Peugeot RCZ Vision concept revealed in Paris with 500hp, solid-state battery and 600km target

A concept successor to the RCZ

Peugeot has revealed the RCZ Vision, an electric four-seat coupe concept unveiled at the 2026 Paris motor show as the spiritual successor to the RCZ coupe produced from 2009 to 2015. The French brand describes the car as a manifesto for its future direction, wrapping upcoming technology in a new 'Feline Future' design language, according to CarExpert. ¹

The original RCZ was based on the Peugeot 308 hatch and was sold in Australia between 2010 and 2015, CarExpert notes, while Peugeot's own release says the RCZ has since become a collector's item. The concept carries over several design cues from its predecessor, including a double-bubble roof and an active rear spoiler that remains hidden when stationary and deploys only while driving. ¹²

Peugeot design director Matthias Hossann said the Feline Future language was 'born from the tension between feline strength and the precision of materials, this instinctive and sensual design harnesses technology to enhance emotion and driving pleasure.' The design is built around five principles the brand lists as Freedom, Courage, Elegance, Strength and Instinct, per Peugeot's media release. ²

Chasing Cars reports the concept reinterprets the front-driven RCZ coupe as a 1000-volt grand tourer, with the three-claw 'lion's crawl' light signature at both ends and a double-bubble roof housing up to four occupants. Peugeot says the cabin is a dedicated four-seat layout, with two adults accommodated in the rear and folding rear seatbacks to extend luggage space. ⁴²

Solid-state battery, 1000V and claimed 600km range

At the heart of the RCZ Vision is a solid-state battery developed in collaboration with US firm Factorial Energy, with which Peugeot parent Stellantis entered an agreement in 2021, according to CarExpert. Peugeot's media release says the 110mm-thick battery combines high energy density with outstanding charging and power capabilities, sitting within a 1000V electrical architecture. ¹²

Peugeot claims the electric powertrain delivers 500hp (373kW), up to 600km of range on the WLTP cycle and an energy consumption target of 11.5kWh/100km, a figure the company's release explicitly marks as to be confirmed. The battery's state of charge is claimed to rise from 10 to 80 per cent in just 10 minutes. ²¹

Chasing Cars cites the power output as 372kW and reports it is not clear how many motors or driven wheels are involved, with Peugeot placing greater emphasis on the concept's Level 2++ hands-free automated driving function. CarExpert likewise states the car is not confirmed as a production model, and the claimed range is a target rather than a verified figure. ⁴¹

The concept is built on an architecture based on the STLA One platform, which Peugeot describes as a next-generation modular platform designed to accommodate X-by-Wire systems and new battery options, per the brand's release. ²

Steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire and the next i-Cockpit

The RCZ Vision is the first Peugeot to feature brake-by-wire technology, which replaces the conventional hydraulic link between the brake pedal and brakes with electronic control. Peugeot says this brings more precise braking modulation and better integration of regenerative braking, CarExpert reports. ¹²

The Hypersquare steering control is teamed with variable-ratio steer-by-wire, eliminating the mechanical connection between steering control and wheels. Peugeot's release states maximum rotation is slightly less than one full turn, compared with three turns for a conventional steering wheel, with the steering ratio reduced at higher speeds for composure. ²¹

Peugeot says the RCZ Vision carries the production version of Hypersquare that will feature in the next-generation E-208, which CarExpert reports is expected to be revealed in 2027, with the 2008 small SUV to follow. The same Hypersquare control appears on all three Peugeot concepts at the Paris show, including the E-T16 and Polygon, according to Peugeot's show release. ²¹³

The cabin previews a future-generation i-Cockpit with transparent Micro LED displays that can be configured or almost completely switched off, alongside a floating central display angled towards the driver. The centre console carries machined-aluminium physical controls on a frosted-glass surface, and the seats are trimmed in PELINOVA recycled leather, per Peugeot's release. ²¹

Wheels, materials and lightness

The concept rides on 21-inch front and 22-inch rear forged-aluminium wheels with a radiating-spoke design and small triangular details referencing the first-generation RCZ, CarExpert reports. Peugeot says a paint made from recycled aluminium replaces solid aluminium as part of a sustainability focus. ¹²

Further weight and efficiency measures include movable air vents that can disappear into the dashboard, open seatback sections, and a dashboard clock from French watchmaker Serica integrated into the central display support, according to Peugeot's media release. ²¹

Production unclear and Australian context unsettled

Peugeot has not confirmed the RCZ Vision as a production model, CarExpert reports, though Chasing Cars says Peugeot has indicated it may go into production in the coming years, with key hardware such as the Factorial solid-state battery already under development. ¹⁴

The concept's Australian prospects sit against an uncertain local backdrop. CarExpert notes Peugeot was named earlier this year as one of four priority brands by Stellantis, alongside Jeep, Ram and Fiat, but local importer Inchcape has announced it will hand back the Peugeot distribution rights it has held since 2017, and a new Australian importer is yet to be officially announced. ¹

Stellantis has also not resumed local Citroën distribution since Inchcape ceased distributing the brand in 2024, ending 102 years of sales in Australia, CarExpert reports. Peugeot's Paris show presence also includes the E-T16 concept, the production E-208 GTi and the 9X8 endurance racer, per the brand's show release. ¹³