The Peugeot 605 was a restrained French flagship whose supple chassis, formal Pininfarina-era proportions and rare 200hp SV24 deserve far more attention than its sales record suggests.
Presented in 1989, the 605 replaced the 604 at the top of Peugeot’s range. It shared broad platform architecture with the Citroën XM, but its visual language was deliberately conservative: a large saloon intended to combine motorway refinement with Peugeot’s traditional chassis fluency.
A difficult birth
Early cars acquired a reputation for electrical and build-quality troubles at exactly the moment executive buyers demanded faultless dependability. Peugeot made substantial running improvements and the facelifted Phase 2 cars are generally regarded as better resolved, but the damage to the model’s reputation was difficult to reverse.
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Engines and the SV24
The range included four-cylinder petrols, turbocharged petrol variants, naturally aspirated and turbo diesels, and V6 flagships. The most charismatic early model was the 605 SV24, using a 24-valve development of the PRV V6. Peugeot archive material records 200PS, 235km/h and 0–100km/h in under eight seconds. Later cars adopted the smoother ES9 3.0-litre V6 in appropriate markets and years.
Diesel 605s
Diesels were central to the 605’s real-world role. The 2.1 turbo diesel offered economy and long-range ability, while the later 2.5 turbo diesel brought more torque. They suit the car’s relaxed character but require careful cooling-system, head-gasket and injection-system assessment.
Presidential history
In 1991 the Élysée acquired a 605 lengthened and armoured by Labbé. Official Peugeot history records a 170hp V6, high-strength steel protection, bullet-resistant glazing and a weight of 2,500kg. It carried visiting heads of state and underlines how seriously Peugeot positioned the 605.
Driving character
A healthy 605 is quiet, stable and unusually composed on poor surfaces. It is not a sports saloon, but accurate steering and a supple ride make it more engaging than its sober styling implies. V6 cars add smoothness and speed; the diesels emphasise range and calm progress.
Ownership and preservation
Electrical diagnosis is essential: test climate control, instruments, central locking, windows, seat functions and every warning lamp. Inspect cooling fans, radiator, hoses and evidence of overheating. On V6 cars, confirm timing-belt history where applicable and listen for valvetrain or exhaust leaks. Look carefully for corrosion beneath trim, at jacking points, subframes, arches and the boot floor.
Trim can be harder to source than mechanical parts. A complete, dry interior and intact lamps, mouldings and switches may be more valuable than superficially low mileage. Buy the most complete car with the strongest provenance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 605 related to the Citroën XM?
Yes. They share broad PSA platform architecture, although their styling, suspension approach, tuning and character are distinct.
What is a Peugeot 605 SV24?
It is the early 24-valve V6 flagship. Peugeot quoted 200PS, a 235km/h maximum and 0–100km/h in under eight seconds.
Are all 605 V6 engines the same?
No. Early cars used PRV-family V6 engines, while later examples in relevant markets used the newer ES9 3.0-litre V6. Confirm by VIN and engine code.
Which 605 is easiest to own?
Condition matters most. A sound four-cylinder or well-maintained turbo diesel may be simpler, but parts availability and specialist knowledge still require planning.
Why is the Peugeot 605 rare in Britain?
Executive-market competition, early reliability perceptions, depreciation and low survival rates removed many cars. Good examples are now genuinely scarce.
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Research note: Launch and SV24 figures were checked against Peugeot/Stellantis heritage material; presidential-car details come from Peugeot’s official Élysée history. Specifications vary by year and market.