Filante: Renault's new international flagship model

Following the launches of the Kardian, Duster, Grand Koleos, and Boreal models, Renault has unveiled Filante, the fifth vehicle of the brand's ‘International Game Plan 2024-2027’ announced in 2023, which will comprise eight models in total by 2027.

Positioned in the E segment, Filante will be the flagship of Renault's range internationally. It will play a major role in the plan's objectives of doubling the unit value of vehicles sold outside Europe by 2027 and to have one-third of the models available offered in hybrid or electric versions.

In 2025, Renault's sales outside Europe grew by 11%, reaching 616,800 units.

Developed in Korea, the crossover (half saloon, half SUV) – whose name is inspired by the Renault prototype that broke several speed records in 1956 – will be launched in South Korea from March 2026, then in the Gulf countries and South America in 2027.

It will be assembled at Renault Korea Motors' (RKM) Busan industrial site, which has specialised in electrified D- and E-segment models since 2022. In addition to Renault models, the site has been producing the Polestar 4 since the second half of 2025.

Filante is built on Geely’s compact modular architecture platform (CMA), as is already the case with the Grand Koleos, in the D-SUV segment. Geely, Renault's partner, holds 34% of RKM’s stake.

‘Korea is a market of 1.25 million vehicles (in 2025), with 26% in the E segment and 25% in the D segment,’ points out Bruno Vanel, who is responsible for Renault's international development. ‘Renault is on the podium (with Arkana, Megane Electric and Grand Koleos), but the Hyundai Group (including Kia and Genesis) holds 80% of the market.’

The Grand Koleos has already sold more than 50,000 units since its launch in September 2024 and has contributed to the development of hybridisation. ‘Hybrids now account for 30% of the mix and will be in the majority in a year's time,’ predicts Bruno Vanel.

At 4.92 metres long, the Filante is 4 cm longer than the Grand Koleos, 20 cm longer than both the European Espace and Rafale, and its 633-litre boot is 20 litres more than the Grand Koleos—making it ideal for the many golfers that can be found among the wealthy Koreans.

Its designers have opted for sharp, distinctive lines, with a streamlined rear and a strong visual signature, featuring a backlit logo and numerous LEDs at the front. Inside, the rear space is immense, with 32 cm of knee room and a generous headroom of over 87 cm. At the front, the dashboard features three 12.3-inch panoramic screens (instrument panel, central screen, and passenger screen), supplied by partner Geely.

Among Filante's strengths, and in line with the major expectations of Korean customers, Renault’s communications highlight the car’s enveloping upholstery and acoustic comfort (with a noise-cancellation system). Filante is equipped with multiple driver aid features (34 in total) and introduces three new features to Renault’s product range: emergency steering assist, digital interior rear-view mirror, and child presence detection system. The air purifier, which is in high demand in Korea, is also included.

The Renault Filante's hybrid powertrain delivers 250 ps, combining a 150 ps combustion engine with two electric motors rated at 100 kW (136 ps) and 60 kW (82 ps). It emits 106 g/km of CO₂, 50% less than the equivalent combustion engine would.