2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range review

The Renault Scenic first came to life 30 years ago and quickly became a popular choice among those looking for the practicality of a minivan in a smaller package. It was one of the pioneers of the MPV segment in Europe and a true versatility champion.

Table of Contents:

• Exterior
• Interior
• Storage & practicalities
• Driving experience
• Ride comfort
• Tech features
• Cabin noise
• Acceleration and braking
• Consumption
• Charging speed
• Competition
• Verdict

The fifth generation has been on sale since 2024, introducing a significant change to the original concept. The current generation is an electric midsize crossover that's slightly longer than its predecessors. Yet, the focus on practicality is still here.

Today, we are reviewing the Renault Scenic E-Tech Long range in the Esprit Alpine trim level, which is the highest one available in most markets. Based on your location, different trim options might appear and include slightly different extras. However, the important bits remain the same.

220hp are delivered to the front wheels, which seems adequate for the heavy Scenic. Almost 2 tonnes move around swiftly thanks to 221 lb-ft of torque.

Renault Scenic E-Tech Long Range 2024 -

• Dimensions: 176 inches x 73.4 inches x 61.9 inches, 109.6 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrain tested: Long range - FWD 160 kW (220 hp), 221 lb-ft, 87 kWh usable battery capacity
• Other drivetrains: Standard range - FWD 125 kW (170 hp), 207 lb-ft, 60 kWh usable battery capacity
• Charging: 150 kW CCS
• Range: 388 miles WLTP
• Weight: 4,303 lb unladen, 5,381 lb gross
• Other features: Android infotainment, Rear-view mirror camera, Electrochromic roof, OTA updates.

Exterior

Renault's latest design language is well liked and we can see why. The Scenic E-Tech is modern and stylish, with multiple edges and curves that make it stand out in traffic, yet still remain elegant and not too outlandish.

From the front, the Scenic welcomes you with a huge logo in the center. Luckily it doesn't light up like most new cars do. The grille has hexagons scattered all over, but since it’s an EV, most of it is a single piece of plastic with little air going through.

The LED headlights are present even in the base trim, which is a welcome addition at night.

Renault Scenic E-Tech front end

From the side, the Scenic has changed a lot compared to its predecessors. It now looks more like an SUV or crossover with the black cladding on the underside. That makes it more trendy and appealing to customers, as focus clearly shifts towards those segments.

In the two-tone color combination of our test vehicle the Scenic looks sleek and stylish. Based on the trim you can get chrome accents but ours had them blacked out for a more modern look.

We tend to dislike pop-out door handles as they don't always work well, but in the case of the Renault Scenic E-Tech they fit in perfectly fine. Because of the proximity key, they pop out way before you even get to your car. If, for some reason they don’t open automatically, you can always push your finger on one side and pull with the same finger, making it easy to operate even if the automation fails.

The 20-inch alloy wheels look modern but subtle and we like them a lot. The Continental WinterContact TS870 P tires we had stuck well to the road, although likely to decrease some of the range compared to more efficient summer tires. 19" wheels are also available if you are looking to maximize efficiency

Renault Scenic E-Tech side accents

The rear end also comes with a plethora of angles and edges. The tail lights look like pistols aiming at each other and the overall look of the tail is that of an angry and menacing vehicle.

Interesting details on the sides are the blades that stick out from the bumper behind the wheel arches. They are said to improve aerodynamics and give the Scenic a signature bulky look on its lower rear end. You get those as standard on a Renault Scenic or as a very expensive option on the new fully electric Porsche Cayenne.

Renault Scenic E-Tech rear end

Interior

If you have spent any time in one of Renault's latest models, the interior of the Scenic will seem familiar. The layout and most of the items are directly borrowed from models like the Renault Megane or Renault 5, which we already reviewed in detail, but we'll go through them quickly again.

In our test vehicle, once you open the door you're greeted by a predominantly black interior with some cool blue accents. Overall, the quality of materials is wonderful and leaves no room for complaints, especially for the segment.

You can either get leather seats, or in our case, a mix of cloth and leather. The cloth seems to wear out quickly - it has started to tear at some places despite the vehicle not being even a year old at this point. Otherwise they are comfortable to sit in and provide sufficient side support.

Blue is definitely a bold choice inside!

The steering wheel has an unorthodox shape and takes some getting used to, especially when maneuvering. On it, apart from the cruise control and gauge cluster controls, you'll find a small round button marked "Multi-Sense" for controlling the driving modes.

Behind the steering wheel you'll find three stalks, all on the same side. The top one is the gear selector, the middle one is the traditional wiper stalk and the lower one controls the stereo system, which all Renault models have used since way back in the 80s. It is a cluttered conundrum of stalks and you can misclick them sometimes, but the layout opens up a lot of space in the center console.

The steering column has a lot going on.

