The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is a new family SUV that combines a spacious and versatile interior with a sleek and futuristic design. It is powered by a 100% electric motor and offers a choice of two battery sizes, delivering a range of up to 385 miles on a single charge. The Scenic E-Tech Electric also features a Google-based infotainment system, a Solarbay panoramic roof, and a host of advanced driver-assistance systems. It is one of the seven finalists for the prestigious Car of the Year 2024 award, which will be announced in March next year.
What makes the Scenic E-Tech Electric stand out?
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is the latest addition to Renault’s line-up of dedicated electric vehicles, following the Zoe and the Megane E-Tech Electric. It is based on the CMF-EV platform, which is shared with the Nissan Ariya and allows for a flat floor and a long wheelbase. This results in a generous amount of space for passengers and cargo, as well as a low center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution.
The Scenic E-Tech Electric has a distinctive exterior design that blends SUV elements with a low and aerodynamic profile. The front grille features a vertical Renault logo and a diamond motif, while the LED headlights and taillights are sharp and angular. The bodywork is curved and sculpted, with flush door handles and wheel arch cladding. The SUV rides on 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels and is available in six exterior colors, with a black or gray gloss roof for a two-tone effect.
The interior of the Scenic E-Tech Electric is designed to offer comfort, convenience, and connectivity for the whole family. The dashboard is dominated by two 12-inch screens: one for the digital driver display and one for the central touchscreen. The latter runs the OpenR Link system, which is powered by Google and offers access to various apps and services, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play, and Waze. The system also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and over-the-air updates.
The cabin of the Scenic E-Tech Electric is equipped with numerous storage spaces totaling 38.7 liters. These include a large open center console, a glove box, door pockets, and cup holders. The rear seats have 27.8 cm of legroom and 88.4 cm of headroom and can be folded down to expand the boot space from 545 liters to 1670 liters. The rear armrest can also be folded down to reveal two smartphone or tablet stands, two USB ports, and two cup holders.
One of the most innovative features of the Scenic E-Tech Electric is the Solarbay roof, which is made from 50% recycled material and can be opacified by segments using an electric field. This allows the driver and passengers to adjust the level of light and heat entering the cabin, creating a personalized and comfortable atmosphere. The roof also has a positive impact on the vehicle’s energy efficiency, as it reduces the need for air conditioning and heating.
How does the Scenic E-Tech Electric perform?
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is available with two battery sizes: a 60 kWh pack that offers a range of over 260 miles and an 87 kWh pack that offers a range of over 385 miles. Both batteries are made from nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells supplied by LG, and feature a modular design that allows for easy replacement and repair. The batteries also include a heat pump that optimizes the thermal management and preserves the range.
The Scenic E-Tech Electric has a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, which delivers either 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque or 220 hp and 300 Nm of torque, depending on the battery size. The motor is paired with a single-speed transmission and a front-wheel-drive system. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 9.3 seconds or 8.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 mph or 105 mph, respectively.
The Scenic E-Tech Electric can be charged using AC or DC power, with a maximum charging power of 22 kW or 130 kW for the 60 kWh battery and 22 kW or 150 kW for the 87 kWh battery. This means that the SUV can be fully charged in around 8 hours using a 7.4 kW wallbox or in around 30 minutes using a 150 kW fast charger. The SUV also supports bidirectional charging, which means that it can supply electricity to other devices or the grid when needed.
The Scenic E-Tech Electric offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. These modes adjust the power output, the throttle response, the steering feel, and the regenerative braking level. The SUV also has a B mode, which increases the regenerative braking and allows for one-pedal driving. The driver can monitor the energy consumption and the battery status on the driver display or the central touchscreen.
How safe is the Scenic E-Tech Electric?
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems that enhance the safety and convenience of the driver and the passengers. These include:
- Adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can stop and resume automatically in traffic
- Lane keeping assist, which helps the driver stay in the center of the lane and warns of any unintentional lane departure
- Blind spot warning, which alerts the driver of any vehicles in the blind spots and applies corrective steering if needed
- Rear cross traffic alert, which warns the driver of any approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking spot
- 360-degree camera, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings and helps with parking and maneuvering
- Automatic emergency braking, which detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or animals and applies the brakes if necessary
- Traffic sign recognition, which reads the speed limits and other road signs and displays them on the driver display
- Driver attention alert, which monitors the driver’s behavior and warns of any signs of fatigue or distraction
- Safety score, which analyzes the speed, the trajectory, and the safety distance data and issues a driving score after each journey
- Safety coach, which notifies the driver of potential hazards along the route in real-time, based on surrounding data
The Scenic E-Tech Electric also features a high-strength steel body structure, eight airbags, Isofix anchors, and a pedestrian alert system.
