Following the Mégane E-Tech, the Renault Scénic is now undergoing a genuine transformation, positioning itself at the forefront of the French brand’s new generation of electric models.
We had an early opportunity to see it in Paris, France, at an event ahead of the model’s public debut at the Munich Motor Show in Germany.
A revolution, 27 years on
When it arrived in 1996, the Renault Scénic transformed the European market, becoming Europe’s first compact MPV. It quickly became an obvious choice for many families and established itself as one of Renault’s most significant model names.
After 27 years of history and more than five million sales, however, the market set new rules.
As had already happened to another historic Renault model, the Espace, the Scénic has exchanged its MPV shape for a crossover body style. It has also abandoned combustion engines to become an exclusively electric offering.
Yet this change in format has not diminished the space, comfort and versatility that have long made the Scénic name synonymous with a “family car”.
27 cm longer than the Mégane E-Tech Electric
Placed firmly at the heart of the C-segment, the new Renault Scénic E-Tech sits a level above the Mégane E-Tech Electric, something that becomes clear as soon as the dimensions are considered.
At 4.47 m long, the Scénic E-Tech is 27 cm longer than the Mégane E-Tech Electric, while its wheelbase is 10 cm greater, at 2.78 m. It is also around 10 cm wider.
Despite their differing lengths and widths, the two models are similarly tall. This is because aerodynamics were a central focus of the design process, with the aim of maximising both efficiency and driving range.
Gilles Vidal’s Renault Scénic E-Tech design
The new Scénic E-Tech adopts Renault’s latest design language, introduced by Gilles Vidal, with several details immediately recalling the updated Clio and the new Rafale, particularly in the front light signature.
Its most striking feature is arguably the front grille, which uses a diamond pattern - Renault’s logo - that evolves towards the outer edges. Having examined this solution closely in person, I can say that I found the visual effect particularly appealing.
The sharply drawn lines and clearly defined surfaces also deserve attention. These elements were already previewed by the Scénic Vision, the concept revealed in 2022 that foretold many of the styling solutions now seen on the production model.
From the side, the flush door handles and 20-inch wheels fitted to the Esprit Alpine version - 19-inch wheels are also available - reinforce the aerodynamic focus. What stands out most, though, is the low roofline, which ends in a prominent spoiler that further emphasises the model’s dynamic silhouette.
At the rear, there are two widely spaced rear lights - moving away from the trend for LED light bars joining the clusters - with an arrow-shaped design. These features make the Scénic appear wider, while the robust-looking bumpers are also noteworthy.
Technology designed around the user experience
Inside, there are many familiar components already seen in Renault’s recent models, including the Mégane E-Tech, Austral and, more recently, the Espace.
This is apparent in the centre console and dashboard, where Renault’s OpenR Link system combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a vertically mounted 12-inch central screen.
Once again, the system uses a Google-based operating system, delivering an experience very similar to that of an Android smartphone or tablet. It also incorporates many of the apps used every day, including Waze, Google Maps and Spotify.
As expected, the system supports smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, either wired or wirelessly. The choice is left to the user.
I have said and written on more than one occasion that this is among the best infotainment systems currently available to buy. Nothing in my brief time with the Scénic gave me reason to change that view.
Spaciousness worthy of the Scénic name
What surprised me most, however, was the room available inside. Not so much in the front seats, where I had expected it - the Mégane is already generous in this respect - but rather in the rear, which is especially spacious.
Three average-sized adults can sit in the back, although the centre seat is slightly higher and firmer. The knee room, measuring 278 mm, was what impressed me most: with the driver’s seat set for my height of 183 cm, I was able to sit very comfortably in the rear.
Headroom is also very good, particularly in cars equipped with the optional Solarbay panoramic roof. It uses liquid crystals and, at the press of a button - or through a request to the voice assistant - allows the roof to be made transparent or opaque.
Lighter than a conventional blind, this technology is also far more practical and quicker. In a matter of seconds, it can completely alter the amount of light in the cabin. It can also be opened or closed in sections: the front part can be transparent while the rear remains opaque, and vice versa.
According to Renault, this solution provides an extra 30 mm of headroom compared with a version without Solarbay.
As for the boot, the Scénic offers 545 litres of capacity, a benchmark figure for the segment. Folding the rear seats raises that figure to 1670 litres.
Seats made from recycled plastic bottles
On average, the ferrous components of the new Scénic E-Tech contain 37% recycled materials, while the bonnet and doors are made using up to 80% recycled aluminium.
The environmental considerations do not end there. Only 50% of the roof glass is produced from virgin raw materials, while there is no animal leather of any kind inside.
For example, 51% of the steering wheel covering is bio-sourced, the cockpit contains 26% recycled plastic, and the floor mats are made from 54% used plastic bottles.
The seat upholstery is made entirely from recycled fabric. In Esprit Alpine versions, the trim uses fabric produced from recycled plastic bottles (80%) and recycled seat belts (20%).
Up to 620 km of range
Built on the CMF-EV platform - the same architecture used by the Mégane E-Tech Electric and Nissan Ariya - the new Scénic E-Tech is available with two motors, neither of which uses rare earth materials, and in two distinct versions:
- 125 kW (170 hp) motor and 280 Nm, 60 kWh battery, up to 420 km of range, 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, 150 km/h top speed;
- 160 kW (220 hp) motor and 300 Nm, 87 kWh battery, up to 620 km of range, 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, 170 km/h top speed.
Despite their different capacities, the two batteries, supplied by LG Chem, use a metal casing that occupies the same volume. The differences come down to energy density - which is higher in the 87 kWh version - and the height of the modules, which is slightly lower in the 60 kWh version.
Each battery contains 12 modules, and should a fault occur, they can be replaced individually. This simplifies repairs and reduces their cost.
As with the Mégane E-Tech, planning journeys through Google Maps enables battery preconditioning as the car approaches charging points selected in the app. This ensures the battery reaches the ideal temperature of 25 °C and can deliver an improved charging curve.
Unfortunately, Renault representatives explained to me during the presentation that battery preconditioning will only work with Google Maps. It will not be possible when using services such as Waze, for example.
When does it arrive?
The new Renault Scénic E-Tech will not reach the Portuguese market until early 2024, so prices for Portugal are not yet known.
Orders are expected to open well before then, however, with the 60 kWh and 87 kWh versions both going on sale from launch.
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