Say Hello to the Renault Filante: A New Hybrid Flagship SUV

Renault is expanding its footprint outside of Europe with the launch of the all-new Filante. Unveiled as a key part of the brand’s "2027 International Game Plan," this large SUV serves as a new flagship model designed specifically for markets such as South Korea, South America, and the Gulf States.

While the name pays homage to the experimental Étoile Filante land speed record car of the 1950s, this SUV is entirely more practical. 

Design and Platform

The Filante is built on the CMA platform, an architecture well-regarded for its rigidity and packaging efficiency. This understructure allows for significant dimensions; the Filante measures nearly five metres in length and 1.9 metres in width, placing it comfortably in the D-SUV segment above models like the Arkana or Austral.

Visually, it adopts a bold aesthetic. The front end is dominated by a large grille featuring the Renault diamond motif, flanked by sharp LED lighting signatures. The side profile features the popular coupe-SUV silhouette, with a roofline that tapers aggressively towards a chopped rear tail. It rides on large alloy wheels, available in 19-inch or 20-inch sizes, which help fill the arches and give the car a planted stance.

Hybrid Powertrain

Unlike many modern flagships that are pivoting to full electrification, the Filante sticks with a proven hybrid setup. Under the bonnet lies a variation of Renault’s E-Tech powertrain.

It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a compact 1.64 kWh battery. The system drives the wheels through a multi-mode gearbox, delivering a combined output of 247 bhp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The setup is designed,not for performance, but to offer strong low-end response thanks to the electric assistance, while maintaining the long-distance flexibility of a petrol engine.

Interior and Technology

The cabin represents a significant step up for Renault in terms of digitization. The automaker describes it as a "flagship in design and technology," and the spec sheet supports that claim.

The dashboard is anchored by three separate 12.3-inch screens that run across the width of the car, providing instrumentation, infotainment, and passenger entertainment. Supplementing these is a massive 25.6-inch augmented reality head-up display (HUD), which projects vital driving information directly onto the windscreen.

To enhance the sense of space, the Filante features a fixed panoramic sunroof with a surface area of 1.1 square metres. A digital rear-view mirror is also standard, compensating for the limited rear visibility inherent in coupe-SUV designs.

Production and Availability

The Renault Filante will be manufactured at the company's Busan plant in South Korea. It is scheduled to go on sale in the domestic Korean market in March 2026. Following its debut there, it will be rolled out to other key regions, including the Gulf States and South America, in early 2027. 

FAQs

Will the Renault Filante be sold in Europe? 

No. The Filante is developed specifically for international markets outside of Europe. European customers currently have the Rafale as their coupe-SUV flagship.

Is the Filante fully electric? 

No. It is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a petrol engine with electric motors. It is not a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

What platform is the Filante based on? 

It utilizes the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, which is shared with other vehicles within the wider alliance and partnership network, ensuring high safety and dynamic standards.

When will it arrive in the Middle East? 

Renault has indicated that the Filante will launch in the Gulf States in early 2027, following its initial release in South Korea.

Does it have 4WD? 

While specific drivetrain configurations for all markets haven't been detailed, the high torque output suggests strong performance. However, E-Tech hybrids of this type are typically front-wheel drive or utilize electric rear axles for all-wheel traction depending on the specific model setup. Confirmed specs for export markets will be released closer to launch.

Looking for a used car in Dubai or new car deals? Explore YallaMotor’s verified listings today.