The mechanicals are throughly intriguing. The 3.5-litre V6, used by both Renault and Nissan, is here breathed on by twin turbochargers and has direct injection to save fuel. Peak outputs climb from 241bhp and 243lb ft to a hefty 420bhp and 413lb ft.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission, with gearchanges operated by wheel-mounted paddles. Renault claims a 0-62mph sprint in 4.9sec.
Will future premium Renaults be rear-wheel drive? It's eminently possible, as Renault and Nissan (and perhaps GM, if their proposed alliance goes ahead) step up the amalgamation of their platforms. However, Renault's definition of a luxury car is one that costs more than £18,500, so the resolutely front-wheel drive Lagunas and Espaces land in the luxury bracket too.