Get ready to say hello to a familiar name with a bold new identity! Renault’s Scenic is back, but not as you remember it. Once a boxy, petrol-powered family wagon from the late 90s and 2000s, the Scenic has been reborn as the Scenic E-Tech, a sleek, all-electric crossover SUV. And here’s the kicker: it’s just landed in Australia, marking a surprising yet exciting addition to the local EV scene. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this reimagined Scenic a worthy successor to its practical predecessor, or has it lost its family-friendly charm in the pursuit of modernity? Let’s dive in.
At the recent Melbourne Everything Electric show, Glen Sealey, General Manager of Renault Australia, officially unveiled the Scenic E-Tech, complete with pricing and ordering details. This move comes hot on the heels of Renault’s announcement earlier this year that six new or updated models would hit Australian roads over the next 18 months. Sealey proudly declared, ‘The Renault Scenic E-Tech is just the start of our revitalisation program, and we are delighted to introduce this award-winning car in Australia.’ But this is the part most people miss—the Scenic E-Tech isn’t just a new car; it’s a symbol of Renault’s ambitious shift toward electrification and modern design.
From Boxy Wagon to Sleek SUV: A Transformation Worth Noting
The original Scenic was known for its practicality, comfortably seating five (later seven) passengers and their luggage. But let’s be honest—its design was more function over form. Fast forward to 2023, and the Scenic E-Tech has ditched its boxy roots for a more streamlined, crossover SUV look. Launched in Europe late last year, this all-electric model (denoted by the ‘E-Tech’ badge) is a far cry from its predecessor, both in style and substance.
Trim Levels and Tech: Something for Everyone?
In Australia, the Scenic E-Tech is available in two trims: ‘Techno’ and ‘Esprit Alpine.’ The Techno trim offers two battery options: a 60 kWh battery with a 125 kW motor, delivering up to 430 km of WLTP range, or an 87 kWh battery with a 160 kW motor, pushing the range to an impressive 625 km. Priced at $60,522 drive-away for the 60 kWh version, it’s packed with features like heated seats and steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are these features enough to justify the price tag, or is Renault banking too heavily on its electric makeover?
The long-range Techno version adds around $4,000 to the price, bringing the total to $64,690 drive-away. For that extra cash, you get the larger battery and more powerful motor. Both versions include steering wheel paddles for adjusting regenerative braking—a feature I personally find invaluable, though it’s surprisingly absent in many BEVs.
Luggage Space and Smart Features: Practicality Meets Innovation
With 545 litres of boot space (expandable to 1,670 litres with the rear seats down), the Scenic E-Tech hasn’t forgotten its family-friendly roots. All models come with over-the-air updates, access to the MyRenault App, and an embedded Google system enabling voice control for up to 70 functions—far beyond just infotainment. But here’s where it gets interesting: Is this tech overload, or the perfect blend of convenience and innovation?
Esprit Alpine: Luxury or Overkill?
For an additional $6,000, you can upgrade to the ‘Esprit Alpine’ version, which exclusively features the larger battery and motor combo. It adds 20-inch wheels, a Harman Kardon 9-speaker sound system, and electric front seats. The interior gets an ‘Alpine-themed’ makeover, though Australian specs are yet to be confirmed. Overseas, this includes sports seats with blue stitching, Alpine badging, and blue detailing throughout. But let’s be real—is this luxury upgrade worth the extra cost, or is it just for show?
Charging and Warranty: Peace of Mind or Room for Improvement?
AC charging supports up to 11 kW, while DC charging peaks at 130 kW for the 60 kWh battery and 150 kW for the 87 kWh version. Renault offers a 5-year/100,000 km warranty on the car and an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery (to 70% capacity), plus a free 5-year 24/7 roadside assistance package. Service intervals are set at 1 year or 30,000 km, whichever comes first. But here’s a question to ponder: In a competitive EV market, is this warranty package enough to stand out?
Arrival Timeline and Technical Specs: What to Expect
The top-of-the-range Esprit Alpine will lead the local rollout, with deliveries expected late this year or early 2026. Technical details highlight its performance, with the long-range models boasting a 0–100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds. Dimensions are compact yet spacious, with a length of 4,470 mm and a boot volume of up to 1,670 litres. But this is the part most people miss—with its blend of performance, practicality, and tech, is the Scenic E-Tech the ultimate family EV, or does it fall short in a crowded market?
Pricing Breakdown: Value for Money or Premium Overreach?
Prices start at $55,990 + ORC for the Scenic Techno EV60, rising to $65,990 + ORC for the Esprit Alpine EV87. Optional extras like metallic paint ($800) and matte paint ($1,200 for Esprit Alpine) add to the cost. But here’s the controversial take: In a market flooded with EVs, is the Scenic E-Tech priced competitively, or is Renault charging a premium for its reimagined icon?
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Scenic?
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a bold statement—a fusion of nostalgia and innovation. But as it enters the Australian market, it faces tough competition. Is it the practical family EV we’ve been waiting for, or a stylish yet overpriced entrant? That’s for you to decide. What’s your take? Does the Scenic E-Tech live up to its legacy, or has Renault gone too far in its transformation? Let us know in the comments!
