At the Munich International Motor Show (IAA Mobility), Renault unveiled the new Scenic E-Tech, a reimagining of the classic model that the company has had on the market for 31 years.
This vehicle will be available in France starting this month, with a starting price of € 39,900.
Gilles Vidal, Vice President of Design at the Renault Group, explained one of the distinguishing features of the Scenic E-Tech.
“Over 24% of the vehicle’s mass is recyclable. The upholstery is made from 100% recyclable fibers. Leather and chrome have also been eliminated,” said Vidal.
Furthermore, this model is based on the CMF-EV platform, the same one used by other Renault electric cars like the Mégane E-Tech and the Nissan Ariya.
The front features a large grille with the Renault logo, LED headlights, and a lower air intake.
The side view is marked by alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 20 inches. The rear is characterized by elongated LED lights and a sporty bumper.
As for the interior, it is described as “spacious and comfortable,” with ergonomic front seats and reclining second-row seats.
Optional third-row seats are also available, providing enough space for two adults.
The boot has a capacity of 545 liters, expandable to 1,670 liters by folding down the rear seats.
This model also boasts a range of technologies aimed at “internal well-being,” including a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a Bose sound system.
It also features a semi-autonomous driving system and a fast-charging system that can recover up to 300 kilometers of range in 30 minutes.
It’s worth mentioning that the new Scenic E-Tech will be available with two powertrains: one with 170 hp and another with 220 hp.
Both are powered by an 87 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 620 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle.
Renault celebrates the history of the Scenic
At the presentation event of the new Scenic E-Tech, the CEO of Renault, Frabrice Cambolive, emphasized the importance of this model for the brand.
“I believe there is no better place to introduce the Renault Scenic electric”, Cambolive said.
“31 years ago, the Scenic was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept that reinvented the rules and modernized the family car. It showed that these vehicles could be compact on the outside but spacious and comfortable on the inside,” he added.
This model won the European Car of the Year award in 1997.
According to the CEO, 5.3 million Scenics were sold, and 2 million are still on the road.
Cambolive also expressed confidence that the new generation of the Scenic “will be a success“.
“I am convinced that the magnificent history of the Scenic will be respected with this new generation,” the CEO stated.
“The electric motor is 100% produced with rare earth elements in France in a factory that will be carbon-neutral by 2025. No other vehicle on the market combines such low weight with so many features and a range of 620 kilometers,” he added.
More Renault EVs in France
In addition to this news, the company will produce the Renault 5 starting in 2024.
This vehicle will cost around € 22,000, and its production will take place at the Flins plant in the west of the country.
This factory will have a production capacity of 100,000 EVs per year.
The Renault 5 will have a range of up to 400 kilometers and will be available in three-door and five-door versions.
This launch represents the revival of a significant model in Renault’s history.
This venture will create 1,000 jobs and involve an investment of € 2 billion.
It’s worth noting that the Flins plant already produces the Renault Zoe, which continues to be the best-selling electric car in France, followed by the Dacia Spring.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), in 2023, 12,182 Renault Zoe electric vehicles were sold in France.
This represents a 56% decrease compared to the previous year when 27,575 units were sold.
The Renault Zoe was the best-selling electric car in France in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021.
However, in 2022, the model was surpassed by the Dacia Spring, a more affordable electric car.
The decline in Renault Zoe sales can be attributed to several factors, including competition from other cheaper electric cars like the Dacia Spring and a lack of significant model updates.
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