Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Renault Korea unveils Filante luxury SUV for 1st time globally
Renault Korea CEO Nicolas Paris, second from right, poses with the carmaker's Filante premium SUV during its world premiere at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul, Tuesday. Other key executives include Renault Group Chief Design Officer Laurens van den Acker, right, and Renault Brand CEO Fabrice Cambolive, third from left. Yonhap
By Lee Min-hyung
French carmaker aims to extend winning streak of Grand Koleos
Renault Korea on Tuesday unveiled the Filante, its luxury SUV, for the first time globally, pinning high hopes on the coupe-style model to elevate the carmaker’s premium image.
The new flagship crossover SUV was developed under Renault’s Aurora 2 project. The French carmaker’s first Aurora project produced the megahit Grand Koleos hybrid SUV. Launched in 2024, the model has recorded more than 60,000 cumulative sales here and abroad.
The Filante luxury SUV will be produced at Renault Korea’s plant in the southern port city of Busan. The unprecedented success of the Grand Koleos has elevated Korea’s strategic importance for Renault, positioning the country not only as a key sales market but also as a production hub for its flagship models.
“Renault Filante is the innovative and bold crossover SUV featuring the carmaker’s technological strength and human-first philosophy,” Renault Korea CEO Nicolas Paris said during a media event.
“The vehicle will satisfy a high standard for Korean customers, while at the same time helping level up the Renault brand’s premium value in the global market."
Renault Korea's Filante crossover SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
The new vehicle was developed through close collaboration between Renault’s design teams in Korea and France. The Filante luxury SUV combines the sleekness of a sedan with the robustness of an SUV. The vehicle also features a sculpted and coupe-like rear profile, which gives it a commanding presence on the road, according to Renault Korea.
The front design is defined by the carmaker’s illuminated diamond logo and grille lighting. At the rear, a sharply sloping window and flowing roofline culminate in a floating rear spoiler that enhances aerodynamics. LED taillights are positioned to emphasize the vehicle’s width.
The Filante is also equipped with Renault’s upgraded hybrid E-Tech system, featuring a 100-kilowatt (kW) drive motor, a 60-kW starter motor and a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The system delivers a combined output of 250 horsepower and fuel efficiency of 15.1 kilometers per liter.
Another notable feature of the vehicle is its advanced safety functions. It comes with 34 driver assistance and safety systems, including an emergency steering assist that helps drivers avoid collisions at speeds between 60 and 90 kilometers per hour. A radar-based rear occupant alert system can detect passengers or pets left in the vehicle after it is shut down.
The Filante starts at 43.32 million won ($29,400) in Korea and will go on sale in March. The carmaker also plans to begin exporting the vehicle to other markets.