Magnificent Renault Scenic E-Tech is Truly Electric.

Magnificent Renault Scenic E-Tech is Truly Electric.

Unveiled at the IAA Mobility show in Munich in September 2023, the all-new Scenic E-Tech electric completes Renault’s range of electric vehicles in the C-segment. By combining electric modernity, useful technologies and a more sustainable design, it reinterprets the DNA of the family car to meet the challenges of its time. The strong strategic design and technological choices that have guided the development of the Scenic E-Tech electric have been hailed by specialists, winning the Car of the Year 2024 trophy awarded by the European Car of the Year jury, as did the first-generation Scenic in 1997, and it has just been awarded the coveted titles of Irish Medium SUV of the Year 2025, and overall Irish Car of the Year 2025 in association with Continental Tyres.

Reinvented Family Car.

The original Renault Scenic revolutionised the market by positioning itself as the first compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in European automotive history, and it became an instant hit with families right across Ireland, and much further afield. The original Scenic was designed from the inside out, rising to the challenge of giving priority to all the passengers on board, and the new Scenic E-Tech electric reinvents the codes of the family car to meet changing travel habits, evolving aspirations in terms of comfort and safety, increasing scarcity of resources, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport. With its 100% electric powertrain, the new Scenic E-Tech boasts a WLTP range of up to 610 kilometres, and quick charging at a capacity of up to 150kW. Developed sustainably, the Scenic E-Tech electric is built using recycled materials where possible, and is itself 90% recyclable. Additionally, it is packed with performance, responsiveness and innovative technologies for total peace of mind motoring. Trim versions consist of Evolution, Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic – all of which come with a hugely-impressive array of standard equipment.

Distinctive Style.

The innovative sculpted front design provides the car with distinctive style, while the bold design continues at the rear of the car where form and function meet with great effect. The flush-mounted door handles pop out for easy access when you approach the car with the key in close proximity, and they close flush to the bodywork when the car proceeds to drive away. The lines of the Scenic E-Tech electric have been designed to maximise its range, and the side profile interweaves wide cambering and sharp ridges to maximum effect. Its flat floor, large wheels (19” or 20” depending on the model), longer wheelbase, and Solarbay opacifying panoramic sunroof (model dependent), make it a novel vehicle for families. The cars’ front face makes a particularly strong statement with the Nouvel’R logo and Renault’s new signature headlamp pattern underscoring its brand image. The logo sits vertically on the grille, among an array of superimposed small diamond shapes which fade in and out of view depending on the light and angle. The patterns merge into the headlights at the top of the grille, creating a spectacular high-tech effect.

Motor and Battery Options.

The Scenic E-Tech electric has a more compact and lighter synchronous motor with eight magnetic cores. It is available in two versions: a 170hp unit with 280Nm of torque, and a 220hp unit with 300Nm. The motor contains no rare earth metals, meaning it has a smaller impact on the environment, and it benefits from being at the heart of a responsible, France-based production ecosystem. Two battery sizes are also offered; a 60kWh battery for a range of up to 430km, combined with the 170hp motor, and an 87kWh battery that provides a range of up to 610km, combined with the larger capacity motor. Managing battery temperature is one of the key success factors for electric vehicles, as extreme temperatures can affect their performance. However, several breakthroughs in battery technology have helped to optimise the Scenic E-tech electric’s range, especially on long drives. Heat produced by the battery and powertrain is recovered when the vehicle is running or charging, then used to warm the passenger compartment through a heat pump – a standard feature on all Scenic E-Tech electric models.

Charging times.

The 60kWh battery can be charged from 15-80% via a 7.4kW domestic wallbox charger in 6h 02m, or in 1h 58m at a 22kW AC public charger, but these figures drop down to just 32 minutes at a DC fast charger station. The long range 87kWh battery takes 8h 27m, 3h 1m and 37 minutes respectively to achieve the same charge.

Regen & MULTI-SENSE Modes.

