Introduction
Brands live or die by moving with the times and reacting to demand – and the team behind the Renault Scenic E-Tech appears to have done just that.
While the previous Scenic was a rather unfashionable mini-MPV, the E-Tech is a spacious five-seat electric car. Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, it blurs the lines between a very big hatchback and an SUV.
The Scenic E-Tech continues the tradition of being a more practical alternative to the Renault Megane, which is now an E-Tech electric car too. It’s available with a choice of two batteries and two power options. Three trim levels provide plenty of equipment, and Renault's pricing is aimed at making you think twice about choosing key rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y.
Taking back its previous success won’t be easy, though. Read on to find out whether the Renault Scenic E-Tech really has what it takes to compete with the best electric SUVs.
For more insights on electric vehicles, check out Electric Cars Planet.
Overview
The Renault Scenic E-Tech offers decent space and practicality with a well-thought-out interior. It seems good value too, with the bigger battery option combining an attractive long range between charges while undercutting rivals on price. Some rivals offer more performance, but probably not enough to put off most potential Scenic buyers.
Strengths:
- Smart and spacious interior
- More powerful option has plenty of performance
- Good value against most rivals
Weaknesses:
- Rear seat versatility could be better
- Spongy brake pedal feel
- Not particularly quick
Performance & Drive
The entry-level Renault Scenic E-Tech comes with a 60kWh usable capacity battery and a 167bhp electric motor that gets it from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds, similar to the entry-level Skoda Enyaq 60 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 Standard Range.
The pricier version has an 87kWh battery and a more powerful 215bhp electric motor. We clocked one accelerating from 0-60mph in a fairly underwhelming 8.6 seconds. Even so, the Scenic will be more than sufficient for everyday driving.
The suspension has been tuned for comfort rather than agility, doing a good job of soaking up bumps and remaining calm most of the time. It’s noticeably more supple than the Tesla Model Y and the firm EV6. The Scenic isn’t really the kind of car you’ll be taking for a weekend blast, but it’s best to drive it at a relaxed pace. Road noise is kept to a minimum, but there is a fair degree of buffeting from the door mirrors.
Battery Range
The bigger battery has an official range of up to 379 miles on a full charge in entry-level Techno trim, and only slightly less in higher trim levels. On our real-world test loop, the car returned 3.1 miles per kWh giving it a theoretical range of 270 miles. All Scenic trim levels come as standard with a heat pump to help increase efficiency in the winter.
The smaller battery has an official range of 260 miles on a full charge, which is slightly more than the Ioniq 5 Standard Range and Enyaq 60, although not quite as strong as the Model Y RWD’s 283-mile range.
Interior
You sit higher up in the Renault Scenic E-Tech than in the relatively low-slung Kia EV6 but not quite as high as in the Tesla Model Y. The wide front windscreen pillars do hamper your view out at junctions and roundabouts. The chunky rear pillars and small rear windscreen compromise rear visibility, but you get front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera to help out during low-speed maneuvers.
Finding a comfortable driving position is straightforward, with plenty of height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel and seat. All trim levels come with electric lumbar adjustment, while top-spec Iconic comes with full electric adjustment and a massage function. The front sports seats fitted to Esprit Alpine trim have much more side support and hold you in place better when cornering.
The Scenic has a 12.3-inch digital driver display behind the steering wheel and a portrait-oriented 12-inch infotainment touchscreen tilted slightly towards the driver. They both look crisp, and the infotainment software is easy to use. You get plenty of features, including standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. Unlike most rivals, the Scenic also gets a row of physical buttons below the touchscreen to make changing the fan speed and temperature really easy on the move.
Passenger & Boot Space
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is focused on serving families, so practicality is a big thing. There’s loads of space in the front for two six-footers, with plenty of elbow room and lots of leg room to stretch out. Headroom in the back is generous, even for someone sitting in the slightly raised middle seat. The rear seats don’t recline for that extra bit of comfort, though.
There’s a huge amount of storage space up front, including door bins that can each take a large bottle of water, a wireless phone-charging tray under the infotainment system, and a deep storage cubby underneath the center armrest. The Scenic has a 545-litre boot capacity, which is larger than that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Buying & Owning
The entry-level Renault Scenic E-Tech will cost a little less than the Skoda Enyaq 60 and is significantly cheaper than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Standard Range, Kia EV6 Air, and Tesla Model Y RWD. The Scenic is expected to lose its value more slowly than an equivalent Ioniq 5, EV6, or Enyaq, and is on par with the Model Y for depreciation. When you need to plug in the Scenic, the bigger battery will accept a maximum charging rate of up to 150kW. A 10-80% charge should take around 40 minutes with a fast enough charger.
Renault provides a three-year warranty as standard, with unlimited mileage for the first 24 months and a cap of 100,000 miles after that. The Scenic’s main battery is covered for eight years. The Scenic was awarded the full five stars for safety when it was tested by Euro NCAP. All versions come with automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic-sign recognition as standard.
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Conclusion
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a strong contender in the electric SUV market, offering a smart and spacious interior, good value against most rivals, and decent battery range. While it may not be the quickest or most agile option, its comfort, practicality, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for families looking to make the switch to electric.
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