Renault Scenic E-Tech interior, design and features review

Introduction

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is the electric version of the popular French model of the past. It's a family-friendly car, often categorized as a multi-purpose crossover SUV. And in its new version it has retained its rather tall stance, as well as the spacious and practical interior.

Renault Scenic E-Tech

It's also one of the best values in its class, starting at just over €41,000, the Scenic E-Tech undercuts EVs like the Skoda Enyaq, Peugeot e-3008 and the Kia Niro EV.

The new Scenic E-Tech is available in only two drivetrain options - Comfort, a standard range option with a 60 kWh battery and Long Range, running on an 87 kWh battery. The first configuration is offered in Evolution and Techno trims, while the 87 kWh variant is available in Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic trims.

Who is it for?

Like the Scenics of the past, the newest all-electric Scenic is a family-oriented vehicle with a long wheelbase, providing plenty of cabin room and a decently sized trunk. Young drivers looking for a relatively affordable and practical EV should also consider this car, especially tech-savvy ones.

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Renault has been strongly emphasizing tech features as well as responsive and functional infotainment with its latest models and it shows. We certainly appreciated that approach.

Lastly, the high stance makes the Scenic appear larger than it actually is - in fact it strikes a good balance between a city-friendly car and one that's comfortable for long extraurban trips.

Give me the technical stuff

Renault Scenic E-Tech at a glance:

• Dimensions: 176 inches x 73.4 inches x 61.9 inches, 109.6 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrains available: 60 kWh - FWD 125 kW (170 hp), 207 lb-ft; 87 kWh - FWD 160 kW (220 hp), 221 lb-ft
• Charging: 130 kW CCS (60 kWh); 150 kW CCS (87 kWh), 15-80% in 32-37 min.
• Range: 267 miles (60 kWh); 388 miles (87 kWh), WLTP
• Weight: up to 4,303 lb
• Trunk: EU: 545 l, no frunk

What's great about it?

Perhaps one of the best bits about the Renault Scenic E-Tech is its value for money proposition. Its base variant has a 60 kWh battery already makes the Megane E-Tech look greatly overpriced, matching its capacity at a lower price and offering the same feature-rich cabin.

We are also impressed by the Scenic's space utilization - you wouldn't expect so much cabin space and trunk room at this size. It almost matches the Skoda Enyaq, which is considerably longer.

Although DC charging isn't all that impressive, both variants (60 kWh and 87 kWh) of the Scenic support 22 kW AC charging, which is a nice bonus.

Renault Scenic E-Tech

There are other nifty little features inside the car that we liked. For instance, the central rearview mirror can stream directly from the rear camera, which comes in handy because the rear window is pretty small to begin with. The camera certainly helps with visibility.

Another cool thing is the cup holders at the back. They can be rotated and turned into smartphone/tablet stands.

And last but not least, we are fond of the physical buttons and the easy access to some of the cabin features on the portrait-oriented screen. Renault went for the physical buttons instead of virtual or capacitive ones.

What's not that good?

The entry 60 kWh configuration has a rather limited range. Most competitors, which are admittedly more expensive, offer 70+ kWh cells. The 170-hp electric motor isn't all that powerful either.

Renault Scenic E-Tech

The DC fast charging isn't as quick as on other models, so you might have to wait a few more minutes to get to 80%, for example.

We already mentioned that the rear window has limited visibility, which Renault tackled the problem with a reinvented rearview mirror. Still, perhaps the stalks are the most annoying thing while driving.

The blinker is placed a bit high behind the steering wheel to make room for two more stalks, one of which controls the volume and tracks. In short, the steering wheel feels a bit overcrowded.

Which version to get?

If you are in the market for a spacious yet affordable EV and don't take long trips very often, then the standard 60 kWh configuration will probably be enough for you. Still, we strongly suggest getting the Techno trim as it will cost you only €2,500 but will add much-needed safety and driving assist features, including adaptive cruise control, a bigger infotainment screen and wireless phone charger.

However, the most sensible thing to do in the long run is to get the 87 kWh option as it adds almost 200 km of range on the WLTP cycle, a more powerful electric motor (220 hp) and comes with the Techno package by default. This option will set you back €48,900, about €7,500 more, but it's worth it and odds are you'll recoup a large chunk of that when reselling the car.