It is now old news that sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are noisy and have poor ride comfort. While they used to focus solely on practicality, such as carrying cargo, they have now become as quiet and comfortable as sedans. Their versatility and higher driving position, which makes driving easier, are also advantages.
Renault Korea Motors' QM6 is an SUV optimized for urban environments, having sold over 200,000 units since its launch. From the development stage, this model was conceptualized as a "well-being and easy life SUV optimized for the city." The goal was for it to be quieter and more comfortable than sedans.
The QM6 is praised for having a smooth ride comparable to that of a sedan. Normally, fitting larger tires increases road shock, which worsens ride comfort, but this has been compensated for. The rear multi-link suspension is known for effectively controlling lateral sway while absorbing road shocks well.
To block noise coming from the engine compartment, sound-absorbing materials were installed between the engine room and the cabin. Additionally, all trims feature laminated glass on the windshield to block various external noises during driving. The wider windows of SUVs, which are more susceptible to wind noise than sedans, are offset by the use of high-quality laminated glass.
The engine also operates at low RPMs, reducing engine noise. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in this vehicle maintains a low engine speed of about 1300 rpm at the urban driving speed of 50 km/h. Even on highways, when driving at 100 km/h, the engine speed remains low at around 1800 rpm. Furthermore, the CVT avoids sudden changes in engine speed. As a result, there is no noise or shock caused by gear shifts, making the driving experience comfortable and the interior quiet.
Convenience features are also cited as reasons for its popularity. Real-time T-map navigation is possible via Wi-Fi tethering, and various online entertainment systems such as AI-based voice recognition, Melon, Genie, YouTube, podcasts, audiobooks, and karaoke are available. The rear seats are equipped with a 65W fast-charging system capable of quickly charging laptops or tablets. Increased attention to hygiene was also considered. This vehicle purifies 99% of ultrafine dust with a high-efficiency filter in the air purification circulation mode. An LED sterilization module is added under the dashboard, reducing viruses on phones or masks by 99.6%.
To target niche demand, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel is offered as an option. The Quest, which removes the rear seats to increase cargo space, is a van model aimed at single- or two-person households leading diverse lifestyles.
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