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Renault Safrane: 1992–2000 luxury estate, engines and trims
Renault Safrane — a premium five-door estate, produced from 1992–2000 as a French alternative to German luxury cars. We look at the engines on offer, the most popular trims and what to check before buying such a rare classic.
Safrane in brief
The Safrane was Renault's flagship: spacious, comfortable, with a supple suspension and a generous spec. The body is a five-door estate with a large boot.
Today, the Safrane is rare, so it's bought not for everyday use, but for its uniqueness and comfort. The choice of used examples is very limited, and finding parts can take time.
Facelift and trims
Around 1996, the Safrane was facelifted: the front and interior were revised, and some trims received newer engines. Before buying, establish which trim is on offer.
The rarer, sportier trim was the Biturbo 4x4 with a powerful turbo engine and four-wheel drive.
Engines and gearboxes
Petrol engines — 2.0 and 2.2-litre four-cylinders (around 110–140hp) and 3.0 V6 (around 170–190hp). Diesel — 2.5 turbo (around 115hp).
Gearboxes — manual or automatic. If the car has an automatic, its condition is particularly important.
What to check when buying a used Safrane
Most important is the body condition: check for dents, wheel arches, the underside and door sills for corrosion. Given its age, it's likely the car has had repairs.
Test the electronics: windows, climate control, seat adjustment, and the instrument cluster. Older luxury cars often have electronic issues, and finding parts can be tricky.
Check the gearbox, suspension, and engine condition, and in V6 versions, inquire about the timing belt replacement history.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trims in Europe.
RN
1992–2000Base trim with standard equipment.
- Often — air conditioning
- Often — power windows
- Simpler interior trim
RT
1992–2000Mid-range trim with more comfort features.
- Often — climate control
- Often — alloy wheels
- Often — additional comfort features
RXE
1992–2000Higher trim with better interior finish.
- Often — leather interior
- Often — electrically adjustable seats
- Often — additional comfort features
Baccara
1992–2000The top-tier version with the most luxurious features.
- Often — leather upholstery
- Often — electrically adjustable and heated seats
- Often — additional comfort features
Engine comparison
| 2.0 / 2.2 benzinas | 3.0 V6 | 2.5 turbodyzelis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For daily driving | For powerful, comfortable driving | For economical driving |
| Power | Around 110–140 HP | Around 170–190 HP | Around 115 HP |
| Fuel consumption | Average | Largest | Smaller |
| Maintenance | More basic | More expensive | Average |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | € |
Most buyers will be happy with a 2.0 or 2.2 petrol engine in good condition. Only opt for a V6 if the car is well-maintained, and a diesel if economy is key.
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Soft, comfortable suspension
- A unique and rare choice
- Generous boot space
Cons
- The selection of used models is very limited
- Finding parts and servicing can be tricky
- Rust and aging electronics
Frequently asked questions
Is the Safrane suitable for daily use?
It might be, if the car is well-maintained, but due to its age and the difficulty of finding parts, it's more of a hobbyist or collector's choice.
Which Safrane engine should you choose?
Most buyers will be happy with the 2.0 or 2.2 petrol engine. The V6 offers more power, but it's more expensive to maintain.
What is the Safrane Biturbo?
This is a rarer, sportier version with a turbo engine and four-wheel drive. It's very rarely seen.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
