Renault Scenic E-Tech 2024: electric Tesla Model Y rival could come to Australia

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The Renault Scenic has morphed from an MPV into a sexy electric SUV with 160kW and more than 620km of claimed range – and it could come to Australia.

Due to hit European roads early 2024, the new Renault Scenic E-Tech is a sleek SUV with flush door handles, 20-inch wheels and available in dual colour schemes. 

It will take on a growing list of electric rivals such as its platform stablemate, the Nissan Ariya, but also the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Measuring 4470mm long, 1864mm wide and 1571mm high, the Scenic E-Tech will be initially offered in front-drive, single-motor guises, one with 125kW/280Nm and the other, 160kW/300Nm. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 9.3sec and 8.4sec respectively. 

Two battery options will be available, a smaller claimed 60kWh pack offering 420km WLTP range and a larger 87kWh unit with 620km WLTP range.

Behind the wheel, drivers are greeted by two screens – a 12.3-inch horizontal digital instrument display; and a portrait, 12.0-inch infotainment screen. There is a smartphone charging pad and, mercifully, a row of HVAC hard buttons. Renault said there will be four levels of adjustable regenerative braking.

Renault promises ample second row knee-room thanks to a generous 2.78-metre wheelbase; while the boot is a sizeable 545 litres. There’s also a giant glass roof stretching the length of the Scenic E-Tech, which can switch from clear to opaque at the push of a button.

The Scenic E-Tech also debuts the new Esprit Alpine trim, leveraging the sporting credentials of Renault’s Alpine brand.

Renault said it worked with French electronic music producer Jean-Michel Jarre to develop a unique external low-speed sound for the otherwise silent, electric Scenic E-Tech.

The new French SUV is built on the shared Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi CMF-EV platform – the same one also underpinning the Nissan Ariya. CMF-EV will serve as the basis for 15 new electric models across the Alliance by 2030.

A spokesperson from local Renault importer Ateco told Chasing Cars it “likes the look of” the Scenic E-Tech SUV and wants to bring it to Australia.

“We’re interested but as with all these things there are a few hoops to jump through first,” they said.

“If it’s going to be made in right-hand-drive, we will have to do an internal business case to make sure it ticks all the boxes, and that it passes all unique Australian legislation, for example the Australian Design Rules.

“So a few hoops, but we’re certainly interested”.

The car will be built at Renault’s giant Douai plant in France. Renault said up to 24 percent of the Scenic E-Tech is made from recycled materials and up to 90 percent of the vehicle is recyclable. No leather is used in the Scenic E-Tech’s interior.

The Scenic E-Tech’s close relation, the Megane E-Tech, has been confirmed for Australia, on-sale early next year from $64,990 plus on-road costs.