by Renault is preparing for the world premiere of a new premium crossover, which will take place on January 13 in South Korea. The car has been named Filante.
Positioning and Purpose
The new model, which the brand characterizes as a “high-end crossover,” is designed to strengthen Renault’s product offensive strategy outside Europe and embodies the brand’s global course of moving upmarket. The Filante occupies a position in the large E-segment, positioned above European models in the medium D-segment, such as the Austral, Espace, and Rafale, and will become the flagship outside the European market.
Inspiration and Design
According to Sylvie Dos Santos, head of Renault’s naming strategy, the word Filante is associated with “shooting stars, space, and travel,” which is meant to reflect the car’s “majestic design.” The name is inherited from record-breaking prototypes: the single-seat Etoile Filante from 1956 and the new Filante Record, which recently covered over 1,000 kilometers on a highway without recharging. Unlike them, the production model has a classic five-door SUV shape.
Teasers hint at unique LED optics in the front bumper, an aerodynamic roofline, and muscular rear fenders. The interior, according to the manufacturer, was created around the concept of passenger comfort and the use of advanced technologies.
Production and Technical Basis
The new crossover will be produced at the Renault plant in the Korean city of Busan, where the Renault Grand Koleos is also assembled. Although technical details have not yet been disclosed, the Filante is expected to be built on the same modular CMA architecture as other models of the Geely concern, including Volvo and Polestar. This platform supports the use of both internal combustion engines and hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
Market Prospects
The presentation and launch of the model will initially take place in South Korea, after which the car is planned to be exported to other regions. The European market will most likely remain closed for the Filante, where the role of flagship will continue to be performed by the Rafale coupe-crossover. Renault Korea CEO Nicolas Paires explained the choice of market for the debut:
Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. That is why Korea is so important for Renault. The Filante is the second model of the new generation under Renault’s international Game Plan 2027, developed in Korea. It embodies our vision of an expressive and bold crossover, a bold reflection of Renault’s global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the French roots of the brand.
The appearance of the Filante clearly demonstrates a shift in emphasis in Renault’s global strategy, where Asian markets, particularly the Korean one, are becoming a testing ground for the introduction and production of key premium models. This allows the brand to effectively use partner resources, such as Geely’s platforms, to compete in segments where European models may be less relevant. A similar approach could become a model for other European manufacturers seeking to strengthen their presence in Asia without developing their own technological solutions for each market from scratch.
