Renault Scenic E-Tech review: familiar name, fresh EV

Introduction

I’m always glad to get back into a Renault, especially seeing as the current range is well represented on the EV front. This, the Renault Scenic E-Tech, is a prime example of what Renault is doing right, having already bagged the prestigious 2024 European Car of the Year accolade. Based on my time with it, I’ve no reason to disagree.

The Scenic I’ve been having fun with is the Iconic long range 220hp edition, which is designed with both short and long journeys in mind. Close rivals in the family crossover arena are many and varied, with the similarly European Skoda Enyaq and Peugeot E-3008, Korean Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, plus Japan’s Nissan Ariya being obvious examples. The edgy styling helps the Scenic to hold its own, especially against the Kia and Hyundai (arguably the most distinctive offerings in the crossover EV marketplace). I think this car looks more interesting than a humdrum Tesla Model Y too.

This top-of-the-range Iconic model costs over £47,000 – rather more than the entry level Techno, which starts at a pretty good £37,495. But it’s easy to see where the extra money goes.

The styling

Pictures don’t entirely do the Renault Scenic E-Tech justice; it’s a lot more interesting when seen in the metal. Renault’s ever-innovative design team have done their best to give this car an extra touch of quirkiness. I’m not saying it’s weird or funny-looking though – far from it.

From the outside, there’s plenty to take in, with a really dazzling front end. There’s a slight drop off at the front edge of the bonnet that showcases the innovative grille and headlight arrangement, topped with angular vents on each side of the front bumper. The neat use of both angles and curves continues down the sides. The angular pop-out door handles are unusual too.

Around the back there are more nicely executed angles, with the taillights cutting down into the rear wings. The tailgate is properly square as well; once it’s opened up there is more than enough space for getting all that family clutter in and out. The same goes for the front and back doors, which open wide enough to allow kids and their car seats to be loaded in without too much hassle.

My Iconic trim Scenic seemed almost a little too posh for family use. The cabin area feels really plush and welcoming. It’s hugely comfortable too, plus there’s a clever use of interesting fabrics and finishes. The party piece is the panoramic roof: a switch where the normal sunroof tab would be lets you turn it opaque and back again, either as a whole or in increments. Lots of fun for kids to observe in stationary traffic.

The drive

Family owners who aren’t fussed with getting anywhere too rapidly will find my mode of choice, Eco, more than suitable. I was caught out at first by the slightly sluggish acceleration compared to the other modes, especially pulling out onto roundabouts, but the big win here is that Eco sips battery power. I got a really good return on a long motorway run where the Renault scenic seemed very efficient.

Shift the car into Sport and there’s a good turn of speed to be had. Admittedly, this is at the expense of efficiency, but it’s there if you need it. For what it’s supposed to do though, the Scenic can sit in Comfort mode and keep all of the occupants happy on a run. The ride is also sufficiently supple not to induce many moans from your passengers.

The technology

Renault has been creative with its new dashboard layout, in a similar way to Peugeot’s i-cockpit. The colourful digital instrument cluster in front of the steering wheel is all angular graphics, which encroach on the speed display a little. It took me a while to get used to, but as I scrolled through the various display options it got a little easier to live with.

The 12in portrait infotainment screen puts big icons with in easy reach. buttons along the bottom appear a little on the busy side to begin with, but like anything, I found it all fell into place quite quickly. Tweaking something like the climate controls soon became second nature.

There’s the usual plethora of stalks for controlling things around the front of the steering wheel, including the radio volume – which has long been a Renault car staple. Once you’ve remembered this is the easiest way to adjust the audio system, it actually seems like a great idea.

That 12.3in driver display might not be everyone’s cup of tea so my best advice on that front is to try before you buy. I did find having the sat nav map in the centre section immediately in front of the wheel handy, mind, as there’s no head up display.

Renault Scenic E-Tech verdict

I’ve been spoiled by the Iconic model’s extra trimmings, especially the clever Solarbay roof and the overall classy vibes given off by the fully-equipped interior. You also get better exterior touches, with the striking 20in diamond-cut alloys looking really slick. There’s a mid-tier Espirit Alpine trim with a decent number of goodies included, but I imagine most family buyers will head towards the entry-level Techo – which isn’t exactly lacking in tech.

Whichever way you go though, the bare bones of the Renault Scenic E-Tech are hugely impressive. It’s well-suited to its target market of families, even before you start ticking options boxes. It’s not exactly scintillating to drive, but I could say the same thing about plenty of other EVs too.

Renault Scenic E-Tech technical specifications

Powertrain	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Battery	87kW
Power	220bhp
Torque	221lb ft
0-60mph	7.9sec
Top speed	105mph
Range	369 miles
Charge rate	150kWh
Cargo volume	545 litres