French automaker Peugeot has unveiled its brand-new electric coupé concept ahead of the Paris Motor Show that will commence on 4th October. The Peugeot e-Legend, as it is called is an all-electric concept automobile inspired from the classic Peugeot 504 that was built some five decades ago.
The shape of E-Legend has plenty of hints of American muscle-car overtones. The unique styling propositions come in the form of twin module headlights and a lower front bumper offering a throwback to an era of chrome-plated stainless steel bumpers through its projected shape. The rear features the signature three claw graphic for the tail lamps. Within heavily flanked wheel arches reside 19-inch wheels finished in a shade of grey subtly tinted with champagne, giving it a diverse shade.
The all-electric concept features an engine with 100kWh batteries that produces 456 hp of power and 800 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 600 km on the WLTP standard, 500 km of which is accessible in 25 minutes due to fast recharging. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of under 4 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h.
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A total of four driving modes are available, two being manual drive modes called Legend and Boost which will allow you to explore the speed and agility of the car. Legend is the overpowering mode that creates a dashboard reflective of the three dialed classic 504 coupé and also ushers a digitally recreated wooden effect on various display screens. The Boost mode will let you indulge in exploring the speed due to the presence of a powerful electric powertrain.
The other two modes are autonomous, namely Soft and Sharp. The Soft mode focuses mainly on the ease and tranquility of the user by reducing the digital displays to a minimum possible point. On the other hand, the Sharp mode allows the driver and the passengers to engage in the social and digital activities at the maximum level.
In the autonomous modes, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit retracts the drive-by-wire, compact steering wheel under the console to offer a clean, unfettered flow to the front fascia, which houses a 49-inch curved screen and a Focal audio sound bar. The main driving controls remain accessible via a center console integrated in the driver’s seat, and this houses a rotary controller and a six-inch touch screen.
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The front seats also recline and the side armrests deploy automatically, opening up a large storage area and an induction charging area for Smartphone. A 12-inch display screen built into each of the sun visors offers occupants the ability to either watch a movie or indulge in a spot of video gaming. The doors also each feature a 29-inch screen, so there’s no shortage of visual projection.
The Peugeot E-Legend comes equipped with a voice-activated personal assistant to limit the need for physical interaction in accessing functions. Working with Soundhound, the automaker has come up with a system that allows voice commands to control a wide range of operational aspects. Which means, the driver can change their driving style, listen to their favorite playlist or even open or close the electrified doors of the vehicle. The system responds with a digitized voice in up to 17 languages. Peugeot says that a version adapted to its production vehicles is just within two years of a working debut.
The interior seating configuration boasts automatic adjustments according to the driving mode chosen. The addition of the traditional velvet in the seats of this new sensation also adds up to the charm. As Peugeot says:
“Velvet is making a comeback”
The cabin itself features a strong presence of blue, the seats being in a turquoise shade of the color. The upholstery is finished in silk velvet, which is interweaved with a modern technical mesh. Elsewhere, trim elements includes dark Paldao wood to provide a contrast to the primary blue. A fragrance diffuser completes the entire immersive experience.
Exhilarated with the launch of this fantastic muscle car, Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Peugeot says:
“Peugeot e-LEGEND concept is not just a technological manifesto. This is the vision of a brand, PEUGEOT, actively focused on an optimistic and ultra-desirable future. For Peugeot, autonomous and electric are synonymous with even stronger sensations. Boredom will never be part of our DNA.”
With all these unique and cool features amalgamated into one wonderful automobile, the Peugeot E-Legend concept looks awesome and seems to have lived up to the dazzle of the automobile industry. Hope the production version stays true to the concept.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com