Name: New Renault Scenic E-Tech models and Specifications
Brand: Renault

125kw-techno-60kwh-comfort-range-5dr-auto

The entry-level 60kWh (usable) battery comes with a 167bhp electric motor. This gets the Scenic from 0-62mph in 8.6sec and onto a top speed of 93mph.

125kW

The larger 87kWh (usable) battery comes with a more powerful 217bhp electric motor. This trims the 0-62mph time to 7.9sec and raises the top speed to 105mph.

160kW

This adds sportier styling to the Scenic, bringing larger 20in alloy wheels, sports front seats and blue interior highlights found on the carpet, storage compartments and trim finishers.

Esprit Alpine

The flagship Iconic trim adds a panoramic glass roof, park assist, massaging driver’s seat, wood trim finishers and Harman Kardon sound system upgrade.

Iconic

This entry-level trim comes with 19in alloy wheels, two-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers, heated steering wheel, heated front seats and ambient lighting.

Techno

Estate

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

SCENIC E-TECH

160kW Iconic 87kWh Long Range 5dr Auto

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160kW Techno 87kWh Long Range 5dr Auto

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125kW Techno 60kWh Comfort Range 5dr Auto

160kW Esprit Alpine 87kWh Long Range 5dr Auto

160kw-esprit-alpine-87kwh-long-range-5dr-auto

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The entry-level Renault Scenic E-Tech with the smaller battery 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.

Even if you go for the bigger battery in entry-level Techno trim, it still undercuts those rivals. The difference is significantly greater if you compare it like for like with their long range versions.

The Scenic commands the same benefit-in-kind (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK</a>) tax rate as other electric cars and SUVs, but that lower list price should also mean the Scenic works out a little cheaper per month as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a>.

The Scenic is expected to lose&nbsp;its value more slowly than an equivalent Ioniq 5, EV6 or Enyaq, and is on a par with the Model Y for depreciation. That&nbsp;should help reduce the monthly costs for private buyers buying on PCP finance (it's worth checking for the latest offers on our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>).

When you do need to plug in the Scenic, the bigger battery will accept a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a> of up to 150kW, slightly faster than the Enyaq 85 and VW ID 4 but slightly slower than the 175kW offered by the Ioniq 5.

A 10-80% charge takes around 40 minutes with a fast enough charger, which is longer than what it takes for the Enyaq (around 30 minutes) or the Ioniq 5 (around 20 minutes). Meanwhile, the smaller 60kWh battery has a maximum charging rate of 130kW but its smaller capacity means it takes around five minutes less to top up.

Entry-level Iconic trim – which is available with either battery size&nbsp;– comes with 19in alloy wheels, two-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, heated front seats and ambient lighting.

The top two trims – Esprit Alpine and Iconic – are only available with the bigger battery. Esprit Alpine gets&nbsp;larger 20in alloy wheels, sports front seats and blue interior highlights found on the carpet, storage compartments and trim finishers.

The flagship Iconic trim adds a panoramic glass roof, park assist, massaging driver’s seat and a Harman Kardon sound system upgrade.

We’ll have to wait a while before the Scenic features in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, but <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/renault">Renault</a> finished 23rd out of 32 brands in the 2023 overall manufacturer league table. That's above Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, but a fair way below Tesla, Kia and Hyundai.

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. That’s fairly par for the course and doesn’t match Hyundai’s five year cover of Kia’s seven-year warranty. The Scenic’s main battery is covered for eight years.

The Scenic has yet to be tested by safety experts <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>&nbsp;but all versions come with automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic-sign recognition.

<h2 dir="ltr">Costs overview</h2>

Strengths Competitive pricing; good level of equipment; holds its value well

Weaknesses Charging time is average

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The entry-level Renault Scenic E-Tech comes with a 60kWh usable capacity battery and&nbsp;a 167bhp electric motor that gets it from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. That time is on a par with the entry-level Skoda Enyaq 60 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 Standard Range.

The pricier version – which is the car we've test driven so far – has an&nbsp;87kWh battery and a more powerful 215bhp electric motor. The extra power trims the 0-62mph time to 7.9 seconds, but the Scenic doesn’t leap off the line as immediately as most rivals, so it doesn’t feel particularly quick.

Even so, you could argue that you don’t need a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family car</a> like this to be super fast, because the Scenic will still be more than sufficient for everyday driving.

There’s still plenty of punch to overtake traffic and get up to motorway speeds, and some buyers will welcome the Scenic building up momentum more gradually, in a similar way to the Enyaq. If you still want something quicker, the Tesla Model Y RWD will shove you harder into your seat, while taking just 6.6 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph.

