MUNICH -- Renault has launched its first full-electric compact SUV with the Scenic E-Tech, offering more than 620 km (385 miles) of range with two battery and two motor choices.
The Scenic E-Tech, making its debut at the 2023 Munich auto show, will reach the market at the start of next year.
It will give Renault three distinct offerings in the compact SUV segment, joining the new Austral, a traditionally styled SUV that replaced the Kadjar, and the Arkana, a coupe-style design that has been something of a surprise best-seller.
It will be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF-EV platform, which also underpins a sibling model from Nissan, the Ariya SUV, as well as the Renault Megane E-Tech compact hatchback.
The Scenic is the fifth major compact or midsize launch for Renault since 2021. CEO Luca de Meo is pushing sales of larger, higher-margin vehicles over small cars, where Renault has had a leadership position at the expense of profit margins.
The Scenic nameplate was used for more than 25 years as a minivan variant of the Megane. Along with Espace – now a seven-seat midsize SUV based on the Austral – Renault has repositioned the Scenic as an SUV.
Stellantis found success with a similar tactic for the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, onetime minivans that are now SUVs.
The main styling points of the Scenic E-Tech were revealed in 2022 in the Scenic Vision concept. Similar to the Megane E-Tech, broad surface areas are set off by high-tech, jewel-like details.
The Scenic E-Tech features a 2780 mm wheelbase, which is 100 mm longer than the Megane E-Tech. Overall length is 4470 mm, 40 mm shorter than the Austral (and relatively short for the segment), but 260 mm longer than the Megane. Similar to the Megane, the Scenic has short front and rear overhangs, which Renault says emphasize the robustness and athleticism of the design, as do flared wheel arches.
Aerodynamic details include flush door handles, 20-inch wheels with inserts that reduce the surface area and low-profile roof bars.