2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech takes shape

Renault now offers a number of SUVs in Australia including the light-size Captur, the small Arkana, the mid-size Koleos and, soon, the battery-powered Megane E-Tech Electric, but it hasn’t sold the Scenic here since the original people-mover was axed in 2005 and then morphed into an SUV for the fourth generation in 2016, followed by the Grand Scenic seven-seater.

First previewed by the hydrogen-powered Renault Scenic Vision concept in 2022, the fifth-generation Scenic has now been revealed in camouflaged but production-ready form ahead of its official global debut in Europe in early September.

But the unlike Renault’s new Espace flagship SUV and the new Renault Austral small SUV, which was expected on sale here by late 2022 and is also available with a range of electrified engines, the 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech is a small electric-only SUV.

Due on sale in Europe in 2024, the Mazda CX-30 sized EV is expected to be produced in right-hand drive and sold in the UK, potentially greasing the wheels for its release Down Under, where it would join the circa-$70,000 Megane E-Tech as Renault Australia’s second new-generation electric vehicle.

A spokesperson for Renault Australia told carsales it was still early days, but that “…if it [the new Scenic EV] became available, we’ll certainly look it and definitely look at a business case”.

Except for the Renault Scenic E-Tech’s design – which is more angular, progressive and SUV-like than the Megane E-Tech’s – few details have been released about the new model.

If the concept car is any guide, it’ll measure around 4500mm long, 1900mm wide and 1600mm tall, but that vehicle’s reverse-hinged rear doors have been replaced by conventional doors for the production version.

The futuristic interior is also likely to be toned down for the production car – but there could still be a few innovations and class firsts, such as its ‘Safe Guardian’ and ‘Safe Coach’ driver aids.

Renault’s new Scenic SUV is almost certain to be powered by the same 160kW/300Nm e-motor from the Megane E-Tech but, whether it gets a 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack – let alone a hybrid hydrogen system like the concept car’s 16kW fuel-cell and 40kWh battery pack – remains to be seen.

However, given the global scarcity of hydrogen fuel stations, a conventional battery-electric powertrain is most likely.

Renault is spruiking the ultra-green credentials of its new Scenic, which is said to be the French car-maker’s “…first production car to embody its new sustainable development strategy on the environment, safety and inclusion”. That could see it manufactured with a high level of recycled materials, like the Vision concept that inspired it.

The transport industry, including passenger vehicles, is said to contribute around one quarter of global CO2 emissions and Renault’s objective is to become a completely carbon-neutral company in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050.

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is set to make its worldwide premiere at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show (aka Munich motor show) on September 4 and will be pitched as a premium SUV, so expect it to be quite pricey.

However, given the strong demand for electric vehicles in Australia, where most EVs are still priced above about $70K, that may not necessarily be a major hurdle for its local introduction.

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