The Scenic’s suspension has been tuned for comfort&nbsp;rather than agility, and it does a pretty good job of soaking up bumps and remaining calm most of the time. There’s not much of a thump when tackling large potholes, but there is a degree of choppiness when dealing with sharper-ridged imperfections.

True, the Scenic doesn’t thud over imperfections like the Model Y – another rival with firm suspension – but occupants will still experience a fair degree of jostling in their seat. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/gv60/estate/review/n24373">Genesis GV60</a> is better controlled, but that car is significantly more expensive.

There’s no adaptive suspension available with the Scenic, so the various driving modes are more concerned with how much power you have and the weight of the steering. Even so, regardless of whether you’re in Eco, Comfort or Sport drive mode, the steering is always relatively light.

The inconsistent steering response takes a little time to get used to, though. To help the Scenic avoid feeling twitchy, the initial response isn’t particularly quick, but the speed at which the nose darts into corners increases the more you apply lock. It’s less noticeable around town, but on a country road it takes longer to build up confidence that you would in the Model Y’s with its heavier steering. 
 
That said, it’s fair to say that the Scenic isn’t really the kind of car you’ll be taking for a weekend blast, and with plenty of body lean when cornering and moderate levels of grip, it’s best to experience the Scenic at a relaxed pace. At a cruise, there’s a moderate level of wind and road noise.

We suspect dynamics won’t be as important to most buyers as battery range – and that's an area where the Scenic impresses.

You see, 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. That’s more than the Ioniq 5 Long Range, the Enyaq 85 and even the Model Y Long Range. Of course, we doubt you’ll get that range in the real world but it’s encouraging that all 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 still slightly more than the Ioniq 5 Standard Range (238 miles) and Skoda Enyaq 60 (at 249 miles), although not quite as strong as the Model Y RWD’s 283 mile range.

<h2 dir="ltr">Driving overview</h2>

Strengths Competitive electric range; more powerful version is as quick as rivals

Weaknesses Slightly choppy ride; some wind noise; inconsistent steering

Fuel 

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160kw

Brands live or die by moving with the times and reacting to demand – and the team behind the new Renault Scenic E-Tech appears to have done just that.

You see, while the previous Scenic was a rather unfashionable&nbsp;mini-MPV, the Scenic E-Tech you see here is a spacious five-seat electric family car. And, like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/ioniq-5/hatchback/review/n22944">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a>, it blurs the lines between a very big hatchback and an SUV.&nbsp;

The Scenic also continues the tradition of being a more practical alternative to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane</a> – which is also now an E-Tech <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> – and is available with a choice of two batteries and two power options. Three trim levels provide plenty of equipment and Renault's&nbsp;pricing is aimed at&nbsp;making&nbsp;you think twice about choosing key rivals such as&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/4x4/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a>.

Taking back its previous success won’t be easy&nbsp;though, so read on to find out whether the Renault Scenic E-Tech really has what it takes to compete with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">best electric SUVs</a>...

You sit quite low down in the Renault Scenic E-Tech, and you don’t feel like you’re perched quite as high as in a Tesla Model Y or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id4/estate/review/n22789">VW ID 4</a>. Even so, you have a clear view over the low dashboard and the bonnet, although the wide front windscreen pillars&nbsp;do hamper your view out at junctions and roundabouts.

The chunky rear pillars and small rear windscreen somewhat compromise rear visibility too. At least front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera help out during low-speed manoeuvres. Top-spec Iconic trim&nbsp;adds a 360-degree view camera and a digital rear-view mirror to improve rear visibility when your view is blocked by passengers or luggage.

Finding a comfortable driving position is very straightforward, with plenty of height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel and seat.

All trim levels also come with electric lumbar adjustment, while top-spec Iconic comes with full electric adjustment to make it even more effortless. It also adds a massage function. The front sports seats fitted to Esprit Alpine trim have much more side support and hold you in place when cornering much better than the standard ones.

If you’ve sat in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/austral/estate/review/n25066">Renault Austral</a> SUV, you find the fundamental design of the Scenic’s interior very familiar. Having three stalks on the right hand side of the steering column for the gear selector, windscreen wipers and stereo initially feels quite busy, but doesn’t take too long to get used to.

The Scenic has a 12.3in digital driver display behind the steering wheel and a portrait-oriented 12in infotainment touchscreen tilted slightly towards the driver. They both look crisp and the infotainment software is easy to use, responding swiftly to your prods.

