Reborn Peugeot 504?? This is e-LEGEND!

Peugeot has previewed an exciting concept car called the e-LEGEND! The all-electric all wheel drive stunner revives the styling cues from the handsome 504 coupe that was produced between 1968 and 1979. The 504 coupe design influence is obvious in the silhouette, headlights and taillights of the concept car.

Peugeot is clever. Peugeot knows this type of design approach favours both the purists and the neophiles. The Peugeot 504 was originally produced from 1968 to 1983 in Europe, but production continued in other markets for a considerable amount of time. In Kenya, around 27,000 504s were assembled up until 2004. The 504 was a strong reliable car produced in various configurations, primarily in sedan and wagon body styles, but also as a coupe, convertible and pick-up. It was fondly referred to as “Africa’s Workhorse” for good reason. And now Peugeot has dipped into nostalgia to gives us this beauty.

The e-LEGEND features an all-electric engine with 100kWh batteries that produce 340 kW (456 hp) of power and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. What this means is 0 to 100 km/h is dealt with in less than 4 seconds! Peugeot says its concept car has a range of 600 km on the WTP real-world test protocol standard. It can also be charged to 500 km range within 25 minutes using a fast charging network.

This isn’t just another stunning concept car with no soul. It features a futuristic interior with a 49-inch colour screen and traditional velvet seats. My TV at home is a 46-inch… just some perspective for what’s going on here.

The e-LEGEND, like other emerging concept and production cars, is capable of autonomous driving, however complete automation is not yet incorporated into the vehicle. It gives the owner options… It can be both driverless and fun to drive depending on your mood. Four driving modes are present: two autonomous modes (SOFT and SHARP) and two manual modes (LEGEND and BOOST). 

SOFT mode reduces the digital displays to a minimum to provide a calm environment for the passengers, whereas SHARP mode allows the passengers to engage in various social and digital activities. In both autonomous modes, the steering wheel retracts into the dash, cool eh?

In manual mode, BOOST allows the driver to indulge in the speed and potential of the full electric powertrain of the concept car. LEGEND mode takes this to the next level by creating a dashboard reminiscent of the 504 coupe and recreates a wooden effect on the various display screens.

Peugeot e-LEGEND Concept

1969 Peugeot 504 Coupe

Other technological advances include an artificial intelligence personal assistant system that can operate functions with natural language recognition, for example changing playlists, driving modes, opening and closing doors and a suit of other commands.

It is unlikely that the e-LEGEND will turn into a real everyday car but what it does do is provide us with a glimpse into the electric drivetrain and technological advances we can expect to see in Peugeot production cars in the near future.

Peugeot is set to unveil its ‘vision of the future’ at the Paris Motor Show on October 4th, 2018.