[Taboleo] "I Misread It! This Is Not the Old SM"… 2022 Model SM6 TCe260

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "Perhaps we have forgotten the value of the SM6 until now. We have decided to see the SM6 anew once again." From the recent remarks of Dominic Signora, President of Renault Samsung Motors, it is clear that the company has embarked on a mission to protect its only sedan, the SM6. The SM6 was a star performer for Renault Samsung Motors, selling 57,000 units in its launch year of 2016, surpassing the K5 and competing closely with the top-selling Sonata. However, compared to Hyundai and Kia, which quickly introduced facelift (partial change) and full-change (complete redesign) models, Renault Samsung Motors barely made any changes to the SM6. Overseas brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW also launched aggressive marketing campaigns in the domestic mid-size sedan market. As a result, the glory of the SM6 has become a thing of the past. Renault Samsung Motors has been moving quickly, releasing a facelift model of the SM6 last year and this year launching a model with a facelift-level year change that actively reflects customer demands, signaling their determination not to remain stuck in the past. We test drove the ambitious 2022 SM6 TCe260, which Renault Samsung Motors proudly claims will newly prove the value of the SM6, on a 520 km round trip from Seoul to Gangneung.

- Is it true that the ride quality has improved?

△ It has definitely improved compared to the previous generation model. The previous SM6 used a torsion beam rear axle connecting the left and right wheels on a single axis, which caused the body to jolt when passing over speed bumps or uneven surfaces. The year-change model of the SM6 applies a modular valve system shock absorber and large hydro bushing using fluid mounts on the rear axle. The previously stiff suspension now feels softer, so when driving on city roads with many speed bumps or regular highways, there was almost no 'thud' feeling when going over bumps. Minor shocks were greatly reduced, and the sharp body roll during sudden cornering was also noticeably improved, making the rear seat passengers more comfortable.

- How about driving performance and fuel efficiency?

△ I felt it is a car more suited for city driving than high-speed driving. The SM6 TCe260 is equipped with a 4-cylinder 1.3L gasoline direct injection turbo engine, also used in the XM3. It is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering a maximum output of 152 horsepower and maximum torque of 26 kg·m. Especially at low speeds up to 70-80 km/h, it provided smooth acceleration. However, when accelerating to the speed limit on the highway, wind noise and exhaust sound were loud and persistent, which made the cabin less quiet. Also, due to the characteristics of the DCT, there was more turbo lag compared to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being a mid-size car, the fuel efficiency is excellent. The official combined fuel economy is 13.7 km/L, but actual driving fuel economy consistently reached 15 km/L in both congested city traffic and on the highway.

The interior of the SM6 features black Napa leather. Ambient lighting is installed throughout the interior, including the cup holders and below the dashboard. The 9.3-inch vertical display offers high usability for navigation and other functions, but it has the drawback of showing many fingerprints.

SM6 interior with brown color applied

- I heard new features were added?

△ Following the XM3, Renault Samsung has applied the 'In-Car Payment System' to the SM6. Drivers can use the center display to order food, beverages, and convenience store items, and a staff member will deliver them to the front of the store. A safety support call service was also added. This service simultaneously handles emergency rescue reports and accident processing. If the airbags deploy, the vehicle automatically sends its location to the call center. A new feature called 'Help Call' guides the driver to service centers when the vehicle breaks down.

- How are the convenience and safety features?

△ The navigation usability was excellent. A 9.3-inch vertical display is installed in the center of the dashboard. It supports T-map, familiar to domestic drivers, allowing navigation on a large screen without the need for a phone mount. Additionally, a 10.25-inch color display features the 'Map in Cluster' function, enabling drivers to find their way without a head-up display (HUD) while maintaining focus on driving. The 'Highway and Traffic Jam Assist (HTA)' system, which maintains distance from the vehicle ahead, is applied. It includes distance keeping, speed maintenance, lane departure warning with vibration or sound alerts, and lane keeping assist that helps maintain the center of the lane, reducing fatigue during long drives. However, the lane keeping assist does not operate unless HTA is turned on. I thought it would be more convenient for long trips if the lane keeping assist system were set as a default feature.

- What changes have been made to the design?

△ The SM6's characteristic curved design remains unchanged. The thick horizontal radiator grille and headlamps naturally connect, giving a smooth and clean impression typical of European cars, with the Renault Samsung Motors logo positioned in the center. However, considering that recent mid-size sedan models from competitors have introduced many design changes, I thought it might be time for the SM6 to undergo some design updates as well. By the way, the price is attractive. Usually, prices rise with year changes, but the SM6's price has actually been lowered. The TCe260 SE trim is priced at 23.86 million KRW (including 3.5% individual consumption tax), which is 1.57 million KRW cheaper than before. The higher LE and RE trims are priced at 27.39 million KRW and 29.75 million KRW, respectively. If purchased this month, customers can also receive a 2 million KRW discount, making it an ideal time for those considering buying the SM6.