The Renault Filante, a new SUV based on the Koleos platform, will serve as Renault's flagship model in various markets outside Europe.
Dimensions and Capacity
The Filante measures 4915mm long, 1890mm wide, and 1635mm tall, with a 2820mm wheelbase. It shares its wheelbase with the third-generation Koleos, known as the Grand Koleos in South Korea, but is 135mm longer overall. This makes it the largest vehicle in Renault's global range. It is offered exclusively with seating for five. The boot capacity is 633 liters with rear seats in use, expanding to 2050 liters when folded.
Manufacturing and Market
The Filante will be manufactured in the former Renault Samsung factory in Busan, South Korea. Sales are scheduled to begin in South Korea in March, followed by other countries in the Middle East and parts of Latin America over the next year. It will function as Renault's flagship model in these regions. Renault Australia has not confirmed if the Filante or other future Geely-based models will be sold in Australia.
Design and Interior
Compared to the Koleos, the Filante features a distinct exterior with softer surfacing and a unique side window design. It incorporates small headlights, an illuminated grille, and a Renault logo. The tail-light graphics, combined with a partially blacked-out tailgate on Esprit Alpine models, resemble the Ferrari Purosangue.
Inside, the Filante shares its dashboard and door cards with the Koleos but offers new trim, color, and pattern options, a new steering wheel, and updated front and rear seats. The cockpit includes a 12.3-inch instrumentation display, a 25.6-inch augmented-reality head-up display, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, alongside another dedicated touchscreen for the front passenger.
Features and Safety
Available features include:
- Fixed glass roof
- Bose Premium 10-speaker sound system
- Digital smartphone key
- Over-the-air software updates
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Remote control for lights and interior temperature
Safety features include:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Speed-limiter
- Lane keeping assist
- 360-degree camera system
- Automated parking
Drivetrain
The Filante is exclusively powered by a hybrid drivetrain. This system comprises a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 100kW/320Nm electric traction motor, and a 60kW/180Nm motor that starts the petrol engine and recharges the 1.64kWh battery pack. Connected by a three-speed multi-mode transmission, the hybrid drivetrain delivers a total of 184kW and 565Nm, with an expected fuel economy of 4.6L/100km.
Platform and Partnership
The Filante is built on Geely's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), a platform also used for various Geely and Lynk & Co models, as well as the Volvo C40, Volvo XC40, and Polestar 2. The use of Geely platforms by Renault Korea, formerly Renault Samsung, is a result of a 2022 partnership agreement. This collaboration expanded recently, with Renault beginning production of Geely-based models in Brazil. Geely holds a 34 percent stake in Renault Korea. Both Geely and Renault own 45 percent of Horse Powertrain, a company producing internal combustion engines, hybrid drivetrains, and transmissions for both automakers.