Renault's Largest Model to Date Is Premium and Stealthily Chinese | Carscoops

      The premium new Filante SUV is set to launch in Korea, being built on Geely's platform, although it's unlikely to be available on European roads.

      Renault will unveil a luxury crossover in Korea on January 13.

      The name Filante is inspired by record-breaking prototypes.

      This E-segment SUV is anticipated to utilize Geely’s platform.

      While Renault already has an array of crossovers and SUVs, the automaker is expanding its lineup with a new “luxury crossover,” which will debut in South Korea on January 13, aimed at providing a flagship option for markets outside of Europe.

      Dubbed the Filante, this model is part of a larger initiative to strengthen the brand's presence beyond its traditional European base. Renault states that this model represents its ongoing "global upscale shift" and will belong to the E-segment (large), positioning it above the mid-size European offerings like the Austral, Espace, and Rafale.

      As noted by Sylvia Dos Santos, Renault’s lead on naming strategy, "Filante" was selected for its association with “shooting stars, outer space, and journeys,” themes that reflect the vehicle's "stately design."

      The name is derived from the storied Etoile Filante, a unique record-setting vehicle from 1956, as well as the recent Filante Record concept, which achieved 1,008 km (626 miles) at highway speeds without a recharge. Unlike those single-seat models, however, the production version of the Filante takes on a more practical five-door SUV format.

      The teasers indicate a unique design featuring LED elements integrated into the front bumper, a curving, aerodynamic roofline, and pronounced rear shoulders. While Renault has not yet unveiled the interior, the company promises a cabin designed for occupant comfort and equipped with “state-of-the-art technology.”

      Production of the new crossover will take place in Busan, South Korea, at the same factory as the Renault Grand Koleos, which was introduced in 2024 and is based on the Geely Xingyue L.

      Technical specifications remain undisclosed, but the Filante is expected to utilize the Compact Modular Architecture, which is shared with various Geely, Volvo, and Polestar models. This platform can accommodate internal combustion engines, hybrids, and fully electric setups, allowing for a diverse range of powertrain options.

      Initially, the new model will launch in the South Korean market before expanding to other regions. It will likely be unavailable in Europe, leaving the Rafale coupe-SUV as Renault’s flagship model in that market.

      In explaining the choice of launch location, Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea, emphasized the country's significance:

      “Korea demonstrates remarkable strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is crucial to Renault. The Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027, designed in Korea [after the Grand Koleos]. It reflects our vision of a distinctive and bold crossover, embodying Renault’s global shift towards a more upscale market. It is a true representation of the brand’s French heritage.”