Renault Scenic E-Tech driven | The most surprising EV of 2024?

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Author: | Updated: 19 Nov 2024 09:54

The impressive real-world range and attractive price point will appeal to both business and personal customers alike, and its practicality and tech make it a compelling alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4.

We’ve just spent a week with the Renault Scenic E-Tech, and it might just be our most surprising EV of 2024. Spoiler alert: It’s really impressive.

The E-Tech has given the Scenic a real reboot and, while it might not be quite as spacious as Scenics of the past, this is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished family EVs of the year.

Whether you’re a fleet customer or you’re looking for a personal vehicle, the Scenic E-Tech is likely to fit the bill. Let’s jump into it and explain why.

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Renault Scenic E-Tech: Design

What exactly is the Scenic E-Tech? Scenics of old fell very much into the MPV category. But, like many rivals, Renault has reimagined it as a high-riding hatchback with SUV styling. It’s done a similar thing with its Megane. Consider the Scenic a more family-orientated, practical version of that.

Sharp lines and a futuristic aura that sets it apart from more humdrum competitors.

Gone are the three rows of seats, but it’s still a large car. It’s aiming at the likes of Kia’s EV6, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Nissan’s Ariya.

Externally, the Scenic E-Tech looks thoroughly modern, with sharp lines and a futuristic aura that sets it apart from more humdrum competitors.

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The front end gets Renault’s latest styling cues, including a bold grille design featuring Renault’s updated insignia.

It’s a very likable design that gives off premium vibes.

Slim daytime running lights are neatly integrated into the bumper, while moving down the sides those flush pop-out door handles complete an aerodynamic look.

While it might not be as bold in the styling department as some rivals like the Kia EV6, it’s a very likable design that gives off premium vibes without being too shouty.

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Renault Scenic E-Tech: The tech

Whichever model you go for, inside is crammed with tech. All trims get a vivid digital driver display that’s configurable in myriad ways. The 12in touchscreen is a vertical affair, and uses Google as its operating system.

The 12in touchscreen is a vertical affair, and uses Google as its operating system.

This is a handy touch, because while it is of course compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it means you don’t necessarily have to connect a phone to use Google Maps and various other apps.

The system is easy to use and, while you can control key functions via the screen, controls for the lights, wipers and adaptive cruise control all feature physical buttons, which isn’t a given these days.

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There’s also a handy row of shortcut keys at the bottom of the screen for items like the heated seat controls. Beneath these, you’ll find further physical buttons to control demisting functions and the climate control.

Our Iconic model came loaded with extras too, including an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and Renault’s cool “Solarbay” panoramic sunroof. Rather than a blind, you can turn the entirety of the glass opaque at the flick of a switch (or using Google’s voice command).

Renault Secnic E-Tech rear seats

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Renault Scenic E-Tech: The practicality

Ok, this Scenic isn’t as practical as those of the past. For starters, it’s only available in five-seat form. That said, it’s certainly more practical than dozens of other EVs – as well as its Megane sibling.

The boot gives you 545 litres of space, and has a false floor too.

The boot gives you 545 litres of space, and has a false floor – underneath which you can store the charging cable with room to spare. 545 litres is also more than the Ioniq 5 offers (527 litres) as well as the Kia EV6 (490 litres).

There’s also tonnes of space in the cabin for four adults too. Five, and it’s a bit of a squeeze. But pull down the rear central armrest and you’ll find a number of useful features including SUB C chargers, space for smartphones and some cup holders. All the door bins are impressively large too.

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Renault Scenic E-Tech: The drive

We sampled the more potent 220hp variety of the Scenic E-Tech, which gets from 0-62mph in under 9 seconds. While that’s not exactly quick – certainly compared to some other EVs – it offers more than enough power for longer journeys and easy overtaking.

It uses an 87kWh battery, although a less potent 170hp version is also offered, which utilises a 60kWh unit.

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It’s a really comfortable car to drive, although dynamically it lacks the poise of some alternatives. A number of driving modes are offered, with the default setting being “Comfort”. In this mode, the ride is impressive.

Opt for “Sport” model and the steering becomes heavier and you’ll get more responsive acceleration.

Opt for “Sport” model and the steering becomes heavier and you’ll get more responsive acceleration. It’s an impressive package, with the only down side we found was traction in wet conditions; like many EVs, a heavy prod of the accelerator will unexpectedly cause a bit of wheelspin.

Of course, the Scenic E-Tech features regenerative braking, which can be adjusted via paddles behind the steering wheel. It’s a great system and you get used to it really quickly, with “one-pedal driving” making traffic a breeze – all while recouping precious energy for the batteries. Speaking of which…

Renault Scenic E-Tech charging

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Renault Scenic E-Tech: Batteries and range

We’ve saved the best bit until last. The Scenic E-Tech is a perfect example of how far EV tech has moved on in recent years. We sampled the car in early November during a cold snap. In other words, conditions that are notorious for shaving range off an EV.

We found the Scenic to be fantastic around town, where you’ll hardly notice a drop off in range.

Not this one though; over a few hundred miles we managed to average 3.3 miles per kWh. That’s impressive considering the conditions, and one of the best performances we’ve seen from an EV in terms of real-world driving.

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The Scenic E-Tech made our list of the most efficient electric vehicles, and having sampled one, it’s great to see it in practise too. Rather than focusing on outright range, the efficiency of an EV becomes evident when you look at its miles per kWh performance.

The 87kWh model can muster 379 miles according to WLTP figures.

We found the Scenic to be fantastic around town, where you’ll hardly notice a drop off in range. This is true of many EVs, but the Scenic was particularly impressive. Three days of 15-mile round-trip commutes saw just an 11% drop off in battery capacity – with no overnight charging.

Aside from its aero-focused design, it’s probably Renault’s new battery tech that’s to thank for this. The Scenic utilises a revised Nickel Manganese Colbalt (NMC), which purportedly boosts efficiency by a useful amount. The result is that the 60kWh model is capable of up to 260 miles, while the 87kWh model can muster 379 miles according to WLTP figures.

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Renault Scenic E-Tech: Should you lease one?

In short, yes. At the time of writing prices are well under £300 per month, and closer to £200 per month for business users. The impressive real-world range and attractive price point will appeal to both business and personal customers alike, and its practicality and tech make it a compelling alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4.

Whether you want to make the switch to electric, or are simply upgrading the family car, the Scenic E-Tech delivers. You can compare lease prices right now by simply hitting the button below.

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