Peugeot Unveils Retro-Styled Electric Coupe

PSA Group’s Peugeot unit’s e-Legend concept car combines an all-electronic powertrain and automated driving features with retro styling.

The vehicle, which will be publicly unveiled at next month’s Paris auto show, pays homage to the 1969 Pininfarina-designed 504 coupe. Styling cues include the 504’s sporty profile, twin headlights and plush interior with velvet seats.

Four driving modes—two autonomous and two manual—are available based on road conditions and performance and comfort preferences. The car’s electric motors generate 456 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which Peugeot says can propel the vehicle from zero to 62 mph in less than four seconds.

In both autonomous modes, the steering wheel automatically retracts and the central display expands to a 49-inch wide screen. The front seats recline and the side armrests deploy, freeing up a large storage area and revealing an induction charging area for electronic devices.

A voice-activated personal assistant, developed in partnership with Soundhound, helps occupants interact with the vehicle during autonomous driving. Peugeot plans to introduce a version of the system, which can understand 17 languages, on a production model within two years.

The carmaker worked with audio company Focal to optimize sound diffusion. This allows the driver to interact with the vehicle and lets occupants listen to their own music without interfering with each other.