[Taboleo] "Hybrid Technology Refined in F1" Test Driving the Renault XM3 E-Tech

[Mania] Renault Magic
Rare Compact Coupe SUV in Korea
Hybrid Know-how from F1 Experience
Official Fuel Efficiency 17 km/L... Actual Performance Even Better
Active Electric Motor Intervention Reduces Fuel Consumption
75% of Urban Driving Possible on Electric Power
Base RE Trim Starts at 30.94 Million KRW
Competitive Pricing Including Various Options

XM3 E-Tech Hybrid

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Renault Korea Motors has introduced the XM3 E-TECH Hybrid, which was previously made in Korea and sold only in Europe, to the domestic market. It is a rare compact coupe-style sports utility vehicle (SUV) among domestic cars. Until now, only the gasoline model was sold domestically, but in line with the electrification trend, Renault Korea has produced its first hybrid. E-TECH refers to Renault's proprietary hybrid technology.

Although it is the first hybrid, it does not feel awkward. Renault showcased the hybrid concept car Eolab in 2014, aiming to create a car that could travel 100 km on 1 liter of fuel, so the technology development with mass production in mind has been ongoing for over 10 years. Prior to that, in 2013, when the concept of electric vehicles was still unfamiliar, Renault launched the first compact pure electric vehicle in Korea, and has long been honing battery and motor technologies.

Renault holds a distinguished position in Formula 1 (F1), where internal combustion engine technology is highly competitive, and it is said to have accumulated sufficient hybrid know-how in F1 as well. Due to advantages in initial acceleration and stricter environmental regulations, hybrids have already become mainstream in F1. Renault emphasizes that the XM3 E-TECH Hybrid introduced this time incorporates technology developed in F1. We drove approximately 120 km around downtown Busan, where the Renault Korea factory is located, and the surrounding arterial roads.

XM3 E-Tech Hybrid

Hybrid, the fuel efficiency should be good

The official fuel efficiency of the new car is 17 km per liter (based on 18-inch wheels, combined; 17.4 km in the city; 16.6 km on the highway), but after the test drive, the trip meter showed about 19 km per liter. Despite frequent highway driving and repeated sudden braking and acceleration during the test drive, the fuel efficiency exceeded the official rating. Some reporters participating in the test drive event even recorded figures close to 30 km per liter.

The key to high efficiency is the active involvement of the electric motor. In urban areas where high speeds are rarely needed, about 75% of the total driving can be done in electric vehicle mode. Low-speed driving is fully possible in electric vehicle (EV) mode using only the motor, and in eco mode, the electric vehicle mode is maintained even at moderately increased speeds.

Both in development and marketing, the emphasis on being "closest to an electric vehicle" well represents the car's characteristics. Although it uses a battery with a capacity far smaller than dedicated electric vehicles and a small drive motor, it performs adequately during light driving. The main target customers are those hesitant to purchase electric vehicles due to concerns about insufficient charging infrastructure.

XM3 E-Tech Hybrid Interior

Is the combination of engine and motor natural?

On the right side of the driver's instrument panel, real-time information such as engine or motor operation and charging status from regenerative braking is displayed, but if you are not looking at the screen, the transition is so smooth that it is difficult to perceive by sound or vibration. Even at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, electric vehicle mode is possible on downhill slopes. Unlike the normal driving mode (D), there is a B mode where regenerative braking operates more aggressively, and the typical jolting of electric vehicles is relatively less noticeable.

The engine has four gears and the motor has two, connected in a unique clutchless system that links the engine, motor, and wheels depending on the situation, giving a smooth impression of power transmission. When shifting gears, a high-voltage starter motor controls the engine speed to match the speed difference between the front and rear gears before the shift occurs.

At start-up and during initial low-speed driving, the motor plays a major role, so it is naturally quiet, and even when the engine engages, noise is low at low RPMs. However, since it is not a high-output vehicle, the engine tends to struggle and produce quite loud noise at high speeds.

XM3 E-Tech Hybrid. Both colors are exclusive hybrid colors, with Electric Orange on the left and Wave Blue on the right.

How about the interior and exterior design?

Except for the bumper design, which has been modified to give a more dynamic impression, most of the existing XM3 design has been retained with little change. The gear knob has been changed, and a button to select EV mode has been added on the center fascia, which is noticeable. New hybrid-exclusive exterior colors include sea blue and bright orange. The information displayed on the driver's instrument panel also differs somewhat from the existing model due to the hybrid system.

Isn't it expensive compared to competitors?

The base RE trim is priced at 30.94 million KRW (including 3.5% individual consumption tax and eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits), and the more expensive Inspire trim ranges from 33.08 to 33.37 million KRW. The Kia Niro Hybrid, often cited as a direct competitor, starts at 28.33 million KRW, but that trim lacks basic features such as smart keys and navigation, essentially making it a 'bare-bones' model, so the XM3 Hybrid is considered to have better price competitiveness.

If all options are added to the higher trims, the XM3 Hybrid reaches the low 36 million KRW range, while the Niro Hybrid approaches 40 million KRW. Features like T-map navigation, wireless Android Auto, and CarPlay, which are included even in the existing gasoline model, are quite valuable functions rarely found in domestic competitors.