The Renault Laguna II 3.0 V6 24V, produced between 2001 and 2007, represents a significant evolution in Renault’s mid-size family car offerings. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall/Opel Vectra, and Peugeot 406, the Laguna II aimed to provide a more refined and technologically advanced experience than its predecessor. While not officially sold in the United States, the Laguna held a prominent position in the European market, known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available features. This model, specifically the 3.0 V6 variant, offered a performance-oriented option within the Laguna II range.
Renault Laguna II: A European Family Sedan
The Laguna II was Renault’s flagship model in the D-segment (mid-size) category. It was available as a five-door hatchback and a station wagon (Estate) body style, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The second generation Laguna marked a departure from the first, with a more sophisticated design, improved build quality, and a greater emphasis on safety and comfort. The 3.0 V6 24V engine was the top-of-the-line powertrain option, offering a substantial power upgrade over the four-cylinder engines available in the range.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Laguna II 3.0 V6 24V is its naturally aspirated 2.9-liter V6 engine, designated the L7X. This engine produces 207 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 285 Nm (210.21 lb-ft) of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine’s configuration – a 60-degree V-angle with four valves per cylinder and multi-port fuel injection – contributes to its smooth power delivery and responsive character. Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination allows for a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 7.3 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 5.3 kg/Nm contribute to its spirited performance. Fuel economy is rated at 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg) combined, with 14.9 l/100 km (15.8 US mpg) in urban conditions and 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Renault Laguna II features a contemporary hatchback design, characterized by its flowing lines and relatively understated styling. The interior is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, offering ample space for five passengers and a generous cargo capacity. The hatchback configuration provides excellent versatility, with a minimum trunk volume of 430 liters (15.19 cu ft) expanding to 1330 liters (46.97 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features were a key focus for Renault with the Laguna II. Standard equipment included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and driver and passenger airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional safety features such as side airbags and electronic stability control. Other notable features included hydraulic power steering, a comfortable suspension setup prioritizing ride quality, and a range of available options such as climate control, a premium audio system, and leather upholstery.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Laguna |
| Generation | Laguna II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 24V (207 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.9 l/100 km (15.8 US mpg, 19 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg, 28 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 207 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 3750 rpm (210.21 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | L7X |
| Engine displacement | 2946 cm3 (179.78 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.2 l (7.61 US qt | 6.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1505 kg (3317.96 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1330 l (46.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4576 mm (180.16 in.) |
| Width | 1772 mm (69.76 in.) |
| Height | 1429 mm (56.26 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2740 mm (107.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| 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 | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Renault Laguna II 3.0 V6 24V offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a comfortable, spacious, and relatively powerful family car. While never officially available in the US market, it represents a noteworthy example of Renault’s engineering capabilities and design sensibilities during the early 2000s.