The driver display is tremendous and is highly configurable. The readouts are huge and all of the important data is focused on one side. On the other side, you can select to either have one big or two smaller windows displaying different information and they still remain highly visible and easy to decipher.

On the lower left side of the windshield you’ll notice a graphic of a rooster, referencing the car's French roots.

Right below it are the Harman/Kardon speakers, which deliver wonderful audio quality.

The 12" central display has portrait orientation and performs well - very responsive and without lag. Its integration into the dashboard is not amazing, but it proves functional. The Android Automotive interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

All of the climate controls are on a separate row of buttons directly below the main screen. They are simple and intuitive and we love their implementation.

Below this center screen unit is a shelf that sticks out prominently from the dashboard. It incorporates the wireless charger or can double as a small storage area.

The center display of the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

With no transmission tunnel between the front seats, the center console is positioned low and extends forward from foot level, creating a more open feel in the front of the cabin.

In that area you can find a vast open storage space you can utilize however you want. There is a mat with pins you can arrange however you want to keep items in place or you can ditch it and use dividers to create custom cupholders. It is a great convenience feature and we'd love to see more manufacturers offer more similar integrations.

Configurable center console.

The armrest is deep and can store multiple objects. You also get a pocket to keep your phone while driving.

The roof of the Renault Scenic is one of the greatest pieces of technology on board. It has electrochromic glass that can either be dimmed or let light pass through. You control it with the press of a button and can watch how the glass changes quickly. Another piece of tech we'd like to see make its way to as many vehicles as possible.

When it comes to rear seat space, there is more than enough for a comfortable ride. Our reviewer stands at 195 cm (6'4") and sits more than comfortably in the back of the Scenic. Leg and headroom are generous and the lack of a center tunnel makes it easy for a central passenger to ride in what is usually a highly compromised seat.

Backseat space is generous in the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

There are three pockets in the back of the front seats, as well as a total of four USB-C chargers for the back-riding passengers. The rear cupholders extend to accommodate an extension that allows you to place your phone or tablet and watch videos without holding it all the time.

Neat tricks in the back.

Storage & practicalities

Despite being the largest Scenic yet, the luggage space has remained almost the same throughout all of the generations. With a volume of 19.2 ft³ you get slightly more than in the Peugeot e-3008 and slightly less than in Citroen E-C5 Aircross. Since there is no 7-seater version for this generation there is no variation there.

Folding the rear seats opens up 59 ft³ to accommodate anything up to washing machines, TVs, wardrobes and whatever else you might ever need to carry around.

Storage capabilities are strong in the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

Sadly, there is no frunk (front trunk) to store some rarely used items.

Driving experience

Sitting behind the wheel of the Scenic you'll feel comfortable from the very first drive. The cabin is spacious and the windows are big, allowing you to have great visibility all-around. Only the rear visibility is slightly hindered by the center seat headrest, but nothing too bad.

Steering is responsive and provides great feedback. You feel everything happening beneath the wheels, just in a subdued manner so it doesn't feel like you need to fight it all the time. Comfort remains at the forefront, but without sacrificing safety and precision with the vague steering of MPVs from the olden days.

You get an average amount of body roll in corners as the chassis is made for maximizing volume and not superb cornering, but because of the low-mounted battery pack the Scenic stays planted and doesn't lean sideways too much.

Due to regulations all safety systems must be on every time you start the vehicle but Renault has figured out how to disable the unwanted ones easily. There is a button with a vehicle in a circle to the left of the steering wheel. You press it twice and the vehicle enters personal settings, which you can set in whatever way you like and with as many systems on or off as you wish. A properly clever implementation!

We mentioned the great visibility inside, but one thing that hinders maneuverability is the camera system. The backup camera has atrocious quality with a pixelated image and lag, which is simply unacceptable in a modern vehicle. We don't get the 360-degree camera system in Bulgaria, but other markets do and there's also an optional rear-view mirror-camera.

Ride comfort

Renault and French cars in general are famous for their soft and floaty ride. The Scenic does not entirely fit that description as it is firmer and has a shorter travel of the suspension. This actually makes long distance journeys enjoyable even at higher speeds. In regular daily traffic going over bumps and potholes you shake a little initially, but overall are left with a positive and comfortable ride comfort experience. There is no wafting like in older minivans and that's actually a pleasant touch in the new electric Scenic.

Tech features

Technology on-board the Scenic is fine as it covers everything needed, even if there are no particularly rare features. The center display is a 12-inch touchscreen with good response times and big menu buttons that make it easy to use.

The vertically mounted screen gives you full-size Google Maps, audio and driving information simultaneously.

CarPlay or Android Auto connect instantaneously and work really well without lags. You also get CarPlay navigation integrated into the driver's display, not only on the center one, making the driving experience even better.

CarPlay integration is fabulous.

