Renault Laguna Coupe GT 2.0 dCi
The Renault Laguna Coupe arrived in 2008 as one of the most visually arresting cars in Renault's modern history. Designed under the direction of Patrick le Quément (who was also responsible for the polarizing Vel Satis and Avantime), the Laguna Coupe was a genuine pillarless coupe with a sweeping roofline, sculpted flanks, and a bold front end. It was a car that looked significantly more expensive than it was.
The GT specification combined the 2.0 dCi turbodiesel engine — producing 180 horsepower and a substantial 400 Nm of torque — with Renault's innovative 4Control four-wheel steering system. This was not a gimmick: the 4Control system turned the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speed (for a tighter turning circle) and in the same direction at higher speeds (for greater stability during lane changes and cornering). The effect was noticeable and genuinely beneficial, giving the relatively large Laguna Coupe an agility that defied its dimensions.
The turbodiesel engine was well-suited to the Laguna Coupe's grand-touring character. The 400 Nm of torque arrived low in the rev range, providing effortless overtaking acceleration and relaxed high-speed cruising. Combined with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, the drivetrain was refined and well-matched to the car's personality. Fuel economy was also excellent by coupe standards — a diesel grand tourer made enormous practical sense for European drivers covering high annual mileages.
Inside, the Laguna Coupe offered a high-quality interior with leather seats, automatic climate control, and a central touchscreen display. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, though rear space was predictably limited by the sloping roofline. Build quality was a step up from previous Renaults, with Renault claiming the Laguna III achieved the highest Euro NCAP score of any car tested at the time of its launch.
The Laguna Coupe's tragedy was timing and brand perception. Launched just as the global financial crisis hit, sales of premium coupes collapsed. And Renault's brand image in the coupe segment could not compete with established alternatives from BMW, Audi, and even Volkswagen. The car sold in modest numbers and was quietly discontinued.
Today the Laguna Coupe GT represents exceptional value. Its combination of striking design, innovative technology, and diesel grand-touring capability can be had for remarkably little money. It is one of the most underrated cars of the late 2000s.
The 2.0 dCi M9R engine is generally reliable but the injectors can fail — budget for replacement if they have not been done. DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues plague cars used primarily in urban driving — insist on a car with a highway-driving history. The 4Control system is a sealed unit and expensive to repair if it fails — check for warning lights. The automatic gearbox is reliable but the manual offers better engagement. Check for peeling lacquer on painted surfaces — the Laguna III era Renault paint was not the most durable. Electrical gremlins with the keyless entry card and central display are common. The car is so inexpensive that choosing a well-maintained example over a cheap one makes enormous sense.
The Laguna Coupe was built at Renault's Sandouville factory alongside the Laguna sedan and estate. Production began in late 2008 and continued until 2015, though sales were modest throughout. The coupe was available with 2.0 dCi (150hp and 180hp), 2.0 turbo petrol (170hp and 205hp), and 3.5 V6 (238hp) engines. The 4Control four-wheel steering was optional on lower trims and standard on the GT.