Transformation after 4 years... SM6 facelift released with enhanced marketability

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Renault Samsung Motors launched the facelift model of the SM6, 'The New SM6,' on the 15th. It is a new model released four years after the first sale in 2016, featuring a significant enhancement in product quality such as a new powertrain and improved ride comfort while maintaining its distinctive European design and details. Attention is focused on whether Renault Samsung Motors, which led the success of the XM3 and Captur in the first half of this year, can rebound its performance with its flagship model, the SM6.

The SM6 gained popularity as a differentiated 'premium mid-size sedan,' selling 58,804 units in its launch year of 2016. Regarding this model, Renault Samsung Motors explained that they completed dramatic changes beyond a typical facelift by actively reflecting customer demands.

The biggest strength of the SM6, its exterior design, has become even more splendid. The interior and exterior details were reinforced to emphasize sophistication, and new exterior colors such as Highland Silver, Sand Grey, and Vintage Red were added. In particular, a new light signature including dynamic turn signals was adopted to further enhance the aesthetic sense and completeness of the exterior design.

Moreover, the 'LED Matrix Vision' headlamps, which are applied to some domestic large luxury sedans and imported premium brands, are introduced for the first time in its class. This advanced lighting system uses a front camera to recognize driving conditions autonomously and controls multiple LEDs inside the high beam (18 on each side, 36 in total) to precisely adjust brightness by area. It not only secures the driver's visibility but also prevents glare for oncoming drivers, providing a higher level of driving safety.

The most significantly changed part is the engine. The New SM6 is equipped with three engines: two new engines, a 1.8ℓ gasoline turbo (Tce 300) and a 1.3ℓ gasoline turbo (Tce 260), and an LPG model, the 2.0ℓ LPe.

The TCe 300 engine is used in Renault Group's high-performance brand Alpine and Renault R.S. models, delivering powerful performance with 225 horsepower and the highest torque in its class of 30.6 kg·m (300 Nm). The maximum torque is available over a wide range from 200 rpm to 4800 rpm, providing an enjoyable driving experience.

The TCe 260 is a newly developed 4-cylinder 1.3ℓ turbo direct injection gasoline engine co-developed by Renault Group and Daimler. It offers a maximum output of 156 horsepower and maximum torque of 26.5 kg·m (260 Nm), especially delivering excellent power and torque within the practical driving range of 1500 to 3500 rpm. Fuel efficiency is maintained at 13.6 km/ℓ, the best among domestic gasoline mid-size sedans. Both TCe 300 and TCe 260 engines are paired with Getrag's 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

The much-discussed ride comfort has also been improved. The New SM6 applies a Modular Valve System (MVS) to the front and rear dampers to smoothly control damping force. Additionally, a large-capacity hydro bushing is applied to the rear suspension to effectively block road vibrations. Renault Samsung Motors introduced that the precise harmony of MVS and hydro bushings allows drivers to experience sharp European-style handling performance as well as comfortable ride quality.

The driving assistance system has also been significantly enhanced. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and the newly added Lane Keeping Assist (LCA) enable Level 1 autonomous driving performance. Additionally, Emergency Braking Assist (AEBS) capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, Lane Departure Prevention Assist (LKA), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) have been added.

The interior design is completed as an advanced space with a class-leading 10.25-inch TFT cluster and a 9.3-inch Easy Connect display. In particular, the 9.3-inch Easy Connect is the first vertical display in its class equipped with a communication-based T-map, considering users familiar with smartphone usage. Basic functions are touch-operated for smartphone users' convenience, while frequently used climate control functions are separated into physical buttons to improve usability.

The New SM6 prices are as follows: TCe 260 ▲SE trim 24.5 million KRW ▲SE Plus trim 26.81 million KRW ▲LE trim 28.96 million KRW ▲RE trim 31.12 million KRW ▲Premiere 32.65 million KRW. TCe 300 ▲LE trim 30.73 million KRW ▲Premiere 34.22 million KRW. LPe ▲SE trim 24.01 million KRW ▲SE Plus 26.31 million KRW ▲LE trim 28.47 million KRW ▲RE trim 30.49 million KRW (based on 3.5% individual consumption tax).

Kim Taejun, Head of Sales at Renault Samsung Motors, said, "The New SM6 has a new engine, the latest multimedia system, new driving assistance devices, an advanced lighting system, and upgraded ride comfort, presenting a new image." He added, "Building on the strength of selling over 143,000 units in four years since its launch in 2016, we expect to create another sensation in the domestic mid-size sedan market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.