Renault's Scenic E-Tech Electric aims to redefine the common family car. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

As thirty years ago, today we have a Renault Scenic that claims to re-invent what a family car ought to be. Today's Scenic E-Tech Electric isn't so much of an MPV. Instead, it's an EV less restricted by the shackles of the Crossover genre pursued by its rivals, but with the fashion sense, the practicality and the price tag to appeal to a mass market.

Background

Is this Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric 'a new form of family vehicle', as its maker claims? It's originating Scenic model line certainly was, on sale between 1996 and 2022 with a name derived from an ambitious acronym - 'Safety Concept Embodied in a New Innovative Car'. Over 53 million original Scenics were sold, with over 2 million still on the road. But those were compact MPVs - basically variations of the Megane family hatch, with extra space and versatility This new-era full-battery Scenic E-Tech Electric is the same - but different. Once more, it's a swollen version of an accompanying Megane, the Megane E-Tech Electric, with which it shares its CMF-EV platform. But this time, the Scenic isn't really an MPV. Perhaps more notably, it isn't really an SUV or Crossover either, significant because that's what nearly all its lower-mid-sized EV Crossover rivals are trying to be. Instead, it's something in between People Carrier, family hatch and SUV. An indecisive or potentially innovative solution? Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

The original Nineties Scenic was actually first called the 'Megane Scenic', a reference to the fact that all its mechanicals were shared with that Renault hatch. As is largely the case here. Predictably, the Scenic E-Tech Electric uses the same CMF-EV platform as its Megane E-Tech stablemate (and the Nissan Ariya). Other markets get a base 'Standard Range' version with the same 60kWh battery and 167bhp front-mounted motor combination we're now used to from the equivalent Megane, giving a range of 261 miles. The UK market is mainly offered the 'Long Range' version that uses a large 87kWh battery, but there's also a base 'Comfort Range' version available at the foot of the line-up. Both variants use a 220hp motor, just one of them placed at the front. This provides for up to 379 miles for the 'Long Range' models (or up to 260 miles with the base 'Comfort Range' variant). Performance figures see the 'Long Range' version accelerate to 62mph in 8.4s but its top speed is limited to 105mph. Renault's carried over the same quick darty steering ratio from the Megane E-Tech, which should make the car feel more agile than its family remit might suggest. Considerable efforts have been put into managing body roll. And Renault claims the multi-link rear axle will provide a good compromise between comfort and dynamics. As you might expect, there's a variable regenerative braking system - there are four selectable levels, from zero to 3, with the fiercest setting providing the 'one-pedal' feel that'll mean you hardly ever have to use the brake pedal to slow off-throttle. Finally, the usual EV external pedestrian warning sound has been curated by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre.

Design and Build

What exactly is this car? Not even Renault seems to quite know. Because the Scenic E-Tech has a long bonnet and lacks high wheel gaps, you can see it's deliberately trying not to be an SUV; more of a kind of cross between hatchback and SUV, but with the interior space of an MPV, thanks to a longer wheelbase length than most models of this size. The styling, from ex-Peugeot designer Gilles Vidal, draws on the company's new 'Visual language'. That means curvy bodywork, high-tech design elements and sharp character lines. There's a profile reference to the monobox shape of the original Nineties Scenic. But a much more modern look, particularly at the front where the nose sees a vertical Renault logo set a little back from a panel featuring a diamond motif. Size-wise, there's almost 4.5-metres of length but just 1.57-metres of height, with a wheel-at-each-corner stance and short overhangs. And to suit the current trend, there are big alloy rims - of either 19 or 20-inches in size. Finishing touches include flush-fitting door handles, specially designed door mirrors and a sculpted rear spoiler. Take a seat behind the wheel and you'll note the SUV-like raised driving position and the way the angled centre console cocoons you into a drive position predictably dominated by the 'Open R' digital cockpit arrangement we first saw in the Megane E-Tech. In this case, it offers a 12.3-inch instrument display which replaces the usual circular speedo with a speed line that changes colour according to speed and power demand. The screen is paired with a 12-inch portrait-style centre infotainment monitor featuring more than fifty apps. The cockpit area is 26% fashioned from recycled plastic, over 80% of the dashboard materials are recycled and leather has been banished. This model's MPV roots are referenced by the prodigious levels of cabin storage - there's 38.7-litres of it, including a big glovebox, deep door bins, an enormous compartment under the front armrest and further space under the centre screen. What will really appeal to families though, is the amount of space in the rear, where thanks to the 2,784mm wheelbase, there's 278mm of legroom and 884mm of head space. Renault has included what it calls an 'ingenious' rear armrest, which has 3.6-litres of storage, two cup holders, a pair of USB-C ports and fold-out stands that enable occupants to watch screens more comfortably. Another clever touch is the optional 'Solarbay' panoramic roof, which uses electrified Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals that can opacify one segment of the glass at a time, allowing different light levels in different parts of the car. Out back, there's a 545-litre boot that can be extended with a ski hatch. With the seats folded, there's 1,670-litres of space.

