New 2024 Renault Rafale: Prices, specs and release date

The new Renault Rafale coupe SUV is now available as a powerful, four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid.

The Renault Rafale had previously been launched as a full hybrid family car SUV sitting above the Renault Austral. A rival for models such as the Cupra Formentor, Peugeot 408 and Citroen C5 X, it can now be ordered with a 300PS PHEV powertrain with four-wheel drive.

There will not be a fully-electric new Renault Rafale – the new Renault Scenic serves that role.  

Innovative features inside the new Renault Rafale include its Google-based infotainment system and Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof.

New 2024 Renault Rafale: price and release date

The new Renault Rafale is avilable to order now. Prices for the full-hybrid model start at £38,195 for the entry-level Techno trim, rising to £42,195 for the Techno Esprit Alpine model, £44,695 for the Iconic Esprit Alpine and £49,695 for the top-spec Atelier Alpine.

The plug-in hybrid model is only available two trims. It costs from £45,695 for the Techno Esprit Alpine and £49,695 for the Atelier Alpine model.

What is the new Renault Rafale?

The new Renault Rafale is the most prestigious SUV made by the French firm. It crowns the extended range of Renault SUVs, as a stylish coupe-SUV that aims to take on premium alternative such as the BMW X4 and Audi Q3 Sportback.

The new Renault Rafale is the firm’s first model to sport Renault's new-look design. Measuring 4.71 metres long, it is intentionally distinctive, with a long wheelbase and raised fastback-style body. The Rafale is a more avant-garde alternative to the Renault Austral, which it sits above in the Renault line-up.

Two powertrain options are available. The 200PS full-hybrid E-Tech powertrain uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an automatic hybrid transmission, returning 60.1mpg according to official figures, with CO2 emissions from 105g/km.

The plug-in hybrid model has 300PS and four-wheel drive from two electric motors, as well as Renault 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering. The top-spec Atelier Alpine trim has an upgraded chassis with active suspension that uses a camera to continually adjust the damping in anticipation of the road conditions ahead.

The battery gives it an electric-only driving range of up to 65 miles, with an official fuel economy of 564.9mpg

Other hybrid-powered Renault SUVs include the new Renault Symbioz, facelifted Renault Captur and the smaller coupe SUV alternative, the Renault Arkana.

Distinctive features include the new Renault Austral’s novel front grille, which was designed by AI using parametric modelling software. This gives it an extremely distinctive appearance, and it is offered in iron blue or shadow grey accents.

What is the new Renault Rafale like inside?

The new Renault Rafale’s crowing feature include is an enormous 1470mm by 1117mm Solarbay panoramic glass roof – it is the first car in the world to offers such a large version of this new tech. It means the interior is bathed in light, giving it a welcoming and luxurious feel.

Cleverly, the new Renault Rafale’s Solarbay roof includes opacifying glass – this means it magically turns from see-through to opaque at the touch of a button. It can even be controlled by Google Assistant.

Speaking of which, the new Renault Rafale has Google-based infotainment, using a large-format centre touchscreen. It comes built in with Google Maps and Google Assistant, with 50 more apps available through the Google Play store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.

The new Renault Rafale’s extra-long wheelbase means there’s more than 300mm of kneeroom in the rear. Rear seat passengers also have a clever rear armrest with two USB outlets, space for smartphones and tablets, plus snazzy fold-out screen stands.

The new Renault Rafale has an extra-large boot offering up to 647 litres of space even with the seats up.

The new Renault Rafale is very well equipped even as standard. All models come with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED signature lighting, moiré-effect rear LED lights and, inside, a 12.3-inch driver display plus 12.0-inch infotainment screen. Dual zone climate control, front and rear park assist, rear-view camera and a wireless phone charger are also standard.