The Peugeot 406 Coupe (Phase II), produced from 2003 to 2005, represents a refined iteration of Peugeot’s stylish coupe offering. 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, competing with vehicles like the Audi A4 Coupe and the Ford Cougar. The Phase II updates brought subtle styling revisions and improvements to the interior and available equipment.
Peugeot 406 Coupe: A Legacy of Style
The 406 Coupe, penned by Pininfarina, was lauded for its elegant silhouette and flowing lines. It distinguished itself from the more practical 406 sedan and wagon, offering a more sporting and luxurious experience. The Phase II model continued this tradition, building upon the original’s strengths with a focus on refinement. The Coupe’s design emphasized a long hood, a sloping roofline, and a relatively compact rear end, creating a visually appealing and dynamic profile. It was a statement of French automotive design, prioritizing aesthetics alongside functionality.
Engine & Performance
The 3.0 V6 engine, producing 207 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 285 Nm (210.21 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm, was the flagship powertrain for the 406 Coupe Phase II. This naturally aspirated V6 provided smooth and responsive performance, making it well-suited for long-distance cruising. The engine, designated XFX ES9J4S, featured a displacement of 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) and a compression ratio of 10.9:1. Power was delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, offering drivers a direct and engaging driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 7.8 seconds, while 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 7.4 seconds. The vehicle boasted a maximum speed of 240 km/h (149.13 mph). Despite its performance capabilities, fuel economy was rated at 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) combined, with CO2 emissions of 238 g/km, reflecting the standards of the Euro 3 emission regulations.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 406 Coupe is a two-door, four-seater coupe. Its body style prioritizes a sleek and sporty appearance. The Phase II model retained the distinctive Pininfarina-designed exterior, with minor cosmetic updates. Inside, the 406 Coupe offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. Standard features included power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Higher trim levels offered options such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and upgraded sound systems. Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front disc brakes. The interior design focused on providing a comfortable and driver-focused environment, with ergonomically placed controls and supportive seats. Trunk space was a respectable 390 liters (13.77 cu. ft.), providing adequate room for luggage. The vehicle’s suspension, featuring independent McPherson struts at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, aimed to balance ride comfort with handling precision.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 406 |
| Generation | 406 Coupe (Phase II, 2003) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (207 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.4 l/100 km (16.3 US mpg, 19.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 238 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 240 km/h (149.13 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 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 | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 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%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 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 (Back) track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Front overhang | 985 mm (38.78 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 930 mm (36.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.95 m (39.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| 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 |
