Renault has unveiled the new Filante, a hybrid SUV designed to become the flagship model in various markets outside of Europe. This vehicle, measuring 4,915 mm in length and featuring a 2,820 mm wheelbase, is an extended version of the Koleos, offering enhanced dimensions and capabilities. The Filante’s size surpasses that of the 4.72 m Espace and the 4.78 m Grand Koleos, making it Renault’s largest offering globally.
The Filante is exclusively designed for five passengers and boasts an impressive boot capacity of 633 litres when the rear seats are in use, expanding to 2,050 litres when they are folded down. Production will take place at the former Renault Samsung factory in Busan, South Korea, and it will be marketed in regions including South Korea, the Middle East, and parts of Latin America.
Distinctive Design and Advanced Features
While sharing the same platform as the Koleos, the Filante distinguishes itself with a unique exterior. It features softer contours, a distinctive side window design, and small headlights flanking an illuminated grille and the Renault logo. The rear tail-light graphics, especially on the Esprit Alpine models, evoke a resemblance to the Ferrari Purosangue.
Inside, the Filante retains many components from the Koleos, including the dashboard and door cards, but offers a broader selection of trims, colors, and patterns. Key interior features include a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 25.6-inch augmented-reality head-up display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for central controls. Additional amenities include a glass roof, a Bose Premium sound system, digital smartphone key access, and advanced safety technologies.
Safety is a priority in the Filante, which comes equipped with features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a comprehensive camera system to support parking maneuvers.
Hybrid Powertrain and Global Strategy
The Filante is powered by a hybrid drivetrain that combines a 110 kW 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 100 kW electric motor. Together, they produce a total output of 184 kW and 565 Nm of torque, promising an efficient fuel economy of 4.6 L/100 km. This drivetrain is linked to a three-speed multi-mode transmission, enhancing performance and efficiency.
The foundation of the Filante is Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which underpins various models across Geely, Lynk & Co, and Volvo brands. This collaboration arose from a partnership agreement between Renault and Geely established in 2022, which has since expanded to include plans for joint production in Brazil.
Geely holds a 34 percent stake in Renault Korea, and both companies share ownership of Horse Powertrain, a joint venture dedicated to producing engines and hybrid drivetrains.
Sales of the Renault Filante are set to commence in South Korea in March 2024, with a rollout to other markets expected throughout the year. As Renault looks to strengthen its global presence, the Filante represents a significant step in its hybrid SUV strategy.
