The New Completely Electric Renault Scenic!

Renault has thus followed the announced path, and its iconic family vehicle Scenic is now fully electric.

Scenic is a story that has been written for 27 years now. Born in 1996, this model helped establish the compact MPV segment in Europe. A lesser revolution than the arrival of the Espace on the roads, but a smart positioning that allowed it to quickly find its place as the primary vehicle for the household. A versatile vehicle with a well-balanced design between size and interior space, allowing it to comfortably drop off children at school before heading to work, or to go on long weekend or vacation trips.

How to preserve this DNA while shifting to all-electric? Renault announces a WLTP range of over 620 kilometers, thanks to a compact 87 kWh battery, which should allow it to maintain its long-term characteristics. Okay, it’s not the direct Paris-Marseille drive that could be done with a diesel Scenic, but it’s well above the mileage range of our dear blond heads on the highway. By following the recommended break every 2 hours, you can stop at a charging station to replenish the battery and reach your destination without significant time loss.

Thanks to the flat floor and long wheelbase of 2.78 meters (+50cm), the passenger space is increasing, with notably a knee room of 278 mm behind, ideal for a trip with adults. The generous 545-liter trunk is however 30 liters below the previous model. This is not dramatic, but fairly surprising. Also, when the rear seats are inclined, a noticeable step appears, which is a nightmare when loading suitcases and bikes. There should be a false floor, but no information on this, so it will be necessary to check the detailed technical sheet to get an opinion. A Solarbay opaque glass roof and the ‘ingenius’ rear armrest complete the ‘all comfort’ package of this beautiful interior.

The OpenR Link multimedia system is now enhanced with over 50 applications, and hopefully more user-friendly compared to the previous version. The sound signature aims to be unique, thanks to an exceptional collaboration with artist, composer, and author Jean-Michel Jarre. The silence of the electric motor is, of course, the best friend of such an onboard multimedia system.

Finally, Scenic is dressed in a commendable dress of virtue, being assembled in France, at the Douai manufacturing plant within ElectriCity, while its electric motor is also manufactured in France, at the Megafactory in Cléon. This vehicle uses up to 24% recycled materials and is recyclable, in accordance with Directive 2005/64/EC, with 90% of its weight—including the battery—being processed through industrial recycling channels. 

ALSO READ > Renault will present its new Scenic at the Munich Motor Show