Peugeot will ensure its two new flagship EVs will feel like "real Peugeots", despite being based on a platform from Dongfeng - but the striking new D-segment duo will not be sold in Europe.

Peugeot unwrapped two new concept cars at the Beijing motor show earlier this year, previewing a pair of premium-oriented large EVs to be engineered in partnership with its joint venture partner Dongfeng and use the Chinese firm's architecture and drivetrains.

One was an estate in the vein of the retired 508, the other an SUV larger than any Peugeot currently sells in Europe.

The production versions are planned for sale in China and select export markets, but those won't include Europe, CEO Alain Favey has confirmed.

Asked by Autocar how Peugeot will ensure the Dongfeng-built EVs meet the standards and requirements of European buyers, Favey replied: "We are developing the cars with Dongfeng, which means it's a partnership. We are not rebadging Dongfeng cars."

He said the companies will work together to ensure the new flagships are "real Peugeots", with the French firm taking "100% responsibility" for the design inside and out. 

"I think we will secure in this partnership that the cars are real Peugeots in terms of their design and their interior experience - and so they will be real Peugeots."

However, he added: "These cars are not planned to be launched in Europe - neither of the two. So as to whether it is going to be at the level of expectation of our customers in Europe, that question does not exist, because our customers in Europe will not be able to buy these cars."

Favey said Peugeot can "fulfil the expectations of Peugeot customers outside of Europe" with the new models but won't look to shake up the large EV market in its home region.

He explained that the two new models are bigger than anything in Peugeot's European model range because that makes them "spot on in the heart of the Chinese market". 

With the two Dongfeng EVs written out of its strategy in Europe, Peugeot will focus on launching seven new models atop Stellantis architectures here by 2030, in line with its push to capture a higher share of the market. 

They include a new-generation e-208 supermini, the next 308 hatchback and a trio of C-segment models built in France.