Market and Model

Expect pricing starting at around the £37,500 mark, but it's from around £41,000 for the 'Long Range' version you'll probably want, the idea being to undercut key rivals like the Tesla Model Y, which is priced from around £45,000. Three trim levels are offered - base 'techno' (offered in 'Comfort Range' and 'Long Range' forms), then the 'Long Range' 'esprit Alpine' and 'Iconic' models. The 'esprit Alpine' spec features sporting cues inspired by the company's performance brand. The brand expects 'Iconic' spec to be particularly popular: it features linden wood trim picked from sustainable forests and ambient lighting that adjusts in step with human circadian rhythms to reflect the time of day - so it's cool during sunlight and warmer at night. Other markets get an entry-level 'Standard Range' model with a 60kWh battery, but here for the time being we're restricted to a 'Long Range' version with an 87kWh battery. Customers will be able to pair six exterior paint choices with a grey or black gloss roof to create a two-tone effect. Roof rails are standard. Also standard is the company's 'Open R' digital cockpit arrangement which pairs a 12.3-inch instrument display with a 12-inch portrait-style centre Google-driven infotainment monitor which offers a vast choice of apps, including 'SongPop', where passengers can try and name tunes by tapping answers into their smartphones. Safety has been prioritised, with over thirty driver assistance systems and on-board safety features. The key option is the 'Solarbay' panoramic roof.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV mileage range figures in our 'Driving' section. To achieve those, you're going to need to make the most of the four-level regenerative braking system, adjusting the set-up using the paddles provided behind the steering wheel. This Scenic offers rapid charging ability that is supposed to allow a top up from 15-80% in around half an hour, while an AC three-phase charging system supplying up to 22kW also comes included. When you park up to charge, the powered seats can shift into a relaxed position and perform massages, while the ambient lighting, USB chargers, infotainment and glass roof remain powered for 45 minutes. A heat pump is standard, helping to maximise range in particularly cold weather. And the E-Tech system uses Google Maps to automatically begin pre-conditioning the battery when the car is nearing charging points selected in the app. That will mean the battery is then at a perfect temperature on arrival, which will allow you to charge it faster and more efficiently. The Google-based journey planner built into the system can even consider wind direction and speed to predict energy consumption. Both the batteries on offer use LG Chem nickel-manganese-cobalt technology, which is claimed to have a 6% higher energy density than the battery used in the Megane E-Tech.

Summary

It's nice to see Renault returning to a spirit of innovation. Instead of slavishly following the Crossover SUV genre championed by virtually all of its lower-mid-sized EV family rivals, the Scenic E-Tech Electric goes its own way - and is all the better for it. Nothing's too radical here, but there are some genuinely clever design innovations - like the 'Solarbay' roof and the multi-purpose rear armrest. And it's all presented with fashionable exterior packaging that we think the market will like. Will that market like this car enough to pay the prices Renault will inevitably want to charge here? The brand talks of positioning the Scenic E-Tech Electric in the vanguard of what it calls 'phase 2' of the battery car revolution: 'EV adoption for the masses'. That won't happen with a car of this price, but the company's secondary objective - 'to make a car that doesn't force people into compromising' - looks as if it may have been met here. And in that respect at least, this model is a true Scenic.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor and sensitivity setting

