Flagship Crossover: A Fusion of Sedan and SUV
Enhanced Performance with Hybrid E-Tech Powertrain
Improved Quietness with Active Noise Cancellation
Deliveries Begin in March, Starting at 43,319,000 Won
The "Philante," the second model of the Aurora Project led by Renault Korea in both development and production, made its world premiere in South Korea.
This flagship crossover hybrid model combines the characteristics of a sedan and a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Renault Korea aims to continue the success of the Aurora Project’s first model, the "Grand Koleos," with the Philante.
At the Renault Korea 'Philante' unveiling event held on the 13th at the Grand Walkerhill in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Choi Sungkyu, Head of Renault Technology Korea Research Institute, Sang Heejung, Head of Internal and External Strategy at Renault Korea, Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer of Renault Group and CEO of the Renault brand, Nicola Paris, President of Renault Korea, and Lawrence Van Den Acker, Executive Vice President of Design at Renault Group, are posing for a commemorative photo. Renault Korea
On January 13, Renault Korea unveiled the "Philante" for the first time globally at the Grand Walkerhill in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer of Renault Group and CEO of the Renault brand, said, "The Philante is the fifth next-generation vehicle developed for markets outside Europe, designed in France and combined with Korean technological capabilities. Based on a human-centered strategy, it incorporates advanced and practical technologies, embodying the very best of French Renault."
He added, "Through the group’s global strategy, the 'International Game Plan,' which was announced two years ago, we are accelerating our growth. We plan to invest 3 billion euros (5.15 trillion won) to more than double our sales."
The International Game Plan is a strategy to create synergy between Europe and other regions by launching a total of eight new vehicles by 2027, based on five key locations: South Korea, Brazil, India, Turkey, and Morocco.
Renault Korea plans to begin deliveries of the Philante, produced at its Busan plant, starting in March this year. The Philante measures 4,915mm in length, 1,890mm in width, and 1,635mm in height. Compared to the Grand Koleos (4,780 x 1,880 x 1,680), the Philante has a larger body but a lower height, featuring a rear design reminiscent of a coupe.
The front features an illuminated "Signature Lozenge" logo and "Grille Lighting," while the lower section is finished in glossy black, creating a visual gradient effect. When the engine is started or turned off, the front and rear lamps, including the daytime running lights, display a "Welcome & Goodbye Lighting Animation."
The body becomes sleeker toward the rear, and the roofline naturally extends into a "Floating Rear Spoiler." The rear window, designed with a steep angle for aerodynamics, creates a sharp silhouette.
Renault Korea enhanced the comfort of the interior to match its flagship status. The "Premium Tech Lounge," which combines eco-friendly materials, intuitive yet ergonomic design, and advanced connectivity technology, offers a comfortable and rich driving experience.
The integrated headrest "First Class Lounge Seats" provide best-in-class comfort, while the rear seats offer 320mm of knee space and 886mm of headroom. All trims feature eco-friendly Nappa synthetic leather, and the trunk capacity is 633 liters, expanding to 2,050 liters when the rear seats are folded down.
Additionally, all trims come standard with "Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)" and an advanced sound system with eight speakers from the French audio specialist Arkamys. Double-laminated soundproof glass is standard on the front and on the sides of both the first and second rows. The "Panoramic Glass Roof" boasts the largest surface area in its class at 1.1 square meters, enhancing the sense of openness inside the vehicle.
The Philante features an improved parallel dual-motor hybrid system, which received positive reviews in the Grand Koleos.
The E-Tech hybrid powertrain combines a 100kW drive motor and a 60kW starter motor with a 1.5-liter turbo direct-injection gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 250 horsepower. The engine’s maximum torque has also been increased to 25.5kg.m. The official combined fuel efficiency is 15.1 km/l, and with a high-capacity 1.64kWh lithium-ion battery, up to 75% of city driving can be done in electric mode.
The suspension features a frequency-sensitive damper (SFD), which detects specific frequencies depending on driving conditions and provides optimal ride comfort whether driving in the city or at high speeds.
In line with Renault’s "Human First" philosophy, up to 34 advanced driving assistance and safety features have been included. "Emergency Steering Assist (ESA)," which automatically helps avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians detected while driving at 60-90 km/h, and "Rear Occupant Alert," which detects passengers or pets in the rear seats, have been newly added as standard features on all trims.
The Philante is equipped with the "openR Panoramic Screen," consisting of three independent yet interconnected 12.3-inch screens, and the AI-based voice assistant "A.Dot Auto." Unlimited 5G data is provided for five years, allowing access to a variety of entertainment apps.
Pricing is set at 43,319,000 won for the Techno trim (after tax benefits), 46,969,000 won for the Iconic trim, and 49,719,000 won for the Esprit Alpin trim. The limited launch edition, Esprit Alpin 1955, which adds an augmented reality head-up display, Bose surround sound system, and an exclusive Esprit Alpin 1955 nameplate to the Esprit Alpin trim, is priced at 52,189,000 won and is limited to 1,955 units.
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