The Peugeot 605 (6B) 3.0 SV 24, produced from 1990 to 2000, represents a significant step forward for the French automaker, embodying a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology for its time. Positioned as Peugeot’s flagship sedan, the 605 aimed to compete with established German and British executive cars. While never officially sold in the United States, the 605 was a popular choice in Europe for those seeking a sophisticated and capable alternative to the usual suspects. The 3.0 SV 24 variant, with its 200 horsepower V6 engine, was a particularly well-regarded model, offering a compelling combination of power and refinement.
The Peugeot 605: A Legacy of Innovation
The 605 replaced the Peugeot 505 and marked a departure in design and engineering. It was a larger, more modern vehicle, incorporating features previously unseen in Peugeot’s lineup. The 6B generation, specifically, benefited from continuous improvements throughout its production run, enhancing its reliability and overall driving experience. The car’s design, penned by Pininfarina, was sleek and understated, prioritizing elegance over ostentation. The 605 was a statement of Peugeot’s ambition to be recognized as a serious contender in the premium car segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 605 3.0 SV 24 is its 2.963-liter (180.81 cubic inch) naturally aspirated V6 engine, designated UKZ ZPJ4/Z. This engine produces 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 8.1 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 6.2 kg/Nm contribute to its responsive performance. Coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the 605 3.0 SV 24 achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of approximately 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l). The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth operation and respectable power output for its era.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 605 is a four-door sedan with a spacious interior designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers. Its exterior styling is characterized by clean lines, a low-slung profile, and a relatively understated aesthetic. The car’s dimensions – 4765 mm (187.6 in) in length, 1799 mm (70.83 in) in width, and 1411 mm (55.55 in) in height – provide ample interior space without feeling overly bulky.
Inside, the 605 offered a level of refinement uncommon in its class. Features included comfortable seating, a well-appointed dashboard, and a range of convenience options. Safety was also a priority, with the inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 497 liters (17.55 cubic feet), providing sufficient space for luggage and other cargo. The 605’s suspension, featuring wishbone setups both front and rear, was tuned to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. Power steering, utilizing a hydraulic system, further enhanced the driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 605 |
| Generation | 605 (6B) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 SV 24 (200 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.6 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.8 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 3600 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | UKZ ZPJ4/Z |
| Engine displacement | 2963 cm3 (180.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1615 kg (3560.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 435 kg (959.01 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 | 1411 mm (55.55 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1527 mm (60.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | 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 | 225/55 R16 |
The Peugeot 605 3.0 SV 24, while not a common sight in the United States, remains a respected and admired vehicle among enthusiasts. Its combination of elegant design, strong performance, and advanced features for its time cemented its place as a significant offering in the executive car market, and a testament to Peugeot’s engineering prowess.
