Looking at the new Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric, thoughts of the Grande Nation France come to mind. The front with the vertical rhombus, the narrow headlights and the vertical daytime running lights, which merge into the narrow radiator grille, are reminiscent of the Peugeot 508. This is certainly not the worst association, as the middle-class car from the lion brand is quite handsome. The same predicate applies to the 4.47 meter long and 1.86 meter high electric crossover. The fact that there are up to 20-inch tires in the wheel arches contributes to the massive, solid appearance.
With all the striking design language, an electric vehicle is also about the range. Every percentage point that the drag coefficient increases costs range. So you can also find aerodynamic tricks such as air ducts and elements as well as the retractable door handles, which are becoming more and more fashionable, on the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric.
The height of the vehicle shows that the traditional promise of scenic space is also part of the program for the Stromer. So thanks to 27.8 centimeters of knee room and 88.4 centimeters of headroom, you can also make yourself comfortable in the rear. Although the Solarbay sunroof is installed, which usually restricts headroom. The reason why this is not the case is the special coating with PDLC technology (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), which makes the glass roof cloudy in a flash. This eliminates the need for a roller blind and gives you around three centimeters of additional headroom. In addition, there is Renault’s CMF-EV platform with a flat interior floor, which also contributes to the economy of space. The whole thing is not at the expense of the trunk. The luggage compartment has a volume of 545 liters; if you fold down the rear seat backrests, the capacity increases to 1,607 liters.
The interior adapts to the zeitgeist. The screen for the digital instruments and the vertical tablet-like touchscreen are curved, making it easier for the driver to operate and read the information. It is clear that the monitors are not integrated into the cockpit as elaborately as is the case, for example, with the Audi Q6 e-tron. After all, the Renault plays in a different price range than the Audi. Both vehicles have one thing in common: Renault’s infotainment is also based on third-party software. In this case, the Google open source software, which is kept current through over-the-air updates. So around 50 apps are also available in the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric. The navigation software comes from Google Maps.
It is common practice these days to use recycled materials in the interior. The seat covers of the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric in the Techno and Esprit Alpine trims are made of 100 percent and those of the Iconic line are made of 99 percent recycled material. The instrument panel is made from 80 percent recycled polypropylene and the floor mats are made from 54 percent recycled plastic bottles. The dashboard cover consists of 43 percent kenaf, a material with jute-like fibers. Including the battery, 90 percent of the Scenic E-Tech Electric can be recycled.
The new Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric has two engines and two batteries to choose from. The weaker drive train has 125 kW / 170 hp and 280 Newton meters of torque (top speed 150 km/h), the more powerful version has 160 kW / 220 hp and 300 Nm (maximum 170 km/h). The batteries have a capacity of 60 kilowatt hours, which is enough for 420 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle, the larger battery has 87 kilowatt hours and takes the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric 620 WLTP kilometers. The ranges are also a result of the heat pump installed as standard. The energy storage devices come from LG and have a higher nickel and lower cobalt content. Renault states the average consumption as 15.7 kWh/100 km.
The maximum charging power is 22 kW for AC charging. If the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is connected to a DC fast charging station, up to 150 kW are possible. By preconditioning the battery as soon as the Scenic E-Tech Electric approaches a charging station, the charging time is reduced and the plateau with the highest possible charging power is maintained for longer. The driver can define the level of recuperation using the two shift paddles on the steering wheel. The range extends from zero (no recuperation) to three (maximum recuperation).
