Test Drive - Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric
The story of the Renault Scenic began back in the 1990s, when Renault decided to meet the growing demand for practical and family-oriented vehicles. Over the decades, the Scenic has undergone a transformation similar to that of many competitors, evolving from a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) into a crossover SUV. The 2024 Scenic E-Tech Electric marks an entirely new era for the model.
The Scenic debuted in 1996 as part of the Mégane family and introduced an entirely new concept to the market—a compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV). Its primary aim was to offer families spaciousness and flexibility while maintaining moderate exterior dimensions. The Scenic quickly gained popularity thanks to its clever solutions, such as movable and removable rear seats, an abundant array of storage options, and a high driving position that offered better visibility. It even won the 1997 European Car of the Year title, proving that practicality and innovative design can work together.
The second-generation Scenic introduced larger dimensions and several technological innovations. The model became more spacious and safer, transforming into one of the most popular family cars of its time. The third-generation Scenic was launched in 2009, offering even more space, modern technology, and improved fuel efficiency. This was a period when SUVs began to dominate the market, yet the Scenic managed to maintain a strong presence as an MPV.
The fourth generation, unveiled in 2016, introduced a host of changes. While it maintained its MPV roots, the design was clearly inspired by SUVs. The vehicle received increased ground clearance, larger wheels, and a more aggressive appearance. This generation of the Scenic incorporated several innovative solutions, including mild-hybrid technology, and aimed to balance practicality with modern style. However, the popularity of MPVs declined rapidly.
The year 2024 marked a revolution in the history of the Scenic. Renault decided to cease the production of internal combustion engine models and fully transition to electric vehicles. Essentially, Scenic's history is starting anew. It has been redesigned in the style of modern SUVs, and although the electric platform allows for a more spacious and flexible interior, the MPV segment has essentially waned, and there is scant interest in purchasing such vehicles.
Scenic E-Tech Electric promised specifications:
Length 4470 mm, width 1864 mm, height 1589 mm, and wheelbase 2785 mm. The car is offered in two configurations, with the less powerful version, EV60, producing 170 horsepower, and the more powerful version, EV87, delivering 218 horsepower. The torque figures are 280 Nm and 300 Nm, respectively. The number in the model name refers to the usable battery capacity, which, according to the WLTP methodology, allows for a range of 430 km and 625 km on a single charge.
When it came to their new electric vehicle, Renault didn't waste time overthinking. Given that it's an entirely different type of vehicle, they dismissed any reliance on long-standing history or similar marketing fluff typically used to introduce new models. The entirely new design is driven by different needs, such as reduced aerodynamic drag. However, it's not to say that the Scenic lacks anything; quite the contrary, it is modern and robust: featuring sleek headlights, arrow-shaped turn signals, and a large logo in the centre of the grille, combined with diamond-shaped motifs and planes set at various angles.
The side view looks dynamic thanks to the sloping roofline. Large wheel arches add a robust stance and suit the SUV image. Among the modern features are the door handles that extend outward, which may require a bit of getting used to when operating.
The rear is dominated by horizontal LED light clusters that extend out to the sides of the car. An integrated spoiler and diffuser add a sporty accent.
The interior combines modern technology with the practicality expected of a family car. The spacious cabin is designed to accommodate up to five passengers. A flat floor and strategically distributed storage compartments throughout the interior, with a total volume of up to 38.7 litres, simplify everyday use of the vehicle. The rear seat armrest includes cupholders, USB-C ports, and even a tablet holder, offering entertainment options for longer journeys to the extent that long trips with an electric car are feasible today. The armrest also functions as a "ski hatch," allowing the transport of longer items.
The interior features, among other things, recycled textiles, and the overall finish of the cabin leaves a fresh and polished impression, offering an unusually luxurious feel for the segment.
The new Renault driver's console features a vertical touchscreen that operates with a Google interface. The "OpenR" multimedia system is intuitive and user-friendly, although there is still room for improvement in voice command functionality. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a rearview camera, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, seats with a massage function, and several other comfort-enhancing features. Of particular note is the "Solarbay" — a large glass roof that can be partially or fully adjusted to become semi-transparent, protecting passengers from direct sunlight.
The new Renault moves quite briskly. It doesn't have a lot of horsepower, but with a curb weight of less than 1.9 tons, the Scenic E-Tech Electric is considered lightweight among its peers. On slippery surfaces, you might often hear the tires squealing until the traction control kicks in. The more powerful version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and boasts a top speed of 170 km/h. Fast charging from 10% to 80% requires about 30 minutes with a 150 kW charger. As the vehicle approaches a charging station, the battery preconditions itself by warming up to around 25 degrees for optimal performance.
As we turn to the pricing aspect, it should be noted that the Scenic E-Tech Electric starts at around 45,000 euros and goes up to about 53,000 euros. Interestingly, the Scenic E-Tech Electric freed me from the constant need to monitor the battery level, being the first electric car that allowed for a relaxed drive without constantly worrying about the remaining energy. Now, other electric vehicles also seem much more appealing.
