The Renault Avantime was first shown as a concept in 1999 and entered production in 2001 following its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Developed in collaboration with Matra, it was conceived from the outset as a showcase for Renault’s willingness to experiment with design and convention.

The 2002 V6 Privilège sits at the top of the range and arguably represents the Avantime in its purest form – combining the comfort of a luxury grand tourer with the dramatic silhouette of a large two-door coupé.

Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6, producing 207 PS and 285 Nm of torque. It could be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic, driving the front wheels.

Its character is smooth, refined and relaxed, with enough performance for effortless motorway cruising. The Avantime V6 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in approximately 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of around 220 km/h. The engineering is focused far more on comfort and stability than outright sporting ability.

The chassis is tuned accordingly, with an emphasis on ride comfort and long-distance refinement. Its long wheelbase and wide track contribute to reassuring stability at higher speeds, while the relatively soft suspension filters out road imperfections effectively.

The steering is light and unhurried, perfectly in keeping with the car’s grand-touring character. Despite its size and weight, the Avantime feels composed and particularly at home on long motorway journeys.

Its design remains one of the boldest ever to reach series production. The Avantime does without a conventional B-pillar, an exceptionally unusual solution for a large two-door car.

Open the substantial frameless doors and lower the side windows, and the cabin takes on an almost open-top feel despite retaining a fixed roof. Achieving this required significant structural engineering and contributes to the remarkable sense of space and light inside.

Extensive glazing and highly distinctive bodywork make the Avantime instantly recognisable even today.

In Privilège specification, the interior features leather seats, high-quality materials and generous equipment, with a strong emphasis on passenger comfort. The cabin feels bright, open and more like a contemporary lounge than a conventional car interior.

Everything is geared towards comfort, quietness and a sense of occasion rather than outright sportiness.

Approximately 8,500 Renault Avantimes were produced in total, making it a rare car even when new. Today, the 2002 Renault Avantime V6 Privilège is increasingly regarded as a design icon and an intriguing modern collectible.

It remains a reminder of an era when manufacturers were prepared to take genuine risks – and when a car could be as much an unconventional design statement as a means of transport.