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 Korea.
This flagship crossover hybrid model combines the characteristics of a sedan and a sports utility vehicle (SUV). Renault Korea aims to build on 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 worldwide at the Grand Walkerhill in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer of Renault Group and CEO of the Renault brand, introduced the Philante as "the fifth next-generation vehicle developed for markets outside Europe, designed in France and combined with Korean technological expertise." He added, "Based on a human-centered strategy, we have incorporated advanced and practical technologies to embody the very best of French Renault."
He continued, "Through the group's global strategy, the 'International Game Plan,' announced two years ago, we are accelerating our growth," and stated, "We will 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 hubs: 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 4,915 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height. Compared to the Grand Koleos (4,780 x 1,880 x 1,680 mm), it has a larger body but a lower height, featuring a rear design reminiscent of a coupe.
The front features a signature illuminated 'Lozenge' logo and 'grille lighting,' with the lower section finished in glossy black to create a visual gradient effect. When the engine is started or turned off, a 'welcome and goodbye lighting animation' is displayed through the front and rear lamps, including the daytime running lights.
Towards the rear, the body becomes sleeker, and the roofline naturally connects to a 'floating rear spoiler.' The aerodynamically designed rear window, with its steep angle, enhances the vehicle's streamlined silhouette.
Renault Korea has enhanced the comfort of the interior space to match its flagship status. The 'Premium Tech Lounge,' which combines eco-friendly materials, intuitive and ergonomic design, and advanced connectivity technology, provides a comfortable and enriching driving experience.
The integrated headrest 'First Class Lounge Seats' offer best-in-class comfort, while the rear seats provide 320 mm of legroom and 886 mm of headroom. All trims feature eco-friendly Nappa synthetic leather, and the trunk space 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 French audio specialist Arkamys. Double-laminated acoustic glass is standard on the front, as well as on the first and second row side windows. The panoramic glass roof, with a surface area of 1.1 square meters-the largest in its class-enhances the sense of openness inside the cabin.
The Philante features an improved parallel dual-motor hybrid system, which received favorable reviews in the Grand Koleos.
The E-Tech hybrid powertrain combines a 100 kW drive motor and a 60 kW starter motor with a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 250 horsepower. The engine's maximum torque has also been increased to 25.5 kg.m. The official combined fuel efficiency is 15.1 km/l, and with a high-capacity 1.64 kWh lithium-ion battery, up to 75% of city driving can be done in electric mode.
The suspension features frequency-sensitive dampers (SFD), which detect specific frequencies generated during driving and provide optimal ride comfort depending on the driving situation, whether 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 applied. New to all trims are Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), which helps automatically avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians detected at speeds of 60-90 km/h, and Rear Occupant Alert, which detects passengers or pets in the rear seats.
The Philante is equipped with three independent yet interconnected 12.3-inch screens, known as the 'openR panoramic screen,' 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.
Prices are as follows: Techno trim at 43,319,000 won (after tax benefits), Iconic trim at 46,969,000 won, and Esprit Alpine trim at 49,719,000 won. The limited launch edition Esprit Alpine 1955, which adds an augmented reality head-up display, Bose surround sound system, and an exclusive Esprit Alpine 1955 nameplate to the Esprit Alpine trim, is priced at 52,189,000 won and will be limited to 1,955 units.
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