Extended test: 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech review
Renault's on a roll but does the long range Scenic hit the spot?
Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic Long Range 220HP specifications
- OTR Price: £45,495
- Price as tested (with options): £46,745
- Colour: Arctic White with Black Diamond roof
- Cost options fitted: Metallic paint (£1,250)
- Transmission: Single speed (automatic); front-wheel drive
- Power output: 217bhp
- Torque: 221 lb ft (300Nm)
- Weight (DIN/EU) 1,860kg / 1,935kg
- Luggage capacity (seats up /down) 545 litres / 1,670 litres
- Battery capacity: 87 kWh
- Range: 369 miles (WLTP combined)
- Top speed: 105mph
- 0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
- VED (road tax): £10 for first year; £620 annually for years 2-6; £195 thereafter
- BIK tax payable (2023/24): 2%
- Insurance Group: 32E
Test details
Test period February — August 2025
Starting mileage 5,572 miles
Updates
- April 10, 2025 Introducing the Renault Scenic
April 10, 2025: Introducing the Renault Scenic E-Tech
The arrival of the Renault Scenic E-Tech brought a flood of happy, nostalgic memories as I was the owner of a second-generation Scenic back in 2008. Having brought our first child into the world, and now having to deal with pushchairs and the like, our existing small car was no longer suitable and it was time to trade up to something bigger.
A visit to the local dealership introduced me to the world of MPVs (back then they were called people carriers) that were very much flavour of the moment.
The Scenic MkII’s voluminous interior swallowed up everything a young family could throw at it, making for an easy purchase decision as life was quickly enveloping me with baby paraphernalia.
The new Scenic, launched last year, is a very different proposition for two main reasons: firstly, it’s an SUV; and secondly, it’s pure electric. Does that means it has compromised on practicality? Over the next six months I shall be finding out.
First impressions have been good, as it’s a surprisingly stylish design — the flash “grille” and 20in “oracle” diamond cut alloy wheels particularly caught my attention.
It’s such a bold new direction from former Scenic models, though, that I wondered why they’ve revived the name at all. A well-placed Renault source informed me that its strong heritage as a family-orientated, value-for-money car remain integral qualities to the Scenic proposition, but of course they needed to throw in a heavy dose of re-imagination to suit 2025 tastes.
The Scenic E-Tech I’m testing is part of what the French carmaker calls its “Renaulution” — an ambitious road map for the future aimed at delivering next-gen vehicles via a complete transformation of its car-making processes. From the factory layout to the design room, Renault has a fresh new vision.
And most welcome it is, as the uninspiring vehicles of a few years ago have been replaced by exciting cars, starting with this Scenic and followed more recently by the release of the all-new Renault 5 EV, which has been getting rave reviews (including five stars from us). This year sees the return of the Renault 4 nameplate, too, and soon there will be a cute new Twingo city car. There’s even going to be an insanely fun Renault 5 Turbo, too.
For families wanting to ride the wave, though, the Scenic could be the answer. I’ve borrowed the version with the largest battery and an output of 220hp (217bhp), in range-topping Iconic specification, meaning it’s pretty much fully-loaded and has a price that reflects that: £45,495. Add the metallic white paint and the price as tested rises to £46,745.
Its worth noting, though, that there are versions of the Scenic that cost well under £40,000, and so avoid the expensive car supplement (an extra £420 a year from years two to six after registration). The entry-level Scenic E-Tech in “techno” trim, with a 170hp electric motor and “comfort” (standard) range battery, costs from £37,495.
If you can get the larger battery, though, it means the Scenic E-Tech in theory has a range of 379 miles, which drops to 369 miles for the Iconic model I’ve got on my driveway. This is very decent for an EV, and isn’t bad by petrol car standards, either … but as usual I take the advertised electric range with a pinch of salt. If you spend a lot of time on motorways, for example, it’s going to be much less than advertised, especially in the colder months when battery chemistry suffers. The true range of the Scenic should reveal itself over time.
Renault is fielding this car against a cluster of new mid-sized EVs that have come to market in the last year or so. Key rivals for the Renault Scenic E-Tech include the Peugeot e-3008, Tesla Model Y, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq. All offer sleek designs and impressive cabin features, but the Scenic stands up very well against them all.
However, you could argue that the real competition for buyers comes from middle-market petrol and hybrid cars. The Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage have delivered very successful sales figures built up over multiple facelifts, and combustion power is still considered a safe bet for many worried about switching to pure electric cars. Tempting this group before the 2030 deadline on sales of new petrol and diesel cars has to be one of Renault’s goals, so I aim to help you work out if its a car that fulfils the remit.
Afetr my first few weeks with the new Scenic, it seems that the nameplate does suit the car; it’s a serene drive and we’re enjoying the well-made, spacious, lounge-like interior. The grey recycled fabric dashboard, easy-to-navigate 12in central touchscreen and Solarbay glass roof are all standout features that I’ll expand on in future chapters.
No question, this is a very different Scenic experience from the one I had back in 2008, but my world and Renault’s have changed significantly since then, and this is a car that seems to easily fit my current lifestyle.
- Miles this month 451
- Miles to date 451
- Average economy 3.1 miles per kWh
Related articles
- If you are enjoying Tina’s Renault Scenic long-term review, you might like to check out what she had to say about the Honda HR-V hybrid
- Here’s all the latest on Renault
- For more in-depth car reviews, check out our long-term car reviews here
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