[Test Drive] NEW QM6 LPe Captures Both Economy and Design Excellence

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Renault Samsung Motors' mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) QM6 has returned with a completely revamped style. In particular, the LPe model is the only SUV in Korea that uses LPG fuel, gaining significant attention in the domestic market.

Up to October this year, the QM6 LPe model has sold over 5,000 units in the domestic market, ranking first in sales among LPG passenger cars in Korea. The combination of French-inspired design and the cost-effectiveness of affordable LPG fuel has placed it on the purchase list of Korean consumers. This month, Renault Samsung launched a facelifted model with the top-tier 'Premiere' trim added to the LPG model, showcasing an upgraded design as a competitive move.

On the 11th, I personally test-drove the newly designed QM6 LPe model over a 65km round-trip route around Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province.

Renault Samsung New QM6

The most noticeable change was the exterior design. The radiator grille, which previously featured simple horizontal chrome strips, now sports a mesh pattern that enhances its premium feel. The Typhoon logo is centered with 'Quantum Wing' shapes applied on both sides, creating a dynamic appearance, and LED Pure Vision headlamps complete the sharp look.

The rear also underwent a transformation with new rear lamps, changing the overall impression. The new rear lamps are much more three-dimensional and create a deep, refined look compared to the previous model, and the 'Dynamic Turn Signal,' which lights up sequentially in the direction of the turn, improves the visibility of the turn indicators.

The interior design has also been refined compared to the previous model. Newly applied brown family seats and the class-exclusive frameless room mirror emphasize a luxurious feel. From this facelifted model onward, Renault Samsung allows the top-tier Premiere interior to be applied to the LPe model as well.

Renault Samsung New QM6 Interior

Renault Samsung New QM6 LPe Equipped with Donut Tank Technology

During the test drive, I drove both the QM6 LPG model and the gasoline model simultaneously. In terms of driving performance, the LPG model was more satisfying. The gasoline model produced louder noise than expected during rapid acceleration, whereas the LPG model’s smooth and immediate acceleration response was more appealing.

On the 32km one-way route driven in the LPG vehicle, the average fuel efficiency recorded was 8.3 km/ℓ. Compared to the gasoline model in the same class, which records about 11 to 12 km per liter, this is relatively lower fuel efficiency, but considering the difference in fuel prices, the LPG model is much more economical. As of that day, gasoline prices approached 1,300 KRW per liter, while LPG was only about 830 KRW per liter.

Advanced safety features have also been improved compared to the previous model. One-touch safety power windows are applied to the front passenger seat in all trims, and features such as outside mirror memory function and automatic angle adjustment for reversing are included. However, it is disappointing that adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the distance between vehicles, is only available on the gasoline model.

Reasonable pricing is the biggest advantage of the QM6 LPe. The QM6 LPe starts at 24.35 million KRW for the SE trim, and the top-tier Premiere trim is priced around 32.45 million KRW (based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax).

Renault Samsung New QM6

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