Renault continues to revolutionize its range of automobiles. The plan drawn up by Luca de Meo is being carried out with maximum efficiency and the new Scenic completes the family of electric vehicles in the C segment. The brand new Car of the Year in Europe 2024 arrives as the first electric family vehicle of the French brand designed sustainable way for the comfort of the whole family.
Nothing to do with the original Mégane Scénic from 1996, a great Renault invention that revolutionized the market by becoming the first compact minivan in history. In fact, as a curiosity, the Scenic, like the new Megane, has lost the accent on the E.
A mix of concepts, it looks more like an SUV (or a crossover) than a minivan and shares the platform for electric vehicles with the Megane E-Tech.
Located in segment C of the market, it measures 4.47 meters in length, with a wheelbase of 2.79 meters, and is 1.86 meters wide and 1.57 meters high. Therefore, by size, it can be compared to a BYD Atto 3, Kia e-Niro and also a BMW iX1 or Volvo EX40. In any case, it is larger and more spacious than a Megane.
The tailgate integrates a fairly wide and rectangular loading opening. The trunk, larger than that of the Megane, has 440 liters and the space under the tray is very deep, with usable shapes and hooks and rings to organize the load. We also find a 36-liter double bottom where you can store the cables to recharge the battery.
The exterior styling of the new Scenic closely reflects Renault’s new design language, pioneered by Gilles Vidal, which combines contemporary lines of tension and technical details with curves drawn from the brand’s DNA.
Renault explains that some of its features and attributes are inspired by the codes of SUVs, while its low waist and fluid lines are reminiscent of those of saloons, resulting in an ideal compromise between a modern style, adapted to its time, uncompromising interior comfort and optimized aerodynamics.
Marked lines and angles, well-defined wheel arches and door handles hidden in the bodywork. And 19 or 20-inch wheels depending on the finish. By the way, the wheels of the 100% electric Scenic E-Tech, with their distinctive graphics and central Renault logo, complete the modern design of the vehicle.
And the 20-inch wheels of the esprit Alpine version have a unique design that evokes the identity of the Alpine brand: diamond-cut black and lacquered with a smoked varnish, they incorporate gray wheel centers.
It is available in six body colors: Desire Red, Midnight Blue, Slate Grey, Gloss Black, Satin Slate Gray (exclusive to the Esprit Alpine trim level) and Pearlescent White. The latter accentuates the elegant appearance and proportions of the vehicle, highlighting the lines of the body.
Depending on the equipment level, it is possible to opt for a two-tone finish, differentiating the color of the roof and pillars from the rest of the body. Another notable novelty is the panoramic smart glass roof, Solarbay, which becomes opaque in segments using a technology based on the movement of molecules caused by an electric field.
The interior of the new Scenic is quite similar to that of the Megane, with a technological and functional design at the same time. The openR digital cockpit stands out for its ergonomic position and large display surface, which makes it easy to navigate through the menus.
The dashboard is made up of two L-shaped panels mounted in a single piece: a 12.3-inch horizontal TFT screen on the dashboard (in front of the driver) and a 12-inch vertical touch screen in the center console. .
On the instrument panel screen, the traditional round dial has been replaced by another 28º diagonal that changes color as the car increases speed. Information such as remaining range and driving mode is also visible. And there is a new specific menu to select and customize driving aids (ADAS).
In addition, each adjustment mode of the multi-sense system gives rise to a new panel with specific motifs and colors, while the silhouette of the vehicle is represented with the body color of the model being driven.
On the other hand, connectivity receives a specific and truly advanced treatment. All thanks to the openR link multimedia system with integrated Google based on Android Automotive 12.
More than 50 apps are available through Google Play to help users make the most of their time on board, from musical challenges and family games to trip planning and customization.
And like a smartphone, simple and intuitive, the openR link system is operated by touch or by voice thanks to Google Assistant. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both wired and wireless.
Google offers 70 different voice commands that provide a wide variety of functions to users. Available commands include controlling the Solarbay roof, switching between the various multi-sense modes, adjusting the temperature in the vehicle, controlling the windows, as well as checking the vehicle’s range.
And artificial intelligence is present in various forms in the cabin, always at the service of the driver and his passengers. On the central display, the system offers timely and relevant suggestions related to thermal comfort or the multi-sense system.
The French brand initially offers two battery options: one with a 60 kWh capacity, for “comfort” autonomy, and the “great autonomy” alternative with 87 kWh. They are liquid cooled, with a heat pump and support 7 kW of charging power with alternating current (22 kW as an option).
The lower capacity battery accepts up to 130 kW with direct current, which is 150 kW in the top model. And the approved autonomy in the WLPT cycle is 430 km (60 kWh) and 625 km (87 kWh). Likewise, the 60 kWh battery is accompanied by a 170 HP motor, while the 87 kWh one is accompanied by a 220 HP motor.
The Scenic E-Tech allows its driver to choose between three driving modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport, in addition to another customizable program. The different modes intervene in aspects of driving such as vehicle dynamics, accelerator pedal response and steering feel.
It also incorporates four levels of regenerative braking. Active in driving mode (D), regenerative braking begins when the accelerator pedal is released, transforming energy into electricity that is stored in the battery.
Depending on the type of road or the driver’s tastes, you can choose between four levels using two paddles located behind the steering wheel. Level 3, maximum regenerative braking, is ideal for city driving, where most of the deceleration is done using engine braking.
Already on sale, and available in the four finishes evolution, techno, esprit Alpine and iconic, the new Scenic E-Tech is available from 38,703 euros, with the evolution finish and 60 kWh battery. The most expensive in the range is the iconic Scenic E-Tech (49,373 euros) with an 87 kWh battery.
These prices do not include official aid from the Moves III Plan. The first units will arrive at dealerships in June.