A modern reinterpretation of the original Renault Scenic MPV, first launched in 1996, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech has a spacious cabin, plenty of technology and an EV range of up to 379 miles – making it a surprise new challenger to the popular Tesla Model Y.
Other roomy electric rivals for the new Renault Scenic E-Tech include the closely-related Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 – and Renault is aiming to beat them all in terms of interior room and flexibility. It offers more space than the Renault Megane E-Tech family hatchback, too.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech also has an exciting Google-based infotainment system that promises new levels of connectivity and even the potential for onboard web browsing and video streaming.
It’s one of the greenest new cars you can buy too, made from nearly 25% recycled materials.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech is now open for ordering. First UK customer deliveries are due in May 2024.
The first new Renault Scenic E-Tech to reach the UK will be models with the 87kWh Long Range battery. Prices start from £40,995.
Arriving a little later is a new Renault Scenic E-Tech with a 60kWh Comfort Range battery. Open for ordering now, prices start from £37,495.
Notably, both new Renault Scenic E-Tech versions undercut the car's £44,990 Tesla Model Y arch-rival.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech is offered in three trim lines, called Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech has a clean, fresh and modern appearance. It blends the tall, boxy practicality of an MPV with the more curvaceous lines of an SUV, creating a unique package which sets it apart from the petrol hybrid Renault Austral SUV.
Measuring 4.47 metres long, 1.86 metres wide and 1.57 metres tall, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech is similar in length and width to a Nissan Qashqai, but isn’t as tall. Despite this, it still has “remarkable roominess” inside, including an SUV-style high seating position.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech carries the latest Renault branding, with a bold, minimalist diamond logo in the centre of an array of superimposed small diamonds. These “appear and disappear depending on the light and angle”. It has signature LED lighting including vertical LED daytime running lights. Rear LED lights use micro-optical technology so they appear to ‘float’ when turned off.
Large 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels give the new Renault Scenic E-Tech a planted stance on the road. They have a flush design to improve aerodynamic efficiency – and the doorhandles are flush, too. Six body colours will be available, and the roof can be finished in contrast Diamond Black or Shadow Grey.
Inside, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech has a modern cabin with plenty of practical touches. The centrepiece of the dashboard is the 12.3-inch portrait-style Renault OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in. It runs Android Automotive 12 and, uniquely, offers more than 50 dedicated car-friendly apps from the Google Play Store. It also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Stowage areas abound in the new Renault Scenic E-Tech. It has a 4.0-litre glovebox, 13.6-litre door bins, 6.6-litre open stowage area in the centre console, two large 1.0-litre cupholders and a compartment under the sliding centre armrest.
There’s a clever armrest in the rear too, with dual swivelling arms and 3.6 litres of space for smartphones and tablets, plus fold-out stands to hold devices, yet more cupholders and dual USB-C charging ports.
An innovative option for the new Renault Scenic E-Tech is the Solarbay panoramic glass roof. This has clever tech that can change the opacity in segments at the touch of a button, from full light, full opaque, light at the front and opaque at the rear, or the reverse. As there’s no need for a sunblind, it gives 30mm more headroom, and it’s lighter than a traditional panoramic glass roof, too.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech has a very generous 545-litre boot even with the seats up. With them folded, it offers an impressive 1670-litre space, which is notably larger than conventional family hatchbacks, and many similarly-sized SUVs, too.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech is available with a choice of two batteries. The most affordable version to buy or lease is the 60kWh Comfort Range battery, which has a range of 260 miles. It is paired with a 170PS electric motor, which drives the front wheels, for 0-62mph performance in 8.6 seconds.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech Long Range hasa large 87kWh battery, for an impressively long electric range of 379 miles. With a more powerful 220PS electric motor, it will serve up 0-62mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech’s 60kWh battery will be able to use 130kW DC rapid chargers – and the 87kWh will charge even more quickly at a suitably powerful public charger, at speeds of up to 150kWh. Renault says this will give two hours of range at motorway speeds by charging for just 30 minutes.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech comes with a standard heat pump. This heats and cools the cabin more efficiently, which preserves battery range. It also allows pre-conditioning of the battery as it nears a scheduled charging stop, so maximum rapid charging speeds can be achieved.
While you wait for the new Renault Scenic E-Tech to charge, a 'relax' mode can automatically shift the seat to a laid-back position and, if fitted, massage you. All onboard features, such as the infotainment system, USB chargers, mood lighting and climate control, also remain powered and active for 45 minutes.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech has a fast and speedy steering system, for agile responses. It has clever rear suspension that helps cut the turning circle to just 10.9 metres, while wide tracks, large wheels and the wheel-at-each-corner stance aid stability.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a family-friendly EV with space for five and a big boot. It's set to go head-to-head with the Volkswagen ID.4, a car that's been on sale since 2021 – and which is available in several appealing versions here in the UK, including a sporty GTX version.
You can buy or lease a new Volkswagen ID.4, or check out the ever-growing selection of used Volkswagen ID.4 available on the heycar marketplace with prices now starting from under £30,000.
We have the latest 2023 new car news on the future new Volkswagen ID. GTI Concept, the upcoming new EV MINI Cooper Electric, the ultra-practical new 2024 Volkswagen Passat and the reimagined new MINI Countryman.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech arrives in the UK in early 2024.
Engineers says the Google onboard tech is able to use local weather information to more accurately estimate the new Renault Scenic E-Tech battery’s range – including wind direction and speed. This will help make real-world range estimates more accurate.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech draws from the eco-focused Renault Scenic Vision concept car. Up to 24% of its materials, and 90% of its mass, including the battery, is recyclable. The bonnet and doors are made from 80% recycled aluminium and the dashboard uses up to 80% recycled materials.
Whether you're looking for advice on what hybrid car to buy or looking to find your next EV, we've got the answer
Whether you're looking for an automatic car, an SUV or even a campervan, we've got the used car for you