2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech electric SUV revealed, Australian launch possible

The 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech has debuted as a small electric SUV – and it could come to Australia.

Revealed at the 2023 Munich motor show, the Scenic E-Tech is said to retain its “pioneering and family-friendly DNA”, with a longer wheelbase than before and up to 620 kilometres of WLTP-rated driving range.

First introduced in 1996 as a Megane-based small multi-purpose vehicle, the Scenic retained this body style across three generations until the last model ended production in 2022, with the nameplate now re-purposed for its fifth generation as an all-electric SUV.

It follows the recent introduction of the sixth-generation Renault Espace as a mid-size hybrid SUV – a larger, seven-seat version of the Nissan Qashqai-based Austral – replacing the large MPV.

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The Scenic – and its Scenic RX4 four-wheel-drive derivative – was sold in Australia between 2001 and 2009, and the name could return to local shores with the Scenic E-Tech.

“We are excited by the Renault Scenic E-Tech and could see it working in Australia if it’s made available to our market in right-hand drive,” said a Renault Australia spokesperson.

“As always, each potential model then needs to go through an internal business case to justify Renault’s investment to comply with Australia’s unique design rule requirements.”

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Under the skin, the Scenic E-Tech is based on the same CMF-EV platform as the Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, both due in Australia in 2024. It has a “compact battery supplying up to 87 kWh” and an electric motor with “up to 160kW”.

Measuring a compact 4470 millimetres long, 1860mm wide and 1570mm tall, with a 2780mm wheelbase, the Scenic E-Tech is similar in size to the BYD Atto 3 small SUV rather than the larger Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.

Inside, the Scenic E-Tech is almost identical to the electric Megane, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment system powered by Android Automotive 12, allowing for Google’s built-in features.

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Wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is retained, while the system supports over-the-air software updates, “AI-generated suggestions”, and voice control.

Like the Rafale, the Scenic E-Tech has polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology for the panoramic sunroof that can darken and lighten, similar to the Porsche Taycan and BMW iX.

Renault said up to 24 per cent of the vehicle’s materials are recycled, and 90 per cent of “its mass – including the battery – is recyclable”.

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The Esprit Alpine range-topper features 20-inch wheels and recycled fabric upholstery made from used plastic bottles and seatbelts.

The 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech electric SUV will be built in France alongside the Megane E-Tech and reach the European market early next year. It has yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Could the Scenic E-Tech replace the Koleos?

Despite being replaced by the new Espace in Europe, Renault Australia’s top-selling vehicle, the Koleos, will continue in its current form in Australia until the end of next year, with no direct successor currently announced.

Renault Australia general manager, Glen Sealey, previously told Wheels “[Koleos] production will run through this year, through next year. And after that, we don't know”.

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Three right-hand drive options are available in Europe that could replace Koleos locally: the smaller Austral which replaced the Kadjar once sold in Australia, the new Rafale coupe SUV, or the Scenic E-Tech.

Renault has yet to confirm right-hand drive production for the Espace – including for the United Kingdom, where it has a higher market share.

Next year, Renault Australia will launch the Megane E-Tech, the latest Kangoo small van, a facelifted Arkana small SUV with available hybrid power, and the all-electric Master large van.