Renault Talisman
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault Laguna, Renault Latitude |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | Renault |
| Defunct | 2025 |
| Fate | Discontinued |
| Successor | None |
| Headquarters | Douai (initial production) , France, South Korea (Renault Korea) |
Area served | Europe, South Korea |
Key people | Carlos Ghosn (CEO at launch) |
| Products | Large family car (saloon and estate) |
| Owner | Renault |
| Parent | Renault Group |
The Renault Talisman is a large family car manufactured by the French automobile company Renault between 2015 and 2025. It replaced both the Renault Laguna and the larger Renault Latitude, the latter of which did not receive a direct successor. Production took place at Renault's Douai Renault Factory from 2015 until 2022, and subsequently by its South Korean branch, Renault Korea, from 2016 through 2025. In the South Korean market, this model was sold under the name Renault Samsung SM6.
European manufacturing ceased in February 2022, while in April 2024, Renault Korea declared the end of SM6 production, coinciding with the rollout of Renault's updated global diamond emblem across its vehicle lineup.
Overview
The Renault Talisman saloon was officially presented on 6 July 2015 by CEO Carlos Ghosn, with an estate variant introduced later that year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Identified internally as LFD for the saloon and KFD for the estate, the Talisman utilizes the CMF-CD platform—a collaborative development between Renault and Nissan—following on from the Renault Espace. This platform was designed to increase production numbers beyond those achieved by its predecessor, the Laguna. Renault confirmed that no right-hand drive versions would be developed due to shrinking demand for traditional saloon cars in those markets.
The choice of the Talisman name aligns with Renault’s global naming strategy and matches a comparable model sold in China as the Renault Samsung Talisman. The designation conveys ideas of strength and protection while maintaining international appeal.
Design and technical details
The Talisman is marginally larger than the Laguna and has a lower center of gravity, focusing heavily on styling, features, and comfort to reclaim market share within the large family car category. Specialists from Daimler contributed to enhancing quality control and perceived build quality at the Douai plant.
Renault pursued a "fluid and emotional" design language inspired by smaller models in its range but opted for a more traditional appearance aimed at attracting corporate fleet buyers. Unlike earlier large Renault vehicles, no hatchback option was offered. European trims included Life, Zen, Business, Intens, and Initiale Paris.
In 2015, it achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests.
In March 2018, a sportier S Edition trim was launched featuring a detuned 1.8-litre petrol engine shared with the Mégane RS and Alpine A110 models. Within South Korea, where it was marketed as the SM6, up to four trim levels were available (PE, SE, LE, RE), differing by engine type. A minor update was introduced in South Korea in March 2018, followed by a premium Premiere trim in July 2019.
The Talisman is equipped with a four-wheel steering system known as 4Control; however, this feature was not included in South Korean versions. It also offers Multi-Sense technology that allows drivers to select from Comfort, Sport, Eco, Neutral modes or configure their own Perso setting.
Optional features encompass an 8.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (R-Link 2/S-Link), adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, traffic sign recognition with speed warnings, and blind spot detection.
Transmission choices include six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatics, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a CVT option exclusive to LPG-powered variants sold in South Korea. The suspension setup consists of pseudo MacPherson struts at the front and a semi-rigid axle at the rear with an optional active suspension system; braking is handled by disc brakes on both axles.
A facelift launched in February 2020 brought LED Matrix adaptive headlights, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.3-inch vertically oriented 'Easy Link' touchscreen infotainment unit, along with upgraded advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Engines
The Talisman is equipped with a variety of petrol and diesel powertrains available throughout Europe and South Korea. At launch, diesel options were not offered in South Korea, where only a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) variant was available; the diesel model was added to the South Korean lineup in August 2016.
In November 2018, Renault introduced petrol and diesel engines compliant with WLTP standards to align with the latest emissions regulations.
| Engine | Type | C. | Displacement | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||
| TCe 160 EDC FAP † | Turbocharged direct injection | 4 | 1,330 cc | 120 kW (163 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) at 1,800 rpm |
| Energy TCe 150 EDC7 a | Turbocharged direct injection | 4 | 1,618 cc | 110 kilowatts (150 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 220 newton-metres (160 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm |
| Energy TCe 200 EDC7 | Turbocharged direct injection | 4 | 1,618 cc |
|
260 newton-metres (190 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm |
|
Turbocharged direct injection | 4 | 1,798 cc | 165 kilowatts (224 hp) at approximately 5,500-5,600 rpm | 300 newton-metres (220 lb⋅ft) at roughly 1,750-2,000 rpm |
| 2.0 GDe b | Direct injection | 4 | 1,997 cc | 110 kilowatts (150 hp) at 5,800 rpm | 202 newton-metres (149 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm |
| Diesel engines | |||||
| Energy dCi 110 ECO2 | Turbo common rail injection | 4 | 1,461 cc | 81 kilowatts (110 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 260 newton-metres (190 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm |
|
Variable geometry turbo common rail injection | 4 | 1,598 cc | 96 kilowatts (131 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 320 newton-metres (240 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm |
| Energy dCi 160 EDC6a | Twin-turbo common rail injection | 4 | 1,598 cc | 118 kilowatts (160 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 380 newton-metres (280 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm |
| Liquefied petroleum gas engines | |||||
| Notes | |||||
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Recalls
Renault Samsung issued a recall for 94,069 SM6 models after a safety review uncovered unsecured plastic covers on the accelerator and brake pedals. As a result, South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport imposed a penalty of 611 million won (approximately US$530,000) on the company for breaching vehicle safety standards.
Talisman concept
The designation Renault Talisman was originally assigned to an unrelated concept vehicle developed under the direction of chief designer Patrick Le Quément, following the 1995 Renault Initiale Concept. Initially named the Renault Z12, this model was unveiled at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was a three-door 2+2 coupé equipped with gullwing doors and powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine sourced from Nissan.
External links
- (France)
- (Estate - France)
- (Renault SM6)