Renault Talisman
The Renault Talisman is a large family car manufactured and marketed by the French automaker Renault from 2015 to 2022, positioned as an executive saloon that replaced the outgoing Renault Laguna and Latitude models in the European market.[1][2] It was built on the Renault–Nissan CMF-CD modular platform and offered in two body styles: a four-door fastback sedan and a five-door estate variant known as the Talisman Sport Tourer, with the sedan measuring approximately 4.85 meters in length and the estate slightly longer at 4.87 meters.[2][3] Unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Talisman emphasized comfort, technology, and dynamic handling, featuring innovative elements like 4Control four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability, adaptive suspension, and Multi-Sense drive modes that adjust throttle response, steering, and interior ambiance across settings such as Comfort, Sport, and Eco.[1] The infotainment system evolved from the 8.7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen at launch—supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—to the updated Easy Link platform with a 9.3-inch display after the 2019 facelift, which also introduced full LED Matrix headlights, enhanced autonomous driving aids like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and L2-level highway assistance.[2][3] Powertrains included a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, starting with 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter options at launch (110–200 horsepower) and shifting post-facelift to efficient 1.3-liter TCe petrol units (140–225 horsepower) paired with a 7-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission, alongside 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter Blue dCi diesels (120–200 horsepower) available with 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.[1][3] Production, primarily at Renault's Douai plant in France, ceased in 2022 amid the global semiconductor shortage, leaving no immediate successor as Renault pivoted toward electrification in the segment.[2]Introduction
Background and Launch
The Renault Talisman was developed as the successor to the Renault Laguna, which was discontinued in 2015 after peaking at approximately 90,000 annual sales in Europe in 2008 but falling to just 16,034 units in Europe in 2014 amid a broader decline in the D-segment saloon market.[4][5] The Talisman also replaced the larger Renault Latitude, for which no separate successor was planned, as Renault sought to consolidate its offerings in the shrinking European midsize sedan segment where market share had dropped from 17% in 2000 to 8.2% in 2014.[6] This shift reflected growing consumer preference for SUVs and compact cars, prompting Renault to aim for renewed competitiveness against rivals like the Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo.[4] The saloon version of the Talisman was announced and unveiled on 6 July 2015 at the Château de Chantilly in France by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, marking a key step in the company's strategy to revitalize its upper midsize lineup.[7] The estate variant followed, making its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where it was presented alongside the saloon to highlight its expanded practicality.[8] The name "Talisman" was selected to promote global brand unification, drawing from a moniker previously used on a China-specific version of the Latitude sedan introduced in 2012.[7] Internally, the project carried codenames LFD for the saloon and KFD for the estate, with production of the former starting in September 2015 at Renault's Douai plant in France.[9] Positioned as a premium family car, the Talisman emphasized superior comfort through features like a roomier interior and advanced damping systems, alongside cutting-edge technology such as a digital instrument display and connected infotainment, to appeal to buyers seeking refinement in the D-segment.[4]Production Overview
The Renault Talisman saloon entered production in September 2015 at Renault's Douai plant in northern France, with the estate variant following in late 2015 (November) at the same facility.[10][11][12] The Douai plant, which underwent significant modernization to support the model's assembly, had an initial annual output capacity exceeding 53,000 units for the Talisman.[10] For the South Korean market, where the Talisman was marketed as the Renault Samsung SM6, production began in 2016 at Renault Korea's Busan plant.[13] This facility handled local assembly to meet regional demand, contributing to the model's global footprint alongside European output. European production of both saloon and estate variants ceased at the end of February 2022, while South Korean production concluded in March 2025.[14][15] The discontinuation in Europe aligned with Renault's strategic shift toward SUV and electric vehicle production, including the conversion of the Douai plant to an all-electric vehicle hub under the ElectriCity initiative.[16] Contributing factors included declining demand for traditional saloons amid rising SUV popularity, the broader automotive transition to electrification, and sustained poor sales performance in key markets, where European registrations peaked at 34,344 units in 2016 before dropping sharply.[17] In the lineup, the Talisman has been succeeded by models such as the Austral SUV and Rafale fastback.[13]Design
Exterior Styling
