Renault is making a strong return to the premium family SUV space with the unveiling of its all-new 7-seater SUV, the Renault Boreal. While launched globally for now, the company has confirmed that the vehicle will enter the Indian market next year. And make no mistake, this isn’t just another large SUV; the Boreal arrives with ambitious intent, showcasing a sharp design, high-end interior appointments, modern technology, and a powerful turbocharged engine.
This launch also marks Renault’s broader push to expand its global portfolio using strategic partnerships and platform sharing. The Boreal is built on the Cardian platform, a product of the joint effort between Renault and Chinese EV giant Seres, which Renault has partnered with for its push into electrified and flexible fuel options in Asia.
Design
Visually, the Renault Boreal makes an immediate impression. At 4.5 meters long and 1.84 meters wide, it’s proportioned to dominate the road without appearing bulky or overbearing. The 2.7-meter wheelbase ensures cabin spaciousness while also contributing to road stability, a key point for long-distance family travel.
The front fascia is particularly striking. It features a wide, aggressive air dam, flanked by LED fog lamps and LED headlamps integrated with unique DRL elements. The newly redesigned ‘Noveau R’ Renault logo sits proudly at the center, representing the brand’s new-age identity.
Down the sides, sharp shoulder lines and flared wheel arches give the SUV a purposeful stance. Renault has cleverly hidden the rear door handles in the C-pillar, keeping the profile clean and futuristic. It’s a design decision that echoes what premium automakers are doing with their coupes and crossovers today.
Interior
Inside, the Boreal delivers a feature-packed experience meant to satisfy both driver and passengers. At the heart of the dashboard is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls for intuitive handling.
The dual-zone automatic climate control ensures a pleasant drive across seasons, while a panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the overall premium feel.
But Renault doesn’t stop there. The ambient lighting, Harman Kardon sound system, and memory function on electrically adjustable front seats elevate the in-cabin experience. The driver’s seat even features a massage function, a segment-first feature in many developing markets, clearly signaling Renault’s attempt to add luxury to utility.
Performance
Under the hood, the Boreal houses a 1.3-litre turbocharged flex-fuel engine. This unit produces 160 bhp of power and 270 Nm of torque, numbers that are quite healthy for a three-row SUV in this segment. Power delivery is managed by a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a setup that promises both efficiency and smooth transitions in urban and highway driving.
From an engineering perspective, offering a flex-fuel engine is a smart move for markets like India and Brazil, where alternative fuels are becoming increasingly relevant due to government incentives and fuel economy concerns.
Auto experts suggest this powertrain choice positions the Boreal as both future-ready and practical. The combination of turbocharging and flex-fuel capability could appeal to a wide range of consumers, from those seeking performance to those looking for better cost-efficiency in the long run.
Safety & ADAS
Renault isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to safety. The Boreal is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which, until recently, were reserved for luxury cars. Features include:
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Automatic Emergency Braking
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Lane Keeping Assist
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Adaptive Cruise Control
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Hands-Free Parking
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360-Degree Surround Camera
This is a big leap for the brand in terms of safety offerings, particularly in markets like India where advanced driver assistance is still gaining traction. Including these features positions the Boreal as a very forward-thinking option in the mid-size SUV segment.
What This Means for the Indian Market
India’s SUV market has evolved rapidly in recent years, with buyers expecting far more from their vehicles, not just in terms of size, but refinement, tech, and reliability. The Renault Boreal seems purpose-built to compete with the likes of the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra XUV700.
Its global pedigree, high safety quotient, powerful drivetrain, and a rich feature set give it the tools to carve out a significant space in a crowded segment. What remains to be seen is how Renault will price the Boreal in India, but given the company’s reputation for aggressive pricing and value-centric positioning, it could very well shake up the 7-seater space in 2025.
Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Contender With Global DNA
The Renault Boreal is more than just another SUV. It’s a symbol of the brand’s renewed focus on innovation, design leadership, and flexible powertrains. With a strong mix of form and function, the Boreal doesn’t merely aim to participate in the competitive 7-seater segment, it aims to lead it.
If Renault follows through on localization and smart pricing, the Boreal has all the ingredients to become a household name in Indian families looking for their next long-term SUV.
Launch Timeline: Expected in India in 2026
Segment: Premium 7-Seater SUV
Expected Rivals: Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus
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