These striking Peugeot concepts preview its plan to become a posher brand

Peugeot has rocked up to the Beijing International Auto Show with two concept cars that apparently preview a whole new range of big saloons and SUVs that’ll be “produced in China for China, as well as for export from China to Peugeot’s overseas markets”.

Unfortunately, it sounds like those markets won’t include Europe. Shame, because the inventively titled Concept 6 and Concept 8 both look fantastic. The 6 is the saloon, although Peugeot says that it “merges the elegance of a sedan with the dynamism of a shooting brake, evoking Peugeot’s long heritage of grand tourer estates”. Brilliant. We’re loving those new three-claw lights, too.

The Concept 8 is an SUV that apparently features a “pure and essential design”, although Peugeot makes multiple mentions of ‘French flair’. We’re also told that “the brand continues to elevate its positioning globally”, which essentially means it wants to sell cars for more money. Oh, and it’s worth noting that the production versions of these concepts will be built by Stellantis’ Chinese joint venture Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen.

“Beijing is a key stage for Peugeot today,” said big boss Alain Favey. “This motor show is not only about showcasing plans for future products, it is about reaffirming our ambition. China is a major driver of our global transformation, particularly in electrification, innovation and brand elevation.

“Today we are showcasing two new concept cars which demonstrate our vision for a bold new future for the brand, combining feline French design and driving pleasure with world-leading electric and intelligent technologies, for China and for our global market.”