Renault Scenic E-Tech: A family-friendly electric SUV with a Google-powered infotainment system

Renault has reinvented its iconic Scenic as an electric SUV that combines practicality, style, and technology. The Scenic E-Tech, which will go on sale in early 2024, promises a range of up to 388 miles, a spacious cabin, and a Google-based infotainment system that offers new levels of connectivity and entertainment.

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is part of Renault’s E-Tech electric car line-up, including the Renault Megane E-Tech hatchback and the Renault Austral E-Tech crossover. The Renault Scenic E-Tech is based on the same platform as the Nissan Ariya, another electric SUV that shares its battery and motor technology.

How does the Scenic E-Tech compare to other electric SUVs?

The Renault Scenic E-Tech faces tough competition from other electric SUVs in the market, such as the Tesla Model Y, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Volkswagen ID.4. These are some of the factors that set the Scenic E-Tech apart from its rivals:

• Price: The Scenic E-Tech is expected to start from around $44,000, which is lower than the Model Y ($49,990) and the Ioniq 5 ($45,000), but higher than the ID.4 ($39,995). However, the Scenic E-Tech may qualify for federal and state incentives that could lower its final cost.
• Range: The Scenic E-Tech has an impressive official range of 388 miles, which is more than the ID.4 (250 miles) and the Ioniq 5 (300 miles), but less than the Model Y (405 miles). The Scenic E-Tech also supports fast charging, allowing it to replenish 186 miles of range in 30 minutes.
• Performance: The Scenic E-Tech has a single electric motor that produces 217 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 105 mph. The Scenic E-Tech is not as quick as the Model Y (6.6 seconds), the Ioniq 5 (7.4 seconds), or the ID.4 (7.6 seconds), but it is still adequate for everyday driving.
• Space: The Scenic E-Tech has a generous interior space thanks to its tall and boxy shape. It offers 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 58.9 cubic feet by folding them down. The Scenic E-Tech also has a flat floor and a sliding rear bench that can increase legroom or luggage space. The Scenic E-Tech has more cargo space than the ID.4 (30.3/64.2 cubic feet) and the Ioniq 5 (27.2/59.3 cubic feet), but less than the Model Y (68 cubic feet).
• Technology: The Scenic E-Tech features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs on Google’s Android Automotive operating system. This means that the Scenic E-Tech has access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play, other Google services, and third-party apps. The Scenic E-Tech also has wireless charging, a head-up display, and a range of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The table below summarizes the main specifications and features of the Scenic E-Tech and its competitors:

What are the benefits of the Scenic E-Tech’s Google-based infotainment system?

The Scenic E-Tech is one of the first cars to feature a Google-based infotainment system, which offers several advantages over conventional systems. Some of the benefits are:

• Seamless integration: The Scenic E-Tech’s infotainment system can sync with the user’s Google account, allowing them to access their personal settings, preferences, contacts, calendar, and media across different devices. The system can also update itself over the air, ensuring that it always has the latest features and security patches.
• Voice control: The Scenic E-Tech’s infotainment system can be controlled by voice commands, thanks to the built-in Google Assistant. The user can simply say “Hey Google” and ask for directions, weather, traffic, music, or any other information or service. The Google Assistant can also perform tasks such as adjusting the climate, opening the sunroof, or changing the driving mode.
• Navigation: The Scenic E-Tech’s infotainment system uses Google Maps as its default navigation app, which offers accurate and real-time information on routes, traffic, speed limits, charging stations, and points of interest. The user can also use Google Maps to plan their trips on their smartphone and send them to the car, or use the Google Assistant to ask for directions on the go.
• Entertainment: The Scenic E-Tech’s infotainment system has access to Google Play, which offers a wide selection of apps, games, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and videos. The user can also stream content from their favorite streaming services, such as Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+, or use the Google Assistant to play content by voice.
• Customization: The Scenic E-Tech’s infotainment system can be customized to suit the user’s preferences and needs. The user can choose from different themes, widgets, layouts, and colors, as well as download and install new apps from the Google Play store. The user can also create different profiles for different drivers or passengers, and switch between them easily.

How does the Scenic E-Tech fit into Renault’s electric car strategy?

The Scenic E-Tech is part of Renault’s ambitious electric car strategy, which aims to make the French brand a leader in the European EV market. Renault plans to launch 10 new electric models by 2025, including seven fully electric and three hybrid vehicles. The Scenic E-Tech is the third electric model to be launched, following the Renault Megane E-Tech and the Renault Austral E-Tech.

Renault’s electric car strategy is based on three pillars: innovation, sustainability, and affordability. The Scenic E-Tech embodies these pillars by offering:

• Innovation: The Scenic E-Tech showcases Renault’s latest technology, such as the Google-based infotainment system, the head-up display, and the driver assistance features. The Scenic E-Tech also uses a modular platform that can accommodate different battery sizes and power outputs, as well as different body styles and segments.
• Sustainability: The Scenic E-Tech contributes to Renault’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Scenic E-Tech emits zero tailpipe emissions, uses renewable energy sources, and supports smart charging and vehicle-to-grid solutions. The Scenic E-Tech is also made from nearly 25% recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, and textile fibers.
• Affordability: The Scenic E-Tech aims to make electric mobility accessible to more customers, by offering a competitive price, a long range, and low running costs. The Scenic E-Tech also benefits from Renault’s experience and expertise in electric vehicles, which dates back to 2011 with the launch of the Zoe, the best-selling electric car in Europe.

Conclusion

The Scenic E-Tech is a bold and innovative electric SUV that reinvents the Scenic nameplate and challenges the established players in the market. The Scenic E-Tech offers a compelling package of practicality, style, and technology, with a Google-powered infotainment system that sets it apart from its rivals. The Scenic E-Tech also fits into Renault’s electric car strategy, which aims to make the brand a leader in the European EV market. The Scenic E-Tech will go on sale in early 2024, with prices starting from around $44,000.