RENAULT Talisman Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The French manufacturer Renault keeps trying to make a return into the luxury car market. After two fails with the VelSatis in 2001 and the Latitude in 2010, the French launched the Talisman in 2015 and in 2020 they came with a facelift. Maybe third time is a charm.

The almost 5 meters (15.9 ft.) long car is available only with FWD and engines with power ranging between 120 hp and 225 hp, turbodiesel or gasoline. The transmission offered for the Talisman is mainly 6-speed manual for most of the versions, but as an option, depending on the engine, it may be equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox or with a CVT-type.

The facelift also includes the new 1.33-liter engine, which can also be found in cars like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and it offers 160 hp on the Renault. Top of the range and new in the Talisman is a 1.8-liter gasoline engine, turbocharged and with direct injection that develops 225 hp. It is paired with an EDC dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission.

The diesel range includes a new 1.7-liter Blue dCi engine with 120 hp or 150 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. The lineup also includes a two-liter Blue dCi engine with either 160 hp or 200 hp, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The revised infotainment system called EASY-LINK has a 9.3" screen in portrait configuration and includes digital DAB radio, multimedia, and a phone system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

With two vehicles almost competing for the same customers, the Laguna and the Latitude, the French car-manufacturer Renault had decided to end both and introduced the Talisman range in 2016.

The Laguna was a successful model, but Renault was eager to enter into the Premium market. So, they launched the Talisman for the up-market but also to replace the Laguna range. It was based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-CD platform that was also used for the large MPV Espace. Renault promised to use only high-quality materials for the Talisman and to give their best efforts to make the car better in every detail than both the Laguna and the Latitude.

The exterior look was a proof of confidence, giving the big car a high-quality sensation, but differently than that offered by other European premium-car manufacturers. The headlights and the DRL were nicely integrated into the front bumper. For the rear of the car, it had the same "signature taillights" which were on the Megane Sedan.

Inside, there was plenty of room for the front passengers and a TFT display in the instrument cluster. The Renault R-Link 2 was available with connectivity to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. But for the rear seats, there was less room and, strangely, not even one USB port. But, at least, it had one 12-volt socket. Other than that, it was a nicely done interior.