New Renault Scenic E-Tech is an electric SUV powered by Google

The old Renault Scenic MPV can be seen as a relic of a time before fashionable SUVs and crossovers. However, the French maker has decided to revive the household nameplate for the electric age with an of-the-minute SUV twist – just like it did with the smaller Megane E-Tech.

Featuring a raised ride height and rugged wheelarch cladding, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech now takes the form of an electric family SUV to rival the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Toyota bZ4X and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Buyers will also likely be considering other smaller options such as the Kia Niro EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and the aforementioned Renault Megane E-Tech.

Speaking of the Megane, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech – despite being 10cm longer – shares that car’s CMF-EV platform, which also underpins the Nissan Ariya, another of the Scenic’s key rivals. 

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From launch, Renault’s family SUV will be available in two versions: the entry-level Standard Range car gets a 168bhp electric motor, paired with a 60kWh battery. This, according to Renault, is sufficient for 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and a range of up to 261 miles. 

Step up to the High Range model, however, and power is boosted to 217bhp, cutting the 0-62mph sprint to 8.4 seconds. Thanks to a larger 87kWh battery, range also sees a significant increase to a maximum of 385 miles on the WLTP tests – more than a Tesla Model Y. Four levels of regenerative braking should help drivers get close to this figure, as should a standard-fit heat pump.

Standard Range versions of the new Scenic E-Tech can rapid charge at DC speeds of up to 130kW, while High Range cars get a boosted rate of 150kW. Regardless, due to the disparity between the sizes of each model’s battery, both cars should be able to top up from 15-80% in around half an hour.

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On the inside, the Renault Scenic E-Tech gets the same Google technology as the smaller Megane E-Tech, which won the Technology Award in our 2023 DrivingElectric Awards. However, unlike that car which makes do with a nine-inch central screen (European cars get a larger display), the Scenic gets an expansive 12-inch portrait touchscreen, mounted alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Scenic’s infotainment system features EV-oriented route planning, which can incorporate stops at charging stations on longer journeys. To keep passengers occupied there’s also the SongPop music quiz game which plays classic tracks through the speaker system and allows passengers to guess the name of the song via a free app on their smartphone.

Renault says 24% of the materials used to build the new Scenic E-Tech are recycled. The interior trim, storage bins, floor mats and seats are all made from recycled plastics and fabrics, while even the optional Solarbay panoramic sunroof – able to turn opaque at the press of a button – is constructed using 50% recycled glass from motor manufacturing. There are no rare earth metals used in the construction of the powertrain, either.

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The new Renault Megane E-Tech should be just as practical as its people-carrier predecessor; according to Renault, there’s 38.7 litres of storage space dotted around the cabin, while the rear armrest features built-in cupholders, swivelling armrests for each passenger, plus stands for your mobile phone or tablet and USB ports for charging them.

The Megane E-Tech’s 545-litre boot is larger than that of most cars in its class, offering roughly 100 litres more space than the Ariya on which it’s based. Fold the rear seats down and the load area expands to 1,670 litres.

Due to go on sale in 2024, UK Scenic E-Tech buyers will be able to choose from three trim levels – Techno, Iconic and Esprit Alpine. Pricing is yet to be revealed, but we expect Renault’s electric SUV to start from just over £40,000.