Renault Scenic E-Tech electric crossover debuts at Munich Motor Show
Renault has unveiled its all-electric Scenic E-Tech electric family car at the IAA Mobility 2023 motor show in Munich.
Due for launch in early 2024, it revives the Scenic name, previously used for the brand’s MPV range first launched in 1996 and now reinvented as a fully electric crossover with up to 620km of range.
It’s based on the Scenic Vision concept car revealed in 2022 and uses the group’s CMF-EV platform, shared with the Megane E-Tech Electric and Nissan Ariya.
Positioned above the Megane, it will be available with two powertrain options. The first uses a 170hp motor, powered by a 60kWh battery pack, to deliver a range of 420km (pending WLTP verification). It’s able to be charged at up to 130kW DC and has a 9.3-second 0-100km/h time.
The second powertrain features a 220hp motor coupled with a larger 87kWh battery pack targeted to achieve some 620km (again pending WLTP verification). It can be charged at up to 150kW DC and has an 8.4 second time for the 0-100km/h sprint.
The battery features NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) technology to make it 6% more energy dense than that of the Megane E-Tech electric, and a heat pump comes as standard. Four levels of regenerative braking are available, activated using steering wheel paddles.
Exterior design uses the Nouvel’R logo and new signature headlights in line with the latest brand identity. LED Adaptive Vision technology is available, adapting the beam pattern to suit the driving conditions, while the indicators are animated.
Interior space is a particular focus – thanks to its architecture, the Scenic E-Tech features a fully flat floor, while passengers in the rear are said to have as much knee- and headroom as the top C-segment family cars.
The Scenic E-Tech also majors on “clever storage”, with up to 38.7 litres of space throughout the cabin. Rear seat passengers get an “ingenious” armrest with two swivelling arms, 3.6 litres of storage for smartphones and tablets, fold-out stands to watch screens comfortably, two cupholders and two USB-C ports.
The OpenR Link multimedia system comes with a 12-inch screen, accompanied by a 12.3-inch driver’s display, and features more than 50 apps. The Scenic’s signature sound sequence has been created in collaboration with Jean-Michel Jarre.
Other features include large 19- or 20-inch wheels and a Solarbay panoramic roof that can be either fully or partially opacified in segments using a button by the overhead light or by voice control using Google Assistant. Four settings are available, enabling passengers in the back to control the roof in their area without affecting the occupants in the front. The Solarbay also saves space compared to a conventional mechanical blind, is 6-8kg lighter and some 50% of the glass is made of waste from plate and automotive glass production, while 90% of it can be recycled at the end of its life.
The arrival of the Scenic E-Tech supports the brand’s new sustainability strategy, which focuses on the environment, safety and inclusion. Some 24% of the new model’s materials are recycled and 90% of its mass is recyclable. This aligns with Renault’s plans for carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050.
The European specification offers a choice of Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic trim – the latter marking the first time that the top-of-the-range version has been available in a Renault all-electric vehicle.
Equipment, depending on the trim level, includes powered seats with a ‘relax’ mode and massage function.
The Scenic E-Tech also comes with more than 30 advanced driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS), including a new tool called Safety Coach that assesses driving behaviour and habits to provide tailored advice on driving style and ADAS use. It includes smart cruise control system to automatically adjust the vehicle speed to account for distance between other cars.
There’s also a new motorway and traffic assistant, called Active Driver Assist and combining adaptive cruise control, Stop & Go, lane centring and geolocation data to adapt predictively to the road.
Full details and prices will be announced closer to the Scenic E-Tech’s launch early next year.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
