The Renault Safrane Phase 1 (Generation I - B54) succeeded the legendary Renault 25 in 1992. Designed to compete with German premium sedans, it marked a spectacular leap forward in terms of finish quality, sound insulation, and passive safety. A true rolling lounge, it stood out for its imperial comfort, highly prized « Ergomatic » seats, and exceptional interior space. However, this move upmarket was accompanied by a significant weight gain, penalizing entry-level engines. While the mechanical base is generally very robust, this first phase suffered from numerous « teething problems » related to its complex onboard electronics (voice synthesis, regulated air conditioning) and the chronic fragility of its automatic gearboxes and controlled suspension on high trims (Baccara, Biturbo).
The Renault Safrane Phase 1 is today a very endearing « youngtimer », offering comfort worthy of modern limousines for a derisory purchase price. However, its reliability record is mixed. While the engines (especially the 4-cylinder petrol and the 2.1 dT) are monuments of robustness, the nascent electronics of the 90s and the catastrophic fragility of the automatic gearboxes necessitate caution. For a serene purchase, opt for a manual gearbox version, ideally a 2.2 Si or a V6 PRV (with a manual gearbox), with a clear history and functional electronics. Avoid models equipped with unrevised controlled suspension and automatic gearboxes without strict maintenance invoices.