Renault Vel Satis Sales Figures

Renault Vel Satis

The Renault Vel Satis was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The Renault Latitude large sedan was introduced in 2010 in a handful of European countries as a replacement, but it has been even less successful.

Renault Vel Satis Overview

The Renault Vel Satis was an executive car produced by the French automaker Renault between 2002 and 2009. It was an ambitious project, intended to compete in the premium segment with established German luxury sedans. Notably, the Vel Satis had a distinctive design that set it apart from the more conventional designs of its competitors.

The Vel Satis replaced the Renault Safrane in Renault’s lineup. Unlike the Safrane, however, the Vel Satis opted for a more avant-garde design. It had an unconventional high-roofed profile, which was a significant departure from the typical executive sedan look. The design was polarizing; while some appreciated its unique stance and character, others found it too divergent from the established norms of the segment.

The Vel Satis faced a tough challenge in competing with established luxury brands, especially in markets where brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi dominated the premium segment. Its unconventional design didn’t appeal to everyone, particularly in a segment that often values tradition and brand heritage. Sales were below Renault’s expectations, especially outside of France. As a result, the Vel Satis was discontinued in 2009 and wasn’t directly replaced in Renault’s lineup. While the Vel Satis didn’t achieve the sales success Renault had hoped for, it stands as a testament to Renault’s willingness to experiment with design and challenge conventional norms.