- Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 hp is the first all-wheel drive version of Renault’s flagship crossover coupe.
- 1.2-liter three-cylinder is boosted by a rear motor and 22 kWh battery to give 297 hp (300 PS) and 62-mile range.
- Esprit Alpine trim has sporty styling; Atelier Alpine adds camera-based adaptive suspension.
We’re still waiting to hear more about Alpine’s plans for its own electric crossover, but here’s something to tide us over. It’s the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 hp, the first AWD and first PHEV version of Renault’s flagship high-riding coupe, and if you go for the Atelier Alpine version you get a chassis tune from the brand behind the A110.
The Rafale was revealed last summer, but the only model available at launch was a front-wheel drive, 1.2-liter regular hybrid that made 197 hp (200 PS) with the help of a two electric motors: one starter generator, and a second, bigger motor inside the transmission.
Related: Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 Is 2022’s Hydrogen-Powered Concept Made Real
Adding a third motor producing 134 hp (136 PS / 100 kW) at the rear axle gives the new range-topper all-wheel drive capability and a total of 297 hp, which equates to the nice round 300 PS – or European hp – in the name.
Zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) drops from 8.9 to 6.4 seconds compared with the FWD hybrid, and a 22 kWH battery provides an electric range of 62 miles (100 kmh) while also contributing to a bladder-testing 621-mile (1,000 km) overall range. The battery can be charged to 80 percent in 130 mins, or fully revitalized in 2 hrs 55 mins.
Buyers get a choice of two trim levels. Base models, badged Esprit Alpine get a smattering of performance-themed Alpine styling cues including branded mats and 20-inch wheels, while Atelier Alpine versions feature Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a Starry Black floating spoiler, and 21-inch ‘Chicane’ wheels.
But the Atelier Alpine goes further with an adaptive suspension that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and tell the dampers what to get ready for. These top-grade cars also come with a ‘Chassis Control’ menu on the media screen that can be used to switch between three settings (Comfort, Dynamic and Sport) to tweak the dampers and rear-wheel steering angle.
Renault hasn’t revealed prices for the 4×4 but says it will be available to buy run Europe this autumn.