You get plenty&nbsp;of features, including standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> smartphone mirroring. A Google-based system is used for the voice control function and you get built-in Google Maps for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav</a>.&nbsp;

As with many of the Scenic’s rivals, you control almost everything through the touchscreen, including the heated seats. However, unlike most rivals (including the Model Y), 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.

It would be even easier if the stereo volume could be adjusted by a physical rotary dial, rather than the touch-sensitive buttons on the side of the screen. That said, the Harman Kardon stereo on top-spec Iconic provides plenty of punch and is immersive.

Material wise, the Scenic is quite impressive and you’ll find plenty of soft, padded faux-leather material on top of the dashboard and doors, with fabric lining the windscreen pillars as well as the roof.

There are scratchy plastics in a few areas, but much less than in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and they’re at least hidden better. It doesn’t quite have the minimalist&nbsp; showroom appeal of the Model Y, which is filled with soft-touch materials, but the Scenic looks and feels pleasant.&nbsp;

There’s also a very clever panoramic glass sunroof with an integrated tint called Solarbay, which allows you to switch from a see-through glass roof to an opaque one at the press of a button. You can pick which sections of the roof to tint so, for example, children in the back are protected from bright sunlight while the front remains well lit.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Interior overview</h2>

Strengths Sound driving position; appealing&nbsp;materials; feature-packed infotainment; physical air-con controls

Weaknesses All-round visibility could be better

The Scenic is back as an&nbsp;electric car with good practicality and an official range of up to 379 miles

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is focused on serving families, so practicality is obviously a big thing. To that end, there’s loads of space in the front for a pair of six-footers, with plenty of elbow room and lots of leg room to stretch out.

The panoramic roof (standard on Iconic trim) doesn’t eat into head room because its electronically controlled sun tint removes the need for a roller blind.

Head room in the back of the Scenic is generous, even for someone sitting in the slightly raised middle seat. However, while there’s a generous amount of knee room, there’s hardly any space under the front seats for passengers' feet.

Indeed, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 have loads more leg room and will likely be more comfortable on long drives, especially for teenagers with long legs. If you’re hoping this Scenic will continue the tradition of offering a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seater</a> version, low demand for its predecessors means there won’t be one this time.

There’s also a huge amount of storage space up front, including door bins that can take a large bottle of water, a wireless phone-charging tray under the infotainment system, and a deep storage cubby underneath the centre armrest.

You get a long storage tray on the lower centre console with a pair of movable dividers that slot into various places. There’s only one integrated cupholder&nbsp;though, and while you can create another one with those dividers, they can be quite fiddly to use.

Rear-seat occupants get map pockets and two smaller ones for phones and devices on the back of the front seats. The long, fold down centre armrest provides lidded storage for mobile devices and a pair of cupholders. It also contains a pair of arms that swivel out and have integrated slots designed to hold mobile or tablet devices upright, allowing the outer rear occupants to watch videos.

The Scenic has a 545-litre boot capacity, which&nbsp;is 105 litres bigger than the boot in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/megane-e-tech/hatchback/review/n24175">Renault Megane E-Tech</a>. That makes it slightly larger than that of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – a car that managed to swallow seven carry-on sized suitcases in our tests – so it should take a couple of buggies or a family’s holiday luggage easily. However there’s quite a drop from the boot entrance to the boot floor, so you’ll have to heave bulkier items over a high&nbsp;lip.

At least the load area is uniform in shape and while you don’t get a height adjustable boot floor, there is a storage area underneath for storing the charge cables. Unlike the Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y, the Scenic doesn’t have a storage area underneath the front bonnet.

For the times when you need more space, the Scenic’s folding rear seats can be split in a 40/20/40 format. That’s on a par with the Model Y and more versatile than the 60/40 split in an Enyaq. You have to negotiate a big step up from the boot floor to the seat backs when you do&nbsp;though. Unlike the Ioniq 5 and Model Y, the rear seats don’t do anything else clever, like recline or slide fore and aft.

<h2 dir="ltr">Practicality overview</h2>

Strengths Good head and leg room all round; decent-sized boot

Weaknesses High boot loading lip; rear seats don't slide or recline

techno

esprit-alpine

iconic

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 a little more performance and ride comfort, but probably not enough to put off most potential Scenic buyers.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

This class is all about SUVs that run purely on electricity. No petrol, no diesel and not even any hybrid technology.

Relatively low-cost options include the MG ZS EV, but you can easily spend three times as much on more luxurious alternatives, such as the BMW iX.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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