Scenic gets SUV makeover for the electric age

RENAULT’S reborn Scenic has morphed from people mover to electric medium SUV and will make its world premiere at the upcoming IAA Mobility 2023 show in Munich on September 4 before launching on the European market next year.

Subject to right hand drive availability, it will be considered by Australian Renault Importer, Ateco Automotive. 

The model has already been teased after an appearance of the Scenic Vision concept earlier this year, which announced Renault’s second step on its path to C-segment electric vehicles.

It will join Renault’s line-up of fully electric Renault passenger models including the Megane E-Tech, Zoe and Twingo but will be the first to fully embody the brand’s new sustainable development strategy on environment, safety and inclusion.

Scant details are available on the new model but it will sit on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV architecture that underpins Renault’s Megane E-Tech and Nissan’s Ariya.

Reports suggest Scenic E-Tech will come in both front- and all-wheel drive forms, with single or dual electric motors using elements from other models within the Renault/Nissan Group.

The FWD Megane E-Tech uses a 160kW electric traction motor driving from a 60kWh battery, while the AWD Nissan Ariya ups that to 290kW and a larger 90kWh battery. These two powertrains are tipped to be shared with the new Scenic E-Tech. 

It is thought development of a hydrogen range-extending hybrid system with an 800km range from earlier concept models has not proceeded into production at this stage.

Camouflaged pre-production examples of the new model are currently undergoing validation on open roads in France by Renault engineers.

The new SUV will come out of Renault’s Douai ElectriCity factory and follows four generations of Scenic people movers going back to the original model unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991. That model went into production from 1996 and was then called the Megane Scenic, which was regarded as the first compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and even included an off-road variant called the RX4.

Renault says the new model will embody the qualities associated with its Scenic nameplate in a model that is “radically reinvented”.

The French manufacturer is billing the Scenic E-Tech electric as the family car for tomorrow that will allow the French manufacturer to take one step further towards what it says are “more responsible, safer cars packed with innovation and technology for the planet and people”.

It will likely share the same footprint as the concept model meaning it will be 4490mm in length. Other dimensions are not available at this time.

Though less sporty and more of a family hauler, the Renault will be up against rival EVs including VW’s ID.4, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, and Kia’s EV6. 

The new electric Scenic is scheduled for a market launch in 2024.