The Peugeot 605 (6B), produced from 1991 to 2000, represents the final iteration of Peugeot’s large, executive sedan lineage, succeeding the popular 505. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi 100, the 605 aimed to offer a blend of French sophistication, comfort, and technological innovation. While never officially sold in the United States, the 605 was a significant model in Europe, known for its advanced features and refined driving experience. The 2.0 Turbo variant, equipped with a 147 horsepower engine, offered a balance between performance and fuel efficiency within the 605 range.
Peugeot 605 (6B) 2.0 Turbo: An Overview
The 605 marked a departure for Peugeot in terms of design and engineering. It was the first Peugeot to feature fully independent suspension on all four wheels, enhancing ride quality and handling. The 2.0 Turbo model, powered by the XU10J2TE engine, was a popular choice for drivers seeking a responsive and relatively economical option. This engine, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, provided a respectable level of performance for its time. The 605’s interior was characterized by its spaciousness, comfortable seating, and a focus on driver ergonomics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 605 2.0 Turbo is its 1998 cc (121.93 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, designated RGX XU10J2TE. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and multi-port fuel injection to produce 147 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 235 Nm (173.33 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. This configuration results in a power-to-liter ratio of 73.6 hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10 seconds, with a 0-60 mph time calculated at 9.5 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The engine’s weight-to-power ratio is 10 kg/hp, and its weight-to-torque ratio is 6.3 kg/Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l).
Design & Features
The Peugeot 605 is a four-door sedan with a classic, understated design. Its body measures 4765 mm (187.6 in) in length, 1799 mm (70.83 in) in width, and 1417 mm (55.79 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm (110.24 in). The car’s kerb weight is 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1970 kg (4343.11 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 500 kg (1102.31 lbs). The interior offers seating for five passengers and provides 497 liters (17.55 cu. ft.) of trunk space.
Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on executive vehicles. The 605 also featured hydraulic power steering and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, with disc brakes on the rear. The car’s suspension system, comprised of wishbone suspension at the front and a double wishbone setup at the rear, contributed to a comfortable and controlled ride. The 605’s design prioritized passenger comfort and a refined driving experience, reflecting Peugeot’s commitment to providing a premium vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 605 |
| Generation | 605 (6B) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 Turbo (147 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1991 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 24.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 29.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 10.4 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 235 Nm @ 2500 rpm (173.33 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | RGX XU10J2TE |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1970 kg (4343.11 lbs) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 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 (Back) track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual 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 Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
The Peugeot 605 2.0 Turbo, while not officially available in the US market, remains a respected and admired vehicle among enthusiasts. Its combination of comfort, performance, and advanced features for its time cemented its place as a significant offering in the European executive sedan segment.
