The Peugeot 605 (6B) 3.0 V6 Automatic, produced between 1997 and 2000, represents the pinnacle of Peugeot’s large executive car offerings. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6, the 605 aimed to provide a blend of French sophistication, comfort, and performance. While never officially sold in the United States, the 605 was a significant model in Europe, particularly favored for its refined driving experience and spacious interior. It served as Peugeot’s flagship sedan during its production run, embodying the brand’s commitment to engineering and design.
Peugeot 605 (6B): A Legacy of French Engineering
The 605 was the successor to the Peugeot 505 and represented a substantial leap forward in terms of technology, safety, and overall refinement. The 6B generation, specifically the 3.0 V6 Automatic variant, offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a luxurious and capable sedan. It distinguished itself with a focus on driver comfort and a relatively understated, elegant design, eschewing the more flamboyant styling trends of some of its competitors. The car’s development prioritized a smooth ride and quiet cabin, making it well-suited for long-distance travel. The 605 was a popular choice among those who valued a sophisticated and reliable vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 605 (6B) 3.0 V6 Automatic is a naturally aspirated 2.9-liter (2946 cm3 or 179.78 cu. in.) V6 engine, designated XFZ ES9J4. This engine produces 190 horsepower (Hp) at 5500 rpm and 267 Newton-meters (196.93 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm, resulting in a power-to-liter ratio of 64.5 Hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. This configuration allows for a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) acceleration time of 8.4 seconds and a 0 to 60 mph time of approximately 8 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 233 km/h (144.78 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 15.9 l/100 km (14.8 US mpg, 17.8 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) in urban driving and 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) in extra-urban conditions. The engine’s transverse mounting contributes to efficient packaging within the front-wheel-drive layout.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 605 (6B) is a four-door sedan with a classic three-box design. Its exterior styling is characterized by clean lines and a relatively conservative aesthetic, prioritizing elegance over overt sportiness. The car offers seating for five passengers and provides a spacious interior. Key features of the 605 included a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating, power steering (hydraulic), and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety. The 605 was also equipped with features expected of a luxury vehicle of its era, such as electric windows and mirrors. The trunk (boot) offers a minimum capacity of 497 liters (17.55 cu. ft.), providing ample space for luggage. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4765 mm (187.6 in.), width 1799 mm (70.83 in.), and height 1417 mm (55.79 in.), with a wheelbase of 2800 mm (110.24 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 605 |
| Generation | 605 (6B) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.9 l/100 km (14.8 US mpg, 17.8 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 233 km/h (144.78 mph) |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 267 Nm @ 4000 rpm (196.93 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | XFZ ES9J4 |
| 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 | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Max. weight | 1985 kg (4376.18 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 497 l (17.55 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4765 mm (187.6 in.) |
| Width | 1799 mm (70.83 in.) |
| Height | 1417 mm (55.79 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1527 mm (60.12 in.) |
| Rear track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 225/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Peugeot 605 (6B) 3.0 V6 Automatic, while not a common sight in North America, remains a respected and admired vehicle among enthusiasts. Its blend of comfort, performance, and sophisticated engineering cemented its place as a significant offering in the European executive car segment.
