The next Renault Scenic will abandon its MPV heritage and be reinvented as an electric SUV with a 300-mile range
- Electric powertrain with around 300-mile range
- Five-seater layout
- Due to arrive in 2024
The Renault Scenic is due to return in a few years time, but not as you remember it. While previous generations of the seven-seat Scenic MPV have been based on the Renault Megane, the model will be reinvented by the French brand as a fashionable five-seat electric SUV.
Due to arrive in 2024, the new Scenic will sit on the same CMF-EV platform as the Renault Megane E-Tech and will rival the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq iV.
The revival of the Scenic name comes as part of the brand’s self-dubbed ‘Renaulution’ project. This aims to reinvigorate the 123-year-old brand as they prepare to become a fully electric manufacturer by 2030.
As you can see from our exclusive preview images, the design of the new Scenic SUV is expected to be a big departure from the curvy silhouettes of previous models. The new car could have a more upright front end with slim, horizontal LED headlights – reminiscent of the design seen on the electric Renault 5 concept car.
Given the Renault Scenic will only be offered with an electric powertrain, it’s likely to get a blanked-off front grille to improve aerodynamics along with an enlarged version of Renault’s recently-revised logo. Turning to the rear of the car, we expect the Scenic to follow the current industry trend of adopting a full-width light bar.
As previously mentioned, the Scenic will share many of its parts with the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric; therefore, there will be a minimal difference in size between the two. The Scenic will ride higher than the Megane, with a taller roofline to boost the relatively tight space in the rear. It is likely that the model will also feature off-road-inspired body cladding giving it a more muscular presence and a contrasting look to separate it from the Megane.
Similarities between the Scenic and the Megane are also likely to be drawn on the inside as the new SUV will undoubtedly share many of its parts with its hatchback sibling. Dominating the interior will be a dual-screen infotainment system setup consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 12-inch central touchscreen. Just like in the Megane, these screens will be powered by Google software and will incorporate many of the car’s functions such as the heated seats and climate control.
While the upcoming Scenic may sound cutting-edge, Renault will almost certainly aim this new car at families and will offer a competitively-priced entry-level model starting from around £30,000. With a 40kWh battery and a range of around 200 miles, this base model will be aimed at drivers who spend most of their time driving around town.
Higher-spec models of the new Scenic will use a 60kWh battery, which is likely to offer a range of around 300 miles on a single charge.
Rapid charging capability is highly likely to feature too. With charging speeds of up to 130kW, a 15-80% top up should take around 30 minutes. However, at this stage it is unknown whether this feature will be available as an option or standard across the range.
Keyword: New 2024 Renault Scenic will be an electric SUV