Ever since they first showed up in the mid-nineties, I found the 406’s coupe shape to be pretty, svelte, seductive, and sleek. One of the standout coupe designs of the era, which managed to give an athletic touch to the jellybean styling ethos of the era. It also turned out to be a significant vehicle, as it pretty much marked the end of the Peugeot-Pininfarina collaboration that had been an ongoing thing since the 403 of 1955.
I’ll admit that this is a design whose presence probably doesn’t come across as very distinctive in photos; such is the reality of clean, understated styling, with form, proportions and shape doing the heavy work. In person, however, it is incredibly attractive and alluring, with its subtle curves speaking a discreet seductive language. I came across a couple of these coupes back in the early 2000s while visiting Spain and those sightings left indelible impressions.
Naturally, Tatra87 already touched on this model’s history and background, and his take also shows him as being enthralled by its forms. Over 100K of these coupes were built between 1995 and 2005, and performance-wise delivered on the usual attributes associated with pricey European high-end coupes; good handling, sharp reflexes and a posh cabin that befitted its GT-like mission. Downsides? Well, I guess that would depend on your preferences being Gallic or Teutonic, etc. Plus, keeping two-decade-old electronics ain’t easy, which is true of just about any high-end cruiser from the nineties. Still, let’s enjoy them, at least visually, while they’re still around.
Related CC reading:
1998 Peugeot 406 Coupé – The Last Embers Of The Peugeot-Pininfarina Affair
Peugeot 406: The Last Of An Elegant Line
COAL: 1999 Peugeot 406 – Grand Touring, The French Way
Very good looking and a style I am still attracted to. Going to do an Internet dive to see what the interior looks like.
Hi I think the dashboard was identical to the 406 saloon but with the leather seats it certainly looked good. Burgundy leather was one option I seem to remember.
I was very tempted by one in silver metallic, black leather seats. The 3l V6 too.
There were diesels but somehow that didn’t suit the looks.
Best looking Peugeot ever, my opinion.
The last truly beautiful car from Peugeot, and the last one designed by Pininfarina. I like it as much as the 403 and 504 Coupes.
The French brand practically died after the 406, which was a worthy successor to the great 405.
Always thought this was a bit bland and mainstream for a French car. The overall shape gives an initial Toyota Solara/Honda Accord Coupe vibe. I prefer my French cars to be more aggressively eccentric.
It’s not really parked next to anything. What car would compare with it? (size speaking..)
The Volvo C70 Coupé (1st gen.) immediately comes to mind. However, I think this Peugeot has aged better. The smooth surfaces give its appearance a timeless quality.
For a niche body variant, we seemed to get a surprising number of these 406 coupes in New Zealand. I get they can seem a little bland looking, but I thought the styling was rather nice at the time. It’s still a pleasure to see them around – not that there are many left now of course!