5 Minutes
Renault Talisman returns — in CGI only
Digital artist Digimods Design recently revived the Renault Talisman in a set of bold CGI renderings that trade the production car’s understated elegance for a decidedly quirky, futuristic aesthetic. The exercise is a reminder of what the mid-size sedan once was — and how rare it has become in global markets dominated by SUVs and crossovers.
What happened to the mid-size sedan?
The mid-size D-segment has thinned dramatically. Models that once anchored brand line-ups — Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Mazda6 — have been withdrawn from many Western markets. Volkswagen’s Passat is now primarily available as an estate, and Renault ended Talisman production in 2022 at its Douai plant in France. The result: fewer choices for buyers who still prefer a balanced sedan for highway cruising and executive transport.
A quick refresher on the original Talisman
The Talisman was Renault’s answer in the mid-size class, offered as both a four-door sedan and an estate. Built on the CMF-C/D platform, it shared architecture with a wide family of models: Megane, Kadjar, Koleos and Scenic, and even some group-developed vehicles from partners across various segments. The platform later evolved and underpinned vehicles such as the Austral, Espace VI, and Rafale.
Key specs (production Talisman):
- Length: 4,850 mm (190.9 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,810 mm (110.6 in)
- Engines: range of straight-four petrol and diesel units, plus LPG options
- Transmissions: manual 6-speed, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed automatic, and CVT
The production Talisman was known for comfortable packaging and a conventional front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout — tidy, practical and arguably overlooked in a changing market.
Digimods’ CGI take: bold, polarizing, and very Renault?
The new CGI Talisman is described by the artist as more premium and sportier, with a futuristic exterior. But the renderings split opinion. Highlights and criticisms from the digital concept include:
- A heavily sculpted, unusual grille that departs from Renault’s recent restraint.
- Intricate side lighting and compact twin headlights that give the front end a busy, almost experimental look.
- Side creases and character lines that lean toward quirky rather than elegant.
- Rear styling that some readers will find reminiscent of Peugeot’s sharper, angular language, with a chunky trunk lid and aggressive bumper geometry.
"It isn’t a safe reinterpretation," you might say — and that’s part of the point. CGI exercises free designers from production constraints, showing what a brand could do if rules like packaging, pedestrian safety and homologation were absent.
ICE, EV or hybrid? What the renderings signal
Interestingly, the CGI Talisman sports twin exhaust outlets — an explicit nod to internal-combustion power in Fantasy Land. That suggests the artist imagined a gasoline- or diesel-powered car rather than a fully electric one. Of course, a real future Talisman could just as plausibly arrive as a hybrid or EV; platform trends and emissions regulations make electrification likely if Renault ever chose to resurrect a large sedan.
Market context matters: the last decade has pushed many manufacturers to prioritize SUVs, crossovers and electrified compacts. Sedans survive mainly where brand heritage or fleet demand supports them.
How would a modern Talisman fit in today’s lineup?
If Renault ever revived the Talisman badge, it would need to be positioned carefully:
- As an upscale, comfortable alternative to compact crossovers, focused on long-distance comfort and refined driving dynamics.
- Offered with electrified powertrains — PHEV or full BEV options would likely be required to satisfy fleet and regulatory needs.
- Retain signature Renault design cues but balance them with mainstream appeal to avoid the polarizing effect of the CGI concept.
Verdict: fun CGI, uncertain future
The Digimods renderings are a lively creative take, sparking debate about how a mid-size Renault might look today. They’re bold and divisive — which is exactly the point of conceptual CGI. Whether you see it as an exciting reimagining or an over-styled misstep probably depends on your tolerance for design experimentation.
Is this a “yay” or a “nay”? For enthusiasts, the images are a welcome reminder that sedans can still inspire. For the broader market, the real question isn't whether we want another Talisman design, but whether enough buyers remain who prefer a classic mid-size sedan over a crossover.
Quote: "CGI can show us the wild potential — but production cars must balance style with real-world compromise."
What do you think: would you welcome a modern Renault Talisman, or is the era of the mid-size sedan over?
Source: autoevolution
Comments
Marius
Is this even realistic? Twin exhausts and all that creasing look cool but who buys big sedans now. If Renault brought it back, make it PHEV or full EV, otherwise nah
mechbyte
Wow that front end is bonkers! Too busy for me, but i love that designers can go nuts in CGI. Would buy a comfy sedan tho, not that grille lol
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