The face lifted version of the 605 had gained more appeal through a series of modifications that included a slight front and interior restyling.
Inconviniences previously caused by faulty electrical systems were no longer an issue, Peugeot having invested a lot of time in the development of an overall reliable model. Although, the French maker had redeemed itself through the 605 upgrade, the doors leading to the luxury-market had been closed shut by competition from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Both versions of the 605 sold in nearly 300,000 units in 10 years, being one of the poorest selling model in Peugeot’s history.

After retiring the 604, Peugeot didn’t concern about a new executive model in its lineup, or at least that’s what other thought about the French brand until 1989 when the Sochaux lion launched the 605.
At the beginning of the ’80s, it became clear that the German carmakers were picking up speed and started to provide better-engineered cars than Peugeot. Apart from reliability issues, the French brand didn’t meet customers’ expectations in terms of comfort and features, while Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz played their cards better. Then, in 1989, the 605 was about to change the score for the French team.

With its Pininfarina-designed bodywork, the 605 looked very distinguished, as long as there was no Alfa Romeo 164 around. The same designer made both vehicles, and they looked similar. But Peugeot had its unique design cues at the front with the wide, narrow headlights and a three-slat grille. Its ascending beltline and slightly enlarged fenders looked like an athlete with a shirt stretched on its muscles.

Inside, the 605 was a lesson for the large cars from its era. Its exterior wedged-shapes were continued on the inside with rhomboidal and rectangular air vents. The instrument cluster extended its area over the center stack, where the carmaker placed the climate control buttons on the upper side and the stereo lower, covered by a flip-down lid. Thanks to the generous wheelbase and the front-wheel-drive solution, there was more than enough room for five, but the carmaker profiled the rear bench for two, increasing the comfort.

Peugeot made things right with the platform too. It was shared with the Citroen XM and featured independent suspension in all corners. Unfortunately, it didn’t nail it on the engine side, where it offered either underpowered and thirsty powerplants or a V-6 which was also thirsty and not that lively.