The Renault Safrane I (B54) 3.0 Biturbo (B545), produced from 1993 to 1996, represents a significant offering from Renault in the upper-middle-class executive car segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Safrane was a popular and well-regarded vehicle in Europe, positioned as a competitor to cars like the Ford Scorpio, Opel Omega, and Peugeot 605. It distinguished itself with a focus on comfort, advanced technology for its time, and, in the case of the 3.0 Biturbo 4×4 variant, impressive performance. The Safrane aimed to provide a luxurious and refined driving experience, appealing to buyers seeking a spacious and well-equipped family car with a touch of prestige.
Renault Safrane I (B54) 3.0 Biturbo: A Detailed Overview
The Safrane was Renault’s attempt to move upmarket and offer a genuine alternative to German and British executive cars. It replaced the Renault 25 and represented a substantial leap forward in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement. The B54 generation, specifically the 3.0 Biturbo 4×4, is considered the flagship model, boasting a powerful engine and all-wheel-drive capability for enhanced traction and stability. This model catered to drivers who desired both performance and practicality in a comfortable package.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Safrane 3.0 Biturbo 4×4 is its 2.9-liter (2963 cm3) V6 engine, designated the Z7X. This engine is notable for its twin-turbocharger setup, which significantly boosts power output to 263 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 363 Nm (267.74 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. This configuration delivers a strong and responsive driving experience, allowing for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 6.4 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 4.7 kg/Nm contribute to its spirited performance. Power per liter is an impressive 88.8 Hp/l. The engine requires 6.7 liters (7.08 US qt) of engine oil and 10 liters (10.57 US qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Renault Safrane I (B54) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and spacious interior. Its design, penned by Giovanni De Mazzoni, was considered modern and elegant for its time, though it didn’t achieve the iconic status of some of its competitors. The car’s dimensions – 4763 mm (187.52 in) in length, 1790 mm (70.47 in) in width, and 1414 mm (55.67 in) in height – provide ample room for passengers and luggage. The wheelbase of 2766 mm (108.9 in) contributes to a comfortable ride. Inside, the Safrane offered a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating for five adults. Key features included power steering (hydraulic), ABS (Anti-lock braking system), and a five-speed manual transmission. The 4×4 system provided enhanced grip and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Trunk space is a useful 390 liters (13.77 cu. ft.). The kerb weight of 1695 kg (3736.84 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 455 kg (1003.1 lbs) demonstrate its practicality. The car rides on 225/45 R17 tires with 17-inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Safrane |
| Generation | Safrane I (B54) |
| Type | 3.0 Biturbo (B545) (263 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.6 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.8 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 263 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 88.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 363 Nm @ 2500 rpm (267.74 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z7X |
| Engine displacement | 2963 cm3 (180.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.7 mm (2.86 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1695 kg (3736.84 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2150 kg (4739.94 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 4763 mm (187.52 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Height | 1414 mm (55.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2766 mm (108.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1542 mm (60.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Renault Safrane I (B54) 3.0 Biturbo 4×4, while not a mainstream success in all markets, remains a noteworthy vehicle for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It represents Renault’s ambition to compete with the best in the executive car class and offers a unique alternative for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and capable vehicle.
