We’ve refreshed this article with live photographs of the new Renault Scenic during its global unveiling at the Munich Motor Show. Check out our full coverage of the event here.
Renault unveiled the all-new fifth generation of the Scenic, which adopts the E-Tech moniker, at the IAA Mobility Motor Show in Munich. One of the pioneers in the compact minivan segment has been transformed into a fully electric crossover retaining a family-friendly character, with a focus on sustainability and safety.
The production model looks similar to the Vision Scenic Concept from last year, albeit with toned-down features. Renault hopes that the crossover stance will make the Scenic more appealing to buyers, since minivans are pretty much dead in Europe if you exclude the LCV-based proposals.
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Photos Baldauf / ten Brink
The aggressive face of the Scenic E-Tech adopts the split headlight treatment similar to the Rafale SUV flagship, with a special pattern for the covered grille. The futuristic alloy wheels measure up to 20 inches in diameter and add up to the Peugeot-inspired features brought by ex-Peugeot and current Renault design boss Gilles Vidal. Other notable features include the flush door handles, the aluminum-style exterior accents, and the dark-tinted Y-shaped taillights.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech measures 4,470 mm (176 inches) long, 1,864 mm (73.4 inches) wide, and 1,571 mm (61.9 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,785 mm (110 inches). Those figures make it 64 mm (2.5 inches) longer and 82 mm (3.2 inches) shorter than the discontinued fourth-gen Scenic minivan, with a nearly identical width. It is also 271 mm (10.7 inches) longer than the closely related Megane E-tech compact crossover, positioned as a larger and more spacious alternative in Renault’s EV lineup despite being exclusively available with a five-seater layout.
Interior Focused On Practicality And Sustainability
Practicality has been a focus for the Scenic bloodline and the new generation is no exception, offering 38.7 lt (1.4 cubic feet) of in-cabin storage. A highlight is the armrest for the rear passengers which includes cupholders, a storage compartment, dual USB-C ports, fold-out stands, and wireless charging. The 545 lt (19.2 cubic feet) boot space is 27 lt (1 cubic feet) smaller than the previous generation of the Scenic, but it can grow to 1,670 lt (59 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded. Renault claims that the knee room and the headroom are equivalent to the “top C-segment family cars”.
Another important element of the new Scenic E-Tech is sustainability, as Renault wants to become a carbon-neutral brand in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050. The automaker claims that up to 24% of the materials used in the Scenic E-Tech are recycled, while 90% of its mass is recyclable (including the battery pack). In that context, the cabin is leather-free, using bio-sourced and environmentally friendly materials.
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The dashboard is carried over from the Megane E-Tech, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen running the Android-based OpenR Link infotainment. Equipment includes up to 30 ADAS, while the four Multi-Sense modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Perso) also affect the interior lighting. Among the highlights of the Scenic E-Tech is the new Solarbay panoramic glass roof with AmpliSky technology. The glass can go from fully transparent to opaque, divided into two segments for the front and rear passengers. According to Renault, the omission of a mechanical blind has weight-saving benefits and adds 30 mm (1.2 inches) of extra headroom.
Two Electric Powertrain Variants
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is sharing the CMF-EV architecture with the Megane E-Tech and the Nissan Ariya. At launch, the model will be available with two battery sizes and two power outputs. The entry-level Scenic E-Tech gets a synchronous electric motor producing 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 280 Nm (206.5 lb-ft) of torque, and a 60 kWh battery pack allowing a WLTP range of over 260 miles (418 km). The flagship variant will get a more powerful electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 300 Nm (221.3 lb-ft) of torque, and a larger 87 kWh battery which is good for over 379 miles (610 km) of range.
The Scenic E-Tech range will include three trim levels – the entry-level Techno, the sporty and premium Espirit Alpine, and the flagship Iconic. The EV also gets unique sounds (pedestrian warning and welcome sound sequence) created in collaboration with electronic music composer Jean-Michel Jarre.
The market launch of the Renault Scenic E-Tech in Europe is scheduled for early 2024. Pricing will be announced at a later date, while production will take place at the Douai plant in France, which is part of Renault Group’s ElectriCity facilities.
