In May 2022, I wrote about how nice it would be if Renault manufactured a vehicle like the Scenic Vision concept it had just introduced. That vehicle made a lot of sense: it had a relatively small battery pack with 40 kWh and a fuel cell as a range extender. My only remark about that vehicle was that its battery pack should use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, but Renault could do that until 2030 or "once the network of hydrogen stations is large enough." While it waits for that, the solution is bringing the Scenic back as an electric SUV.
The new vehicle was introduced at the IAA 2023. Renault preserved the styling and the 160-kW (215-hp) electric motor that the Scenic Vision introduced. The production SUV is 4.47 meters (176 inches) long, 1.86 m (73.2 in) wide, 1.57 m (61.8 in) tall, and has an amazing wheelbase of 2.79 m (109.8 in). That makes the new Scénic a roomy SUV, which also counts on a pretty decent cargo compartment: 545 liters (19.25 cubic feet).
Renault will offer two battery pack options. The smallest one has a 60-kWh capacity, good for a WLTP range of more than 420 kilometers (261 miles). In part, potential buyers have to thank the weaker motor for that: it delivers 125 kW (168 hp). The reasonable range can also be credited to the lower weight that the smaller battery pack allows this battery electric vehicle (BEV) to have. Unfortunately, Renault did not disclose its mass, but it is undoubtedly lower than the 1,842 kilograms (4,061 pounds) that the 82-kWh derivative. This is certainly the heaviest Scenic ever made.
Talking about range, the French automaker said the high-range derivative could achieve more than 620 km (385 miles) under the WLTP cycle, which is considered too optimistic. As I discussed a while ago, it would be fantastic if automakers informed the expected range in cold weather, which is much worse than the numbers they present nowadays. Some vehicles can deliver half of their official ranges in such unfavorable conditions, which has turned into a massive disappointment for customers who expect to attain the official figures in their daily driving.
Photo: Renault
The new Scenic E-Tech uses the same CMF-EV platform that underpins the Megane E-Tech. The main difference is that the new car has 6% more energy-dense NMC cells, also supplied by LG Energy Solution (LGES). Renault also said it "can get up to 2 hours of range on motorways (equivalent to approximately 50 kWh with a 150 kW charge) by charging for 30 minutes." That's an unorthodox way of describing charging speeds, but 50 kWh is the equivalent to the 60% of 82 kWh that fast-charging from 20% to 80% would give back to the electric SUV. An 800V system would make that faster. At least the onboard charger delivers 22 kW.
Renault may annoy some buyers with the glass roof on the Scenic E-Tech because it apparently has no way to block the sunlight on sunny days. However, the French automaker said that it is an opacifying component. That means the occupants can make it darker, which may prevent too much heat on summer days. That will probably save some bucks that Renault would spend with a sliding sunshade cover, apart from also giving occupants more headroom. According to Renault, it can stay activated for 45 minutes after the vehicle is turned off, which may be useful if you park it outside and does not want to find a glasshouse environment when you get back to it.
The new Scenic E-Tech will be available in six body colors: Flame Red, Midnight Blue, Starry Black, Shale Grey Glossy, Shale Grey Satin (exclusive to the Esprit Alpine trim), and Pearl White. Some configurations will allow a two-tone paint.
Photo: Renault
Renault seems particularly proud of the Esprit Alpine version of the Scenic E-Tech. The electric SUV will be the first product to offer that option, "which adds an exhilarating sporty edge." That means it has the looks of sports cars without the performance they should have. In a way, that may dilute what Alpine means for several customers.
On a positive note for music fans, the sound signature of the Scenic E-Tech was designed by Jean-Michel Jarre. In other words, he has composed the Vehicle Sounds for Pedestrians (VSP) – a mandatory feature to warn people that the BEV is around when it moves at less than 30 kph (19 mph) and the welcome sound sequence. You'll hear it when you enter the Scenic E-Tech.
The French automaker said that the new electric SUV will be made in Douai (ElectriCity), the same factory where the original vehicle – and MPV – was first produced. Renault said that up to 24% of the vehicle's materials come from recycled sources, which lowers the carbon emissions involved with its manufacturing. The company also stressed that 90% of its mass is recyclable. Deliveries should start at the beginning of 2024.
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