Samsung SM7 details released

Renault, which has a 70% stake in Samsung Motors, is looking to increase its presence in Asia, and hopes that it will achieve that through its South Korean brand. The company says that the SM7, which will go on sale in South Korea later this month, will have a "radical effect on the big saloon car market".

The SM7 was developed over a time of 32 months, with R&D investments reaching some 400 billion South Korean won (€207 million). The new Renault Samsung developed SM7 luxury sedan hits the market seven years after the original SM7, which was based on the Nissan Maxima, was launched.

The latest SM7 has grown in size over its predecessor, with much improved interior space. There are also two new engines available for the SM7, both sourced from Nissan. The first is a 2.5-litre V6 which produces 190bhp and 243Nm of torque, while the other is a 3.5-litre V6 with 258bhp and 330Nm of torque. Both units come with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift function as standard.

Renault Samsung Motors CEO Jean-Marie Hurtiger said about Samsung’s new flagship model: "[The] All-New SM7 is Renault Samsung Motors' new flagship and delivers everything customers expect of a big premium saloon, including refined, luxurious styling, exceptional quality, and outstanding comfort and driving pleasure thanks to the contribution of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's world class technological expertise. All-New SM7 will set new standards in Korea's big family saloon car market."