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PEUGEOT 605 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1989
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
PEUGEOT 605 photo gallery

Five years after the introduction of this large executive vehicle, the French automaker made another step and brought a facelifted version of the 605, preparing it for new emission standards.

While back then, it was enough to improve the engines and comply with new pollution norms, carmakers also adjusted the rest of the vehicles. Thus, the 605 was modernized and enhanced in other areas as well.

Along with the Phase 2 (French term for facelift) version, Peugeot improved the car's look. Its grille was redesigned and sported only one slat instead of three, and the company's badge was bigger. This simplification process enhanced the car's look. In addition, the bumper received a lower apron that made the car look sportier. However, the car's profile still resembled the 405, which was almost as comfortable but cheaper than this executive sedan.

Inside, the carmaker created a new center stack and controls for the HVAC unit. In addition, the 605 became available with a CD audio and even a CD-changer in the trunk. Furthermore, the car's safety systems were improved, and Peugeot installed not only two frontal airbags but added side airbags as well. The materials' quality was also improved.

Under the hood, the most significant change was the drop of the naturally aspirated diesel engine that was too weak for this large vehicle. In 1997, Peugeot ditched the older PRV V6 engine and replaced it with a new powerplant with similar displacement, although more powerful.

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PEUGEOT 605 photo gallery

After retiring the 604, Peugeot didn't concern about a new executive model in its lineup, or at least that's what other thought about the French brand until 1989 when the Sochaux lion launched the 605.

At the beginning of the '80s, it became clear that the German carmakers were picking up speed and started to provide better-engineered cars than Peugeot. Apart from reliability issues, the French brand didn't meet customers' expectations in terms of comfort and features, while Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz played their cards better. Then, in 1989, the 605 was about to change the score for the French team.

With its Pininfarina-designed bodywork, the 605 looked very distinguished, as long as there was no Alfa Romeo 164 around. The same designer made both vehicles, and they looked similar. But Peugeot had its unique design cues at the front with the wide, narrow headlights and a three-slat grille. Its ascending beltline and slightly enlarged fenders looked like an athlete with a shirt stretched on its muscles.

Inside, the 605 was a lesson for the large cars from its era. Its exterior wedged-shapes were continued on the inside with rhomboidal and rectangular air vents. The instrument cluster extended its area over the center stack, where the carmaker placed the climate control buttons on the upper side and the stereo lower, covered by a flip-down lid. Thanks to the generous wheelbase and the front-wheel-drive solution, there was more than enough room for five, but the carmaker profiled the rear bench for two, increasing the comfort.

Peugeot made things right with the platform too. It was shared with the Citroen XM and featured independent suspension in all corners. Unfortunately, it didn't nail it on the engine side, where it offered either underpowered and thirsty powerplants or a V-6 which was also thirsty and not that lively.

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