- Renault will introduce a new “high-end crossover” in South Korea on January 13.
- The model is called Filante, taking inspiration from record-setting prototypes.
- It is positioned in the E-Segment (large), and will reportedly ride on Geely bones.
Renault has a large number of crossovers and SUVs in its global portfolio but that didn’t stop them from developing another one. The company has announced a new “high-end crossover” that will be unveiled in South Korea on January 13, serving as a range-topper outside Europe.
The Renault Filante was designed to “strengthen the brand’s product offensive beyond Europe”, and is said to embody the brand’s “global upscale shift”. It is positioned in the E-Segment (large), placing it above the European Austral, Espace, and Rafale which are classified as D-Segment (mid-size) vehicles.
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According to Sylvia Dos Santos, Renault’s naming strategy leader, the word Filante brings to mind “shooting stars, outer space and journeys”, which are said to reflect the vehicle’s “stately design”.
The name is inspired by the record-setting Etoile Filante single-seater from 1956, and the new Filante Record that recently drove 1,008 km (626 miles) at highway speeds without recharging. Unlike the aforementioned prototypes, the production model adopts a more conventional five-door SUV stance.
The teasers hint at unique LEDs on the front bumper, an aerodynamic roofline, and toned rear shoulders. Renault didn’t show the interior, but said that the Filante’s “cabin is conceived around occupant well-being and use of state-of-the-art technology”.
Renault
Built In Korea
The new crossover will be manufactured in Busan, South Korea. The same factory is the home of production for the Renault Grand Koleos, which was introduced in 2024 based on the Geely Xingyue L.
While technical specifications remain undisclosed, the Filante is expected to ride on the same Compact Modular Architecture, used by various production models from Geely, Volvo, and Polestar brands. This platform is compatible with ICE, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.
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The new model will be initially launched in the South Korean market before being exported to other regions. Chances are it will remain off limits for Europe, leaving the Rafale coupe-SUV as Renault’s flagship offering in the Old Continent.
Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea explained why they chose this particular market for the debut:
“Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is so important to Renault. Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027 to be designed in Korea [after the Grand Koleos]. It illustrates our vision of a distinctive and daring crossover, a bold expression of Renault’s global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the brand’s French roots.”