2023 Renault Scenic E-Tech 60 KWh (170 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Renault reinvented one of the most successful models in its history, the Scenic, and added an electric drivetrain to make it more appealing to those customers looking for a sustainable vehicle.

When the French automaker introduced the Scenic lineup in 1996 as a member of the Megane family, customers were happy about it. It was a minivan built on top of a compact-sized car that could provide more interior room than any station wagon on the market. Starting with the model’s second generation, the Scenic became a distinct model in Renault’s lineup and lost the Megane moniker. As the times changed and people became more and more attracted to electric vehicles, Renault decided to transform this model into an EV. Moreover, it completely overhauled the entire concept, and the former MPV morphed into a crossover.

In 2023, Renault introduced the fifth generation of the Scenic, and customers were pleased since it wasn’t a minivan anymore. The new crossover-shaped vehicle showed a distinct front fascia with LED headlights, and instead of a grille, was a hexagonal pattern that mimicked the carmaker’s logo. Still, the vehicle needed some cooling area for the batteries and the electric motors. As a result, Renault placed a grille in the air dam on the lower part of the bumper. In addition, the Scenic E-Tech featured a pair of fake side scoops. They had no use other than making the car look good. To emphasize the transition to this segment, Renault created tall and sculptured door panels that integrated the side sills at the bottom. Finally, at the back, the hatchback shape resembled the now defunct Megane wagon, and the rear fascia got the taillights extended from the quarter panels to the tailgate. Furthermore, the lower bumper was unpainted, with a design inspired by off-road vehicles.

The interior was a big step forward in terms of quality and technology. Since Renault promised to make the car sustainable, it used its imagination and created a new upholstery made from recycled materials. At the front, the automaker installed a pair of high-mounted seats divided by a tall center console with an armrest and a storage compartment. Fronting the driver was a 12.3″ instrument panel complemented by a portrait-mode touchscreen placed atop the center stack. The R-Link infotainment system ran on Android Automotive OS12. In the back, the automaker installed a bench seat fit for three adults. Another significant upgrade in terms of technology was the panoramic roof. While it couldn’t be opened, the driver could control it and make it more or less opaque at the touch of a button.

But the most significant change happened under the Scenic’s skin. Renault built the Scenic E-Tech on the CMF-EV platform and installed a choice of two battery packs for it. In addition, there were two powertrains available. The base version offered a 125 kW (168 HP) motor, while the second was more powerful and delivered 160 kW (215 HP) to the front wheels. The former version also featured a smaller battery pack than the latter.