The Renault Scenic is back, and it’s not what you might expect. The name that was once synonymous with practical and spacious MPVs has been reinvented as an electric SUV, aiming to combine the best of both worlds. But does it succeed? We take a closer look at the new Scenic E-Tech Electric, which is set to go on sale in early 2024.
The design
The new Scenic is a striking departure from its predecessors, featuring a sleek and futuristic design that draws inspiration from Renault’s latest models, such as the Megane E-Tech and the Morphoz concept. The front end is dominated by a large diamond-shaped grille, flanked by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights that extend to the edges of the bumper. The side profile is characterised by a sloping roofline, muscular wheel arches and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the rear end features a distinctive LED light bar that spans the width of the tailgate.
The new Scenic also boasts a two-tone paint scheme, with contrasting colours for the roof and pillars. There are three trim levels available, including Esprit Alpine, which adds sporty details inspired by Renault’s performance brand. The new Scenic measures 4,470mm long, 1,571mm high and 1,850mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,780mm. It offers generous interior space for five passengers, as well as a boot capacity of 545 litres, which can be expanded to 1,670 litres by folding the rear seats.
The powertrain
The new Scenic is powered by a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, which delivers either 167bhp or 217bhp depending on the battery size. There are two battery options to choose from: a 60kWh unit that provides a range of more than 261 miles (420 km), or an 87kWh unit that extends the range to more than 385 miles (620 km). Both batteries use nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells supplied by LG Chem, and feature liquid cooling and thermal management systems to optimise performance and durability.
The new Scenic also comes with a heat pump as standard, which helps to reduce the energy consumption of the heating and air conditioning systems. This should minimise the impact of cold weather on the range, which is often a problem for electric vehicles. The new Scenic can be charged at speeds of up to 130kW for the smaller battery and up to 150kW for the larger one, using DC fast chargers. This means it can be replenished from 15% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
The performance
The new Scenic is not designed to be a performance-oriented SUV, but rather a comfortable and efficient family car. However, it still offers decent acceleration and handling, thanks to its electric powertrain and low centre of gravity. The smaller battery version can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, while the larger one can do it in 8.4 seconds. The top speed is limited to 99mph for both versions.
The Interior
The cabin uses a variety of sustainable materials, and natural leather is no longer available.
The Scenic is equipped with a variety of advanced technology features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen multimedia display running on Android Automotive OS 12, and support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates.
The cabin has a total of 38.7 liters of storage spaces, and the center armrest slides over a distance of 70 millimeters. Even the rear passengers have an ingenious armrest at their disposal.
The flat floor ensures a generous space for passengers, especially for those in the back seats. They have 278 millimeters of legroom and 884 millimeters of headroom.
The panoramic Solarbay roof is a great way to let in natural light and enjoy the view. It can also be darkened to block out the sun, making it ideal for hot days or when you want to focus on driving.
Driving
The new Scenic also features four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and MySense. These modes adjust the throttle response, steering feel, regenerative braking and ambient lighting according to the driver’s preference. The new Scenic also comes with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The new Scenic is a bold and innovative move by Renault, which aims to appeal to buyers who want an electric SUV with a touch of flair and practicality. It offers a spacious and versatile interior, a long-range battery, a fast-charging capability and a range of safety and convenience features. It also has a distinctive design that sets it apart from its rivals, such as the Skoda Enyaq, the Smart #1 and the Nissan Ariya. The new Scenic is expected to cost around £40,000 when it goes on sale next year4, which is competitive for its segment. It could be a great choice for families who are looking for an eco-friendly and stylish alternative to conventional SUVs.
