Why Did the Peugeot 407 Coupé Stand Out Among Early 2000s Cars?
If you ever wandered through a parking lot in the mid-2000s, you probably noticed a sea of Peugeots that didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of style or excitement. But the Peugeot 407 Coupé? It was different. This car had a presence that set it apart from its more pedestrian siblings. It was low, wide, and had a long, elegant bonnet—details that gave it a certain gravitas, especially when viewed from the rear three-quarters. Even among the sometimes awkward designs of the era, the 407 Coupé managed to look genuinely attractive.
Peugeot didn’t just chop the back doors off a 407 saloon and call it a day. They went all-in: widening the track, tweaking the overhangs, and changing every exterior panel to create a car that looked muscular and sophisticated. The result was a coupé that felt purpose-built, not just a quick spin-off.
How Did the Design Choices Affect the Driving Experience?
One of the most interesting things about the 407 Coupé is how its design translated into real-world driving. By lowering the car by 44mm compared to the saloon, Peugeot dropped the center of gravity by 25mm. That’s not just a number—it made the car feel more planted on the road. The driving position was also lowered, adding to the sense of being cocooned in something special.
The bodywork was sculpted to accentuate the car’s width, with a neat trim strip breaking up the flanks and a subtle spoiler flicking up at the boot lid. Even the overhangs—those stretches of bodywork beyond the wheels—were carefully considered, though the long nose (originally designed for crash safety) remained a bit of a visual quirk.
Was the 407 Coupé More Cruiser Than Sports Car?
Absolutely. If you were hoping for a nimble, back-road blaster, the 407 Coupé wasn’t quite it. The front-wheel-drive layout and those extended overhangs gave it more of a grand touring vibe. But here’s the thing: as a cruiser, it excelled. On highways and long journeys, the 407 Coupé was quiet, comfortable, and impressively stable at speed. Some models even came with a JBL stereo system that made those hours behind the wheel fly by.
The car’s refinement was no accident. Peugeot invested in a super-rigid structure, laminated glass for noise reduction, and frameless doors with excellent sealing. Most versions came with leather interiors, adding to the sense of luxury.
What Made the 407 Coupé’s Build Quality Special?
Unlike most mass-market cars, the 407 Coupé was assembled on a dedicated, slow-moving line at Peugeot’s Rennes factory in France. This wasn’t just for show—the idea was to give the car a level of craftsmanship befitting its flagship status. The same line also produced the Citroën C6, another French luxury oddity. While demand never quite matched expectations, the attention to detail was real. First-hand accounts from the factory floor confirm that each car was built with genuine care.
Which Engines Delivered the Best Experience?
Peugeot offered a range of engines, but the standout was the 2.7-liter twin-turbo diesel V6. Developed in partnership with Ford, this engine delivered a hefty 330 lb-ft of torque at just 1900 rpm, paired exclusively with a smooth six-speed automatic. It was a powertrain that suited the car’s relaxed, long-distance character perfectly. At the time, this diesel V6 was considered one of the best in its class, also finding homes in Land Rover and Jaguar models.
Petrol fans could opt for a 3.0-liter V6, but the automatic gearbox was a bit clunky in early models. Manuals were rare and, while they added a touch of engagement, they didn’t transform the 407 Coupé into a true sports car. The car’s strengths lay elsewhere.
Did the 407 Coupé Live Up to Peugeot’s Dynamic Reputation?
Peugeot has a history of making cars that are fun to drive, but the 407 Coupé took a different path. It resisted body roll well and offered strong grip, but agility wasn’t its forte. You couldn’t really adjust its line through a corner with the throttle like you could in older Peugeots. Instead, it delivered secure, predictable handling—perfect for covering big distances in comfort, but not for chasing lap times.
What Features Made the GT Model a Hidden Gem?
If you wanted the full experience, the GT trim was the one to have. It came with the Integral leather pack, wrapping the dashboard, doors, and even the glovebox in beautifully finished leather. Oxblood red leather was a particularly bold (and rare) choice. The GT also offered a color sat-nav and an integrated GSM phone—cutting-edge tech in 2006, even if the phone is more of a museum piece today.
Why Didn’t the 407 Coupé Become a Bestseller?
Despite its many qualities, the 407 Coupé struggled to find buyers. It wasn’t cheap, and the ride could be a bit firm for some tastes. The long nose divided opinion, and it never quite captured the athletic grace of its predecessor, the 406 Coupé—a car that remains more sought after by collectors today.
But here’s the twist: because it flew under the radar, the 407 Coupé is now something of a bargain. You get a rare, well-built, and comfortable grand tourer for a fraction of what you’d pay for more obvious choices.
Should You Consider a 407 Coupé Today?
If you’re after a stylish, comfortable cruiser with a touch of French flair, the 407 Coupé deserves a second look. Its blend of refinement, rarity, and value makes it a compelling alternative to more predictable options. Sure, it’s not the last word in driving excitement, but as a left-field choice for those who appreciate design and comfort, it’s hard to beat. Sometimes, the cars everyone forgets about turn out to be the most interesting of all.