The Scenic E-Tech electric comes with four levels of regenerative braking. In Drive mode, it kicks in when you take your foot off the accelerator, turning the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electric energy, which is then stored in the battery. The electric motor doubles as a generator when the braking system is used to harvest energy. Drivers can choose any of the four levels using two paddles behind the steering wheel, from 0 (no regeneration) to 3 for maximum regeneration. Drivers can also choose from four MULTI-SENSE modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco and Custom. Each mode creates a different atmosphere by combining the indoor lights, driver seat comfort, indoor temperature and screen colour with the aspects such as steering-wheel resistance, powertrain calibration and pedal responsiveness.

Premium Interior Ambience.

The Scenic E-Tech electric’s cockpit is made up of two screens in a continuous l-shaped configuration, which comprises a horizontal TFT screen on the dashboard and a vertical touch screen in the middle of the centre console. In a move that will find favour with many drivers, Renault’s interior design team decided to keep physical buttons alive, so in addition to the large touchscreen and Google Assistant voice control, there is a row of climate control toggles to interact with. The cabin design consists of attractive fabrics adorning the dashboard and seats, along with metal and real wood trim, and the overall look is one of premium ambience with an airy feel. The Scenic E-Tech electric is a seriously-spacious car too, with ample room for tall rear seat passengers to sit comfortably behind equally tall front seat occupants. The boot boasts a capacity of 545-litres behind the rear seatbacks, with up to 1,670-litres on offer when the rear seats are folded down. There is also a deep cubby space under the boot floor, which is ideal for storing the charging cables, and more besides.

Test Car Details.

My test car was a new Scenic E-Tech electric 87kWh 220hp in range-topping Iconic trim, which was finished in Pearl White pearlescent paintwork with a contrasting Diamond Black roof, along with standard-fit 20-inch diamond-polished black alloy wheels with oracle aluminium inserts. Key ‘Iconic’ standard equipment includes tinted rear windows, ingenious™ multi-function rear armrest (including ski-hatch) with 2 USB-C ports, 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12-inch openR link connected multimedia system with Google built-in (Google Maps and Google Assistant) for 5 years, steering wheel in grained bio-sourced and recycled textile with satin chrome finish, electric tailgate, heated front seats, Harman Kardon™ 9-speaker high-fidelity audio system, adaptive vision LED headlights, blind spot warning, solarbay™ opacifying panoramic sunroof, and front & side parking distance control, along with a suite of advanced safety systems developed under Renault’s ‘human first program’. Based on the same CMF-EV platform as the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech electric, the Scenic is available in front wheel-drive format only, with no dual-motor four wheel-drive model planned. The electric motor produces 220hp and 300Nm of instant torque, so a 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 7.9-seconds, while energy consumption as low as 16.8kWh/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle is also achievable. My test car certainly felt more than fast enough for everyday driving, and it remained smooth, refined, punchy and intuitive at all times. In fact, the Scenic E-Tech electric will get you through the daily grind with the greatest of ease thanks to its relaxed driving manners. The steering is light in all, but Sport mode, when it weighs up noticeably, and the car feels super-confident when cruising at motorways speeds. Renault has programmed the power in a smooth wave effect, but there is lots of punch available for passing slower traffic. The well-judged suspension set-up ensures that all occupants will enjoy a cossetting ride quality, and overall body control is equally impressive too. In short, the Scenic E-Tech is a very well-rounded and talented 5-seat family-focused electric crossover, and it deserves to be a popular choice.  

Verdict , Price & Warranty.

Its tech, interior finish and roominess are very appealing features in the new Scenic E-Tech electric, but the cars’ overall driving dynamics are faultless. With the long range battery capable of up to 610km of driving pleasure, this could be the car that breaks the myth of range anxiety for good. The all-new Renault Scenic E-Tech is priced from €39,995 for the Evolution trim with the 60kWh battery, with my test car specification priced at €54,795 (ex-delivery).

Visit www.renault.ie for further information.