The Peugeot 406 Coupe, specifically the Phase I model produced from 1997 to 1999, represents a distinctive and stylish offering from the French automaker. Positioned as a grand touring coupe, the 406 Coupe aimed to blend elegant design with respectable performance. While not officially sold in the United States, the 406 range was a significant player in the European mid-size car market, competing with vehicles like the Ford Cougar and the Audi A4 Coupe. The Phase I 3.0 V6 24V automatic variant, detailed here, was a flagship model, offering a more potent engine option and a luxurious driving experience.
Peugeot 406 Coupe: A Design Statement
The 406 Coupe distinguished itself from the more practical 406 sedan and wagon with its dramatically sloping roofline and sleek silhouette. Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design house, was heavily involved in the Coupe’s styling, resulting in a vehicle that was widely praised for its aesthetic appeal. The Phase I models, produced between 1997 and 1999, featured a specific front-end design and interior trim that differentiated them from later iterations. The car’s two-door configuration and four-seat layout emphasized its focus on personal transportation and driver enjoyment. The emphasis was on creating a visually striking vehicle that offered a more emotional connection than the standard 406 models.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 406 Coupe Phase I 3.0 V6 24V was a naturally aspirated 2.9-liter (2946 cm3 or 179.78 cu. in.) V6 engine. This engine, designated XFZ ES9J4, produced 190 horsepower (Hp) at 5500 rpm and 267 Newton-meters (196.93 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. Power per liter was a respectable 64.5 Hp/l. The engine was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. This configuration allowed for a 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 146.02 mph (235 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio of 7.7 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 5.5 kg/Nm contributed to a responsive driving experience. Fuel economy was rated at 15.9 l/100 km (14.8 US mpg, 17.8 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) in urban conditions and 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 406 Coupe’s body style is a classic two-door coupe. It offered seating for four passengers, though rear seat space was somewhat limited due to the sloping roofline. Key features included ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering system employed a hydraulic power steering rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive handling. The suspension utilized a wishbone configuration at the front and a multi-lever arrangement at the rear, aiming for a balance between comfort and road holding. The vehicle rode on 215/55 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 390 liters (13.77 cu. ft.), providing adequate space for luggage. Interior appointments focused on providing a comfortable and refined environment, though specific features varied depending on trim level.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 406 |
| Generation | 406 Coupe (Phase I, 1997) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 24V (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1997 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.9 l/100 km (14.8 US mpg, 17.8 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 267 Nm @ 4000 rpm (196.93 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | XFZ ES9J4 |
| Engine displacement | 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.75 l (5.02 US qt | 4.18 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10.6 l (11.2 US qt | 9.33 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1458 kg (3214.34 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1827 kg (4027.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 369 kg (813.51 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4620 mm (181.89 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1350 mm (53.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Several levers and rods |
| 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 | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Peugeot 406 Coupe Phase I 3.0 V6 24V Automatic remains a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts, appreciated for its elegant design, comfortable ride, and capable performance. While it never officially graced American roads, its influence on automotive styling and its position as a refined European grand tourer are noteworthy.
