Renault Talisman (production car)
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 20, 1994 |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Renault Samsung SM7 is classified as an executive car or full-size car (corresponding to the E-segment in Europe) and was manufactured by South Korea's Renault Samsung Motors from 2004 until 2020.
First generation (EX2)
Renault Samsung Motors launched the "EX" initiative in October 2002, utilizing the Nissan J31 platform, which is also employed by the Nissan Teana and the sixth-generation Nissan Maxima. The SM7 was officially introduced on 30 November 2004 as a luxury vehicle featuring unique design elements that set it apart from the Teana. It came equipped with advanced safety technologies and was available in five different trims: SE, XE, LE, XE35, and RE35.
Engines
The SM7 was powered by either a 2.3L or 3.5L Nissan Neo VQ V6 engine. The smaller 2.3L unit was installed in the SE, XE, and LE trims, while the larger 3.5L engine was designated for the XE35 and RE35 variants.
| Engine | Code | Displacement | Power | Torque | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||||
| 2.3L V6 | Neo VQ23 | 2,349 cc | 170 metric horsepower (130 kW) at 6,600 rpm | 225 newton-metres (166 lbf⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm | ||||
| 3.5L V6 | Neo VQ35 | 3,498 cc | 217 metric horsepower (160 kW) at 5,600 rpm | 314 newton-metres (232 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | ||||
2008 facelift
In 2008, the SM7 underwent a refresh known as New Art (), which included a redesigned front grille along with improvements in handling dynamics and acceleration performance. Additionally, slight changes were made to the vehicle’s overall dimensions.
Second generation (L47)
The second-generation SM7 was introduced in August 2011 and is based on an extended version of the third-generation Renault Samsung SM5 (L43). Development spanned over 32 months with an investment near 400 billion won (approximately 270 million euros), primarily driven by Renault Samsung’s research and development team. A near-production concept model was revealed in April 2011.
This generation features two Nissan VQ engines—a 2.5L and a 3.5L—paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Notable design elements include an integrated front bumper and grille assembly, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, and LED taillights.
Available trim levels—SE, LE, and RE—are equipped with business-oriented amenities such as three-zone automatic climate control, enhanced ABS technology, ergonomically designed headrests, fragrance diffusers, massage-function seats, dual-stage airbags, paddle shifters for manual control, and pressure-sensitive suspension dampers. Between 2012 and 2015, this model was also sold in China under the name Renault Talisman.
Engines
| Engine | Code | Displacement | Power | Torque | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||||
| 2.5L V6 | VQ25 (2ZV) | 2,495 cc | 190 hp (140 kW) at 6,000 rpm | 243 N⋅m (179 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm | ||||
| 3.5L V6 | VQ35 (5ZV) | 3,498 cc | 258 hp (190 kW) at 6,000 rpm | 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm | ||||
LPG
In August 2015, Renault Samsung introduced an LPG variant of the SM7 aimed at buyers interested in more economical fuel alternatives.
2012 facelift
The SM7 model year 2013 received updates such as a blind spot detection system, upgraded satellite navigation and multimedia interfaces, tire pressure monitoring sensors, along with subtle modifications to the front grille to boost safety features and technological appeal.
2014 facelift
In September 2014, Renault Samsung introduced the SM7 Nova, showcasing an updated design that followed the brand's contemporary styling cues evident in the QM3. Enhancements featured a modernized infotainment system along with a smartphone mirroring function to boost connectivity options. The designation "Nova," meaning "new star," represents the vehicle's refreshed market positioning.
Renault Talisman
The Renault Talisman is a modified version of the SM7 marketed exclusively in China under the Renault badge since June 2012, serving as Renault’s premier sedan within that region. Its name traces back to a 2001 concept model, and it was unveiled at Auto China 2012 with the intent of attracting young professionals in the business sector.
End of production
Production of the SM7 by Renault Samsung concluded in late 2019, with remaining units sold off by early January 2020. Following this, the model was removed from the official website. This discontinuation corresponds with Renault Samsung’s strategic realignment toward prioritizing SUVs, including models such as the XM3, Captur, and QM6.