The Peugeot 406 Coupe (Phase II, 2003) 3.0 V6 represents a refined iteration of Peugeot’s stylish coupe, produced between 2003 and 2005. Positioned as a grand tourer, the 406 Coupe aimed to deliver a blend of performance, comfort, and distinctive French design. While not officially sold in the United States, the 406 Coupe was a popular choice in Europe for buyers seeking an alternative to more mainstream offerings like the Audi A4 Coupe or BMW 3 Series Coupe. The Phase II updates brought subtle styling revisions and improvements to the interior, solidifying its appeal within the mid-size coupe segment.
Peugeot 406 Coupe: A Legacy of Style and Engineering
The 406 Coupe, launched in 1997, was a departure for Peugeot, emphasizing design and driver engagement. The Phase II model, introduced in 2003, continued this trend, offering a more polished experience. It distinguished itself with its Pininfarina-designed body, a collaboration that resulted in a sleek and elegant profile. The Coupe was intended to be a more emotional and aspirational vehicle than the more practical 406 sedan and wagon, appealing to buyers who prioritized style and driving pleasure. Its relatively limited production numbers contribute to its collectibility today.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2003 Peugeot 406 Coupe 3.0 V6 is a naturally aspirated 2.9-liter (2946 cm3) V6 engine, designated XFX ES9J4S. This engine produces 207 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and 285 Newton-meters (210.21 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144.16 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.3 kg/Nm. While not exceptionally quick by modern standards, the V6 provides smooth and responsive performance, well-suited for long-distance cruising. Fuel economy is rated at 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) combined, with 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg) in urban conditions and 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg) on the open road. CO2 emissions are 248 g/km, meeting Euro 3 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 406 Coupe is a two-door, four-seater coupe characterized by its flowing lines and elegant proportions. Its Pininfarina-penned design features a long hood, a sloping roofline, and a short rear deck. The Phase II model received minor cosmetic updates, including revised headlights and taillights. Inside, the cabin is designed with comfort and style in mind, featuring supportive seats and a well-appointed dashboard. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a radio/cassette player (though options like a CD changer and upgraded audio systems were available). Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated front disc brakes, with disc brakes also used on the rear. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 390 liters (13.77 cu. ft.). The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4615 mm (181.69 in), width 1780 mm (70.08 in), and height 1352 mm (53.23 in), with a wheelbase of 2700 mm (106.3 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 406 |
| Generation | 406 Coupe (Phase II, 2003) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (207 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg, 27.2 UK mpg, 9.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 248 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 232 km/h (144.16 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 207 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 3750 rpm (210.21 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | XFX ES9J4S |
| Engine displacement | 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10.6 l (11.2 US qt | 9.33 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1510 kg (3328.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1935 kg (4265.94 lbs.) |
| Max load | 425 kg (936.96 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4615 mm (181.69 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1352 mm (53.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1511 mm (59.49 in.) |
| Rear track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.95 m (39.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