Electric one-touch power front and rear windows

Rear window defroster

Tinted rear windows

Brakes

Emergency brake assist

Hill start assist

Rear active emergency braking system

Active emergency braking system - Urban, pedestrian/cyclist with junction function

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Carpets/Rugs

Standard floor mats

Communication

Wireless smartphone replication and integration via iOS carplay and google, wifi and usb

Driver Aids

Intelligent adaptive cruise control

Lane departure warning

Lane change warning

Google built-in: maps, assistant and playstore

Hands-free parking

Power assisted steering

Driver attention alert system

Traffic sign recognition with over speed warning

Autonomous driving level 2: adaptive cruise control with speed limiter & lane centering

Blind spot recognition and intervention

Rear cross traffic alert with rear automatic braking system

Around view 3D camera

Multisense: customisable driving modes (personalised, sport, eco, comfort)

Emergency lane keep assist including solid line, oncoming traffic and road edge detection

Driver Convenience

Ecomode function

Active driver assist

Wireless phone charger

Electric power boot opening

Driver Information

12" openR multimedia screen

Connected services including over the air updates

e-Call (emergency call)

12.3" driver information display cluster

Driving Mirrors

Auto-tilting and folding wing mirrors with puddle lamp

Smart rear view mirror with auto dimming

Electrically folding wing mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Soft fabric and laser cut real wood dashboard with laser cut real wood door panel parts

Entertainment

Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers

2 front and 2 rear USB-C ports

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Shark fin antenna

e Flush door handles

Solarbay panoramic sunroof

Flush roof bars

Exterior Lights

3rd brake light

Automatic daytime running lights

Full led headlights with adaptive led front and rear fog lights (afs)

Automatic headlights

Automatic high/low beam

Twin reversing lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Two zone automatic climate control with humidity senor and air recycling

Interior Features

Fabric/recycled mesh upholstery

Ingenious rear armrest

Manual height and depth adjustable steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

High centre console with sliding armrest and storage

Paddle shift levers for regenerative braking

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Safety

Side airbags

Approaching vehicle sound for pedestrians

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Rear window and door child locking function

Tyre pressure warning light

3x3 point rear seat belts

Distance warning alert

Occupant safe exit

Driver and front passenger airbags

Adjustable driver and passenger safety seat belts

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front and rear headrests

Specific heated sports seats with blue stitching

Electric driver seat with massage function

Manual height adjustable passenger seat

ISOFIX child seat fixing points on rear outermost seats

Electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver

Single front passenger seat

Security

Super locking system

Hands free key card with keyless entry

Vehicle Charging

DC 150 and AC 22

Mode 3 home wallbox cable

Wheels - Alloy

20" Oracle diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre inflation kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2790

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 780

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 37

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 15-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 87

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 594

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 369

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 87

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: [not available]

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Iconic

Coin Description: EV87 160kW 87kWh OC

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 32E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 77

NCAP Safety Assist %: 85

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 220

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Top Speed: 106

Engine Power - BHP: 217

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 160

Engine Power - RPM: 5473

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - RPM: 1000

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: ORACLE DIAMOND CUT

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4470

Width: 1864

Wheelbase: 2785

Width (including mirrors): 2085

Height (including roof rails): 1571

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1918

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2441

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1100

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 523

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 545

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 80

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1670

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Exterior Body Features

Two Tone Metallic paint

Additional metallic paint

Additional two tone metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Midnight blue

Metallic - Flame red

Metallic - Diamond black

Metallic - Shadow grey

Metallic - Arctic white

Paint - Two Tone

Two-tone metallic - Shadow grey with diamond black roof

Two-tone metallic - Flame red with diamond black roof

Two-tone metallic - Midnight blue with diamond black roof

Two-tone metallic - Arctic white with diamond black roof

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Light grey recycled mesh/light grey fine grain coated cloth with titanium stitching