4 Minutes
Renault has pulled the wraps off the new Filante in South Korea—and it’s not just another crossover. Positioned as the brand’s first truly luxury SUV, the Renault Filante is also the biggest and most upscale vehicle currently wearing the diamond badge, signaling a clear push into more premium territory outside Europe.
A flagship SUV aimed beyond Europe
Filante arrives as part of Renault’s “International Game Plan 2027,” a strategy designed to strengthen the company’s presence in growth markets across Asia, South America, and the Gulf region. Notably, Europe isn’t on the launch roadmap for this model, with the Renault Rafale coupe-crossover continuing to serve as the regional flagship.
The naming is more than marketing flair. “Filante” nods to Renault’s history of speed record prototypes, while the star-like emblem revives a design cue reminiscent of Renault’s luxury-era branding from the 1930s—an intentional blend of heritage and modern ambition.
Big dimensions, premium-segment proportions
At 4,915 mm long with a 2,820 mm wheelbase, the Filante is larger than Renault’s current SUVs such as the Austral and Espace. Its footprint places it in the neighborhood of E-segment luxury SUVs—think Volvo XC90, Genesis GV80, Lexus RX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—making Renault’s intent hard to miss.
Exterior design: French flair with a modern edge
Renault describes Filante as a fusion of French design and Chinese technology, and that shows in the styling. A contemporary grille, advanced LED lighting signatures, and a sleek aerodynamic profile set the tone up front. Around the back, muscular surfacing and bold lines aim for a premium presence rather than a mainstream look.
High-tech cabin focused on comfort
Inside, Filante leans heavily on technology and everyday usability—two must-haves in the modern luxury SUV space. The dashboard is dominated by Renault’s OpenR panoramic setup, integrating three 12.3-inch displays into a wide, high-tech layout. A large 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display (HUD) adds a futuristic layer, while the infotainment system runs on Android-based Google services.
Depending on trim level, key features include:
- Arkamys or Bose premium audio systems
- Panoramic sunroof
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Comfort-focused rear seating for long-distance travel
Rear passenger space is described as especially generous, and the 654-liter cargo capacity is a standout figure for a hybrid crossover in this class—useful for family duty and airport runs alike.
Geely CMA platform under the skin
One of the most headline-worthy details is the architecture: the Renault Filante rides on Geely’s CMA platform, the same modular base used by vehicles such as the Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, and several Geely and Lynk & Co models. In practical terms, this points to a globalized development approach—faster time to market, shared engineering, and proven underpinnings.
E-Tech 250 hybrid power only—no pure petrol version
While the platform comes from Geely, the powertrain strategy remains distinctly Renault. Filante launches exclusively with Renault’s E-Tech 250 hybrid system:
Key specifications
- 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine
- Two electric motors
- 3-speed automatic transmission
- 1.64 kWh battery
- Total output: 250 hp
- Peak torque: 565 Nm
Renault is skipping an all-gasoline variant entirely, making this luxury SUV hybrid-only from day one—a move that aligns with tightening emissions expectations in many export markets and shifting consumer demand toward electrified drivetrains.
Production, launch timing, and pricing
Production is already underway at Renault’s Busan plant in South Korea. Local sales are scheduled to begin in March 2026, with exports planned from early 2027 to South American markets (including Colombia, Chile, and Uruguay) and to Gulf countries.
In Korea, pricing is expected to start at around €25,800, positioning the Filante as an aggressive value play—especially considering its size, hybrid power, and tech-heavy cabin.
For Renault, Filante isn’t just a new model; it’s a statement of intent: a larger, more luxurious SUV built for global markets where brand reinvention and smart partnerships can unlock new growth.
Comments
atomwave
Hybrid only, no petrol? seriously? how will that fly in some markets with spotty charging, service habits etc. If price is real then wow, but I'm kinda skeptical...
v8rider
Nice to see Renault go big, but feels a bit like badge engineering with Geely bits. HUD sounds wild tho, curious about long term quality, and that price? sounds almost too low.
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