The exterior styling of the Renault Talisman embodies a sleek, aerodynamic aesthetic inspired by the brand's "cycle of life" design philosophy, emphasizing sensuality and efficiency under the leadership of Chief Design Officer Laurens van den Acker.[18] This approach is evident in the car's low, assertive stance and flowing lines, which contribute to its premium positioning in the D-segment. The Talisman saloon achieves an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.27 Cd, aided by sculpted bodywork and optimized airflow management.[19] At the front, the Talisman features a wide chrome-accented grille that seamlessly integrates with the distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights, creating a bold and instantly recognizable signature.[20] The sculpted hood adds a sense of dynamism, with subtle creases that guide the eye toward the broad shoulders of the fenders, enhancing the perception of width and stability.[21] In profile, the saloon adopts a fastback roofline that tapers elegantly to the rear, while the estate variant (known as Grandtour) extends this with a sweeping, elongated roofline finished with polished aluminum bars and a subtle lip spoiler for added visual flow.[22] Higher trims incorporate refined chrome accents on elements like the side fins and window surrounds, complementing a palette of exterior color options including Metallic Grey, Crimson Red, Mineral Beige, and Highland Grey.[20] Wheel sizes range from 16 to 19 inches, with alloy designs that vary by trim—such as 17-inch standards on base models and larger, diamond-cut options on premium variants—to balance style and performance.[2] The Talisman was developed exclusively for left-hand drive markets, reflecting Renault's strategic focus on continental Europe and other LHD regions, with no right-hand drive configuration produced.[23] A 2019 facelift introduced minor updates to the lighting, including full LED matrix headlights with dynamic indicators, further refining the C-shaped motif.[24]Interior Design
The Renault Talisman features a five-passenger cabin with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, providing flexible cargo configurations for family use.[19] The saloon variant offers 608 liters of boot space in standard configuration, expanding to 1,161 liters with the rear seats folded, while the estate model provides 572 liters normally and up to 1,720 liters when folded.[25][11] Interior materials emphasize premium quality, particularly on higher trims like Initiale Paris, which includes Nappa full-grain leather upholstery in options such as black or light sand-grey, paired with soft-touch plastics throughout the dashboard and door panels.[19] Ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere with customizable options in multiple colors, including green, blue, sepia, red, and purple, contributing to a refined cabin ambiance.[20] The ergonomics prioritize a driver-focused cockpit, with adjustable front seats offering up to 10-way electric adjustments, heating, ventilation, and a massage function featuring two programs and five sequences on select models.[19] Front headroom measures 902 mm, rear headroom 855 mm, and rear knee room 262 mm, ensuring ample space for occupants.[19] Renault positioned the Talisman's build quality to rival German competitors like the Volkswagen Passat, incorporating variable-density foam in seats and high-end trim to deliver a competitive level of refinement and durability.Technical Details
Chassis and Suspension
The Renault Talisman is constructed on the CMF-CD modular platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.[26] This architecture, shared with vehicles such as the Renault Espace V and Nissan Altima, facilitates cost efficiencies through standardized components like engines, transmissions, and electronics, while supporting scalability across different body styles and powertrains.[26] The front suspension employs pseudo-MacPherson struts with a lower wishbone for precise handling and comfort.[20] At the rear, a semi-rigid torsion beam axle is standard, providing a balance of simplicity, durability, and space efficiency in the D-segment saloon.[27] Higher trims offer an optional electronically controlled variable damping system, which adjusts shock absorber stiffness up to 100 times per second based on road conditions, vehicle dynamics, and selected driving modes to enhance ride comfort and stability.[20] Steering is managed by an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion system, with variable assistance that adapts to driving modes via the Multi-Sense interface.[20] An optional 4Control four-wheel steering system is available on select models, enabling the rear wheels to turn up to 3.5 degrees in phase with the front wheels at low speeds for improved maneuverability—reducing the turning radius to 10.8 meters—and out of phase at higher speeds for enhanced stability.[28][29] The Talisman's design emphasizes dynamic performance through a lowered center of gravity and optimized weight distribution, contributing to agile handling and a sportier driving position close to the road surface.[30] Curb weights range from 1,413 kg to 1,595 kg depending on powertrain and equipment, reflecting the platform's lightweight materials and efficient packaging.Dimensions
The Renault Talisman saloon measures 4,849 mm in length, 1,869 mm in width, and 1,463 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,808 mm.[26] The estate variant is slightly longer at 4,866 mm, with the same width and a height of 1,465 mm, maintaining the 2,809 mm wheelbase.[31] These dimensions position the Talisman as a mid-size family car, offering ample interior space while remaining maneuverable for its class.[32]| Dimension | Saloon | Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,849 mm | 4,866 mm |
| Width (without mirrors) | 1,869 mm | 1,870 mm |
| Height | 1,463 mm | 1,465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,808 mm | 2,809 mm |