Peugeot RCZ Vision coupe revealed with 500hp and solid-state battery

The Peugeot RCZ Vision has been revealed at the 2026 Paris motor show, with the French brand saying the sleek electric coupe concept previews the look of its future models both inside and out, as well as groundbreaking technology including solid-state batteries.

A follow-on from the original petrol-powered RCZ coupe, based on the Peugeot 308 hatch and sold in Australia between 2010 and 2015, the four-seat RCZ Vision concept wraps the brand's upcoming technologies in its 'Feline Future' design language.

This includes advanced solid-state battery tech, which promises to be safer and cost less than conventional lithium-ion batteries, as well as being much faster to charge and offer between 20 and 50 per cent longer range per charge.

While not confirmed as a production model, the RCZ Vision teams a 1000V electrical architecture with Peugeot's higher-density, space-saving solid-state battery tech.

This enables a 500hp (373kW) power output, yet with low claimed energy consumption of just 11.5kWh/100km, with the automaker targeting a 600km WLTP range from a battery pack that's only 110mm thick.

Developed with US battery firm Factorial Energy, with which Peugeot parent company Stellantis entered an agreement in 2021, the solid-state battery enables a claimed 10-80 per cent charge in as little as 10 minutes.

Beyond its battery tech, the RCZ Vision shows off Peugeot's upcoming design principles, which include an aggressive, muscular stance and new three-claw headlights, also seen on the E-T16 concept revealed in Paris, as well as three-claw tail-lights and an active rear spoiler.

Massive 21-inch front and 22-inch rear forged aluminium alloy wheels complement its aggressive haunches, including triangular details in a nod to the original RCZ, while another reference to the original is the double-bubble roof design, which sits above a transparent glass cockpit.

The cabin includes the 'Hypersquare' steering wheel seen in the E-T16, along with the 2025 Polygon and the 2023 Inception concepts.

The Hypersquare wheel has been confirmed as a feature on the production version of the next-generation 208 hatchback, which is expected to be revealed in 2027, with the 2008 small SUV expected to follow.

The RCZ Vision features variable-ratio steer-by-wire steering, reducing driver hand movements at low speeds while adjusting for smoother steering at higher speeds.

The RCZ Vision is also the first Peugeot to use brake-by-wire technology, which replaces the conventional hydraulic connection between the brake pedal and calipers with electronic controls. Peugeot says this brings more precise braking modulation and greater efficiency through improved integration of regenerative braking.

The Hypersquare steering wheel is teamed with the latest version of Peugeot's i-Cockpit, featuring transparent micro-LED displays positioning configurable data directly in the driver's field of vision, as well as a floating central display angled towards the driver.

The recycled-leather-trimmed seats are asymmetrical and offer additional support towards the centre of the vehicle, while the centre console features physical machined-aluminium controls arranged on a piece of frosted glass.

Space efficiency measures include movable air vents, which can be stowed when not in use, while a Serica analogue clock forms part of the cabin design.

Peugeot's multiple concepts at its home motor show come as the French brand receives greater attention from parent company Stellantis.

Earlier this year, Peugeot was named as one of four priority brands by Stellantis, alongside Jeep, Ram and Fiat, ahead of other marques in its stable including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Citroën.

This bodes well for its future in Australia, after local importer Inchcape, which also distributes brands including Subaru, Deepal and Foton here, announced it would hand back the local Peugeot distribution rights it has held since 2017.

A new Australian importer is yet to be officially announced and nor has Stellantis resumed local Citroën distribution following Inchcape's decision to cease distributing the smaller French brand in 2024, ending 102 years of sales in Australia.

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