A wide variety of configurations can be made to the gauge cluster display, splitting it in two or three windows. You can select all kinds of data to be displayed and it is an overall fantastic integration of a driver's display. The speed readout is so huge it also eliminates the need for a head-up display.

Some of the possible display configurations you can make.

You can configure the drive modes to your exact liking and the different settings are precise and have a noticeable effect.

At the end of each journey you get safety and eco scores that rate your driving. It's a gimmicky feature but will likely help some drivers better control their aggressive driving styles.

So much driving information is available on-board.

The Android-based system also offers a drop-down menu just like in smartphones, allowing you to control basic functions or presets and check for notifications.

The Google apps come pre-installed on the Scenic. Google maps works perfectly, whereas Assistant, Calendar and News connect with your regular Google account and can show you the information based on your personal preferences.

Google makes life easier in the Scenic.

Cabin noise

The Renault Scenic is very, very quiet! It is among the leaders in terms of interior insulation at all of our testing speeds. The wind and tire noises are minimal in all conditions but most impressively at high speeds the cabin stays quiet and toned down. This is a wonderful feature for every vehicle and we must commend Renault on the job well done, as it loses only to much more expensive opponents.

Sound level tests are carried out with a specialized sound level meter placed in the car's cupholders. The test is conducted with air conditioning and radio off and while maintaining a steady speed.

Acceleration and braking

Renault Scenic is a name nobody relates to sporty performance, but the acceleration from 0 to 62 mph takes 8 seconds flat. This is not a bad value but not a particularly great one, either. Most direct rivals achieve results in the same vicinity.

Braking from 62 mph to a complete stop happens in 38 m (124'8"). Given that the test vehicle had winter tires on and the road surface had dust all over, this result is actually very good.

Acceleration and deceleration are measured with a RaceBox device inside the car. Testing is done with a single person inside the car, with air conditioning and traction control off.

Consumption

In terms of efficiency, the Renault Scenic E-Tech is just about average. However, it packs an ample 87 kWh battery in the long range model, so it actually achieves great endurance per charge. For more of our thoughts on the Renault Scenic's efficiency check out our dedicated range test article.

We measure consumption by driving at constant speeds on an identical test route during the day. Testing is conducted with air conditioning, all safety systems and radio on. The data comes from the vehicle's board computer. Specific testing parameters such as ambient temperature are mentioned in the text on a case by case basis.

We now suggest you use the widget below to find out the Renault Scenic E-Tech's range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.

Charging speed

Charging is not the Scenic’s strongest suit, yet it doesn’t perform that badly either. A 15-80% charging time of 37 minutes is not exactly quick, despite the maximum power of 150 kW, which drops down significantly after the initial push. Still, you get a huge range figure in the end, meaning you’ll have to experience charging less frequently.

Competition

As the Scenic is no longer a traditional MPV but more of an SUV crossover, it now faces heavy competition. But it still stands out with its practicality, huge range and great build quality.

The closest competitor is the Peugeot e-3008. Both vehicles offer versions with huge batteries but the Peugeot offers an AWD model as well. The Renault has the better materials, technology and space, but the Peugeot offers more creature comforts and a more efficient powertrain.

The second rival of the Scenic comes from the same family and sits on the same platform. The Nissan Ariya is offered with multiple powertrain options, both as FWD or AWD, as well as multiple power variants. The Ariya has wonderful materials inside and clever storage pockets, but suffers from a laggy and unintuitive infotainment system and a small trunk. Unlike the Scenic, the Ariya consumes a lot of energy so can't match its range.

Peugeot e-3008 Long range FWD 2024 - • Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE 87kWh 225kW 2020 -

Verdict

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a masterful continuation of a legend into the modern era. As the sales of the predecessor declined, Renault radically changed its recipe, turning the Scenic into an appealing product once again. Making it an electric SUV crossover might seem sacrilegious at first, but as demand for MPVs declines and EVs mark an uprising, that seems to be a logical decision.

The new electric Scenic shines with great performance in everyday driving - spacious inside and offers multiple modern features to make passengers feel comfortable. There aren't many disadvantages and the positives far outweight them.

The driving experience isn't spectacular but is improved compared to predecessors. The interior is quiet, the music is high-quality and everything works well. If you wish for AWD or more power you'll have to look elsewhere, but the Scenic makes a really strong case for itself. If you’re in the market for a vehicle like this we strongly recommend you test drive the Scenic E-Tech.

Pros

• Sensational range for the segment.
• Electrochromic roof.
• Easy to disable driver aids.
• Well-insulated cabin.
• Android-based infotainment with Google services.
• CarPlay maps integrated into the driver’s display.
• Highly configurable displays.
• Built-in phone holders for backseat passengers.

Cons

• Reverse camera with terrible image quality.
• Slow charging times.
• Some options and trims are not available in some markets.
• Only offered in FWD versions.