Samsung badged a Korean sedan that was a reskinned Nissan Maxima, V6 models borrowing Nissan's VQ engine wholesale.
Lead trim: SM525V 2.5 VQ25DE V6
Renault Samsung SM5KPQ · 1998–2005
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Renault Samsung SM5 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactSamsung badged a Korean sedan that was a reskinned Nissan Maxima, V6 models borrowing Nissan's VQ engine wholesale.
The first Samsung SM5 was a mid-size sedan built in South Korea from 1998 to 2005, based on the Nissan Maxima (A32). It launched as the SM520, SM520V and SM525V, the V models using Nissan VQ V6 engines, and an SM518 with a 1.8-litre four was added later. Four-cylinder cars had a five-speed manual and V6s a four-speed automatic; it was exported as the SQ 5 in some markets.
Collectors Spotted in the Renault Samsung SM5 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Renault Samsung SM5 yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
4 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 VQ30DE V6 | 1998–2005 | 3.0 L V6 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SM520 2.0 SR20DE | 1998–2005 | 2.0 L Inline-4 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SM520V 2.0 VQ20DE V6 | 1998–2005 | 2.0 L V6 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SM525V 2.5 VQ25DE V6 | 1998–2005 | 2.5 L V6 | 171 hp | 163 lb-ft | — | — | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Designed in Seoul on a Renault Laguna base, this SM5 also became the Renault Latitude sold across Asia and the Middle East.
Renault sold this Korean-built SM5 back to itself, badging it the Safrane for the Gulf states and Mexico.
Samsung badged a Korean sedan that was a reskinned Nissan Maxima, V6 models borrowing Nissan's VQ engine wholesale.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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