and a heavily camouflaged prototype confirms the production car will carry a rectangular Hypersquare steer-by-wire wheel first shown on the Polygon concept. The prototype otherwise retains familiar subcompact proportions as the model shifts toward electric-only powertrains.

Hypersquare steering and steer-by-wire details

Peugeot describes Hypersquare as a steer-by-wire system in which a tablet-like digital controller replaces the mechanical steering column and provides a variable ratio for easier low-speed maneuvers. The Polygon concept demonstrated the rectangular rim rotating 170 degrees in each direction rather than the roughly three full rotations of a conventional wheel. Key functions are grouped in four control pods embedded at each corner of the rim, allowing drivers to keep their hands anchored in place while interacting with controls. Peugeot also says the system is designed to be modular, reconfigurable and interchangeable by the maker. A rectangular rim may feel unfamiliar to some drivers.

Exterior, powertrain options and range targets

The prototype wears heavy camouflage but shows styling that is more evolution than revolution. Signature lighting from the current 208 appears to be gone, and changes to the front bumper and grille align the subcompact with Peugeot's battery-electric design language previewed by the Polygon, Inception, 6 and 8 concepts. The next-generation small car is expected to be offered as an electric model badged either E-208 or 208, while a CMP-architecture internal combustion 208 is also slated to receive a further facelift to extend its lifecycle.

Peugeot is reportedly considering both LFP and NMC battery chemistries. Industry rumours include a long-range option topping 82 kilowatt-hours, though that capacity seems unlikely in a vehicle of this size. The rumour mill also indicates a target of more than 500 kilometres WLTP, which would be 311 miles.

Peugeot's current electric 208 on the EV-adapted CMP architecture and listed in France offers configurations claiming either 433 or 363 kilometres WLTP, equivalent to about 269 and roughly 226 miles respectively. Peugeot cites front-mounted electric drive outputs of 156 or 136 cv, listed as 154 or 134 hp. Like its predecessor, the new electric 208 is expected to be front-wheel drive only. There is also a possibility Peugeot could revive an E-208 GTi hot hatch; the current petrol GTi produces 281 cv, 277 hp and achieves 375 kilometres WLTP from a 54 kWh battery using NMC prismatic cells from CATL.