► We review Renault Scenic E-Tech
► The Scenic badge now adorns a cutting-edge EV
► Right at the sharp end of the EV grid
Despite the ongoing hype around EVs, the UK electric car market remains modest in size. Yet it’s growing fast heading for 25% of the UK car market as of 2025, and full of fresh metal from all four corners of the world vying for attention from drivers who care as much about tech as they do about a decent B-road.
Which is where the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric enters the frame. Whatever you want to call it – MPV, electric SUV or simply ‘car’ – it’s a significant piece of kit from the French brand. It’s stylish, innovative, and a former European Car of the Year winner in its own right.
It’s certainly good enough to tackle both EV stalwarts like the Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and even ICE-powered family crossovers like the Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq.
Should you buy a Renault Scenic E-Tech? Absolutely. It’s certainly one of the more engaging and tech-rich electric family cars out there, combining a strong dose of Renault character with solid real-world usability.
Here’s how we test cars, and why you should trust us.
At a glance
Pros: Engaging handling, efficient powertrain, impressive range
Cons: Ride can be unsettled, tiny rear window, some cheap interior plastics
What’s new?
The Scenic nameplate once stood for compact MPVs, but it’s now pretty much the definitive all-electric family car. Renault refuses to define it as an MPV or an SUV, instead leaving it up to buyers to decide what sort of vehicle they see in its sleek, crossover-inspired lines.
It’s certainly packed with fresh thinking. It’s one of the first mass-market EVs to claim significant sustainability credentials, with huge use of recycled materials, and it’s designed for longevity, right down to a modular battery pack that can be repaired rather than binned if it develops a fault.
What are the specs?
Think of the Scenic as the larger sibling to the Mégane E-Tech Electric. It’s longer, roomier, and offers a choice of two battery sizes: 60kWh and 87kWh. The 60kWh pack delivers an official range of 260 miles, while the 87kWh model stretches to a very healthy 379 miles on the WLTP cycle – more than you’ll manage in many similarly priced rivals.
Under the floor lies a Nickel Manganese Cobalt cell chemistry, said to boost energy density by 6%. Crucially, the battery’s 12 modules can be replaced individually, extending the lifespan of the car – a significant move as the industry grapples with EV sustainability and whole-life costs.
Two power outputs are available: 168bhp for the 60kWh car and 215bhp for the 87kWh model. Both send power to the front wheels via Renault’s electrically excited synchronous motor. Notably, the motor avoids rare earth materials and is engineered for efficiency at motorway speeds by varying magnetic excitation.
Charging is competitive. Maximum DC charging stands at 150kW, with Renault claiming the car can sustain an average of 110kW during a rapid session, recouping 50kWh in half an hour – enough for roughly 200 miles of motorway driving. A heat pump is standard, while Google Maps integration helps precondition the battery for rapid charging.
How does it drive?
Renault’s recent EVs have shown a pleasing willingness to keep the brand’s traditional joie de vivre alive, and the Scenic E-Tech Electric is no exception.
At low speeds, the accelerator’s progression and moderate brake regeneration mean it’s easy to drive smoothly. Braking is predictable enough for everyday driving, though the pedal feel isn’t as crisp as in a Tesla Model Y. There’s no true one-pedal mode, but you can ramp up regen through four levels using steering wheel paddles.
Out on twisty roads, the Scenic’s quick steering ratio (12:1) and relatively light weight give it a surprisingly agile feel for a family EV. The front tyres can tug under power if you’re heavy-footed, but there’s genuine composure in fast corners. Sport mode adds weight to the steering without feeling artificial, and the chassis remains settled over mid-corner bumps, though some might find it slightly darty initially.
Performance isn’t head-snapping by modern EV standards – the top 215bhp version takes 7.9 seconds to reach 62mph – but the delivery is smooth and perfectly brisk enough for overtakes and daily use.
What about the interior?
One of the Scenic’s biggest draws is its tech-laden, spacious interior. Renault’s push for sustainability means no leather upholstery, but you’d hardly notice. Recycled fabrics and clever textures keep things feeling premium, at least in the higher trims, though the door tops can feel cheap if you tap them.
The driver sits behind a crisp 12.0-inch digital cluster with lively animations and Google-based infotainment, punctuated by an intro from French synth legend Jean-Michel Jarre every time you start up. The effect is pure theatre.
Rear passengers enjoy plenty of leg and headroom thanks to a flat floor and upright roofline. The Solarbay glass roof is a particular highlight, switching from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, freeing up headroom and reducing glare.
It’s usefully practical too, with an equipment tally including a smart rear armrest with trays, USB-C ports, and clever tablet holders. However, the rear window is tiny and combined with chunky C-pillars, makes visibility poor – a real flaw in an otherwise clever package.
Before you buy
Three trims are available: Techno, Esprit Alpine, and Iconic. The lower end of the range offers plenty of kit already, while higher trims bring extras like larger wheels, electric seats, and a clever rear-view camera mirror that doubles as a screen when your luggage blocks the view.
Prices range from £37,495 to £45,495. The Scenic sits in a crowded EV segment, battling not just the Kia Niro EV and Peugeot E-3008, but also newer arrivals like the Ford Explorer and Leapmotor C10. Against those, the Scenic offers excellent range for the money and a distinctive interior vibe.
Compared with the Skoda Enyaq, the Scenic feels lighter on its feet and more engaging to drive, though it can’t quite match the Skoda’s calm ride comfort. The Tesla Model Y is quicker and has more charging infrastructure but costs more and can feel rather stark inside.
Verdict
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is proof that family cars don’t need to be dull, even in the electric era. Its mix of style, sustainability, practicality, and genuinely entertaining dynamics makes it one of the more characterful choices in the electric family car field.
It’s not flawless. The rear visibility is woeful, the ride can become unsettled on rougher surfaces, and it’s not the quickest EV you’ll drive. But for a sensible family machine that still manages to keep keen drivers interested, the Scenic E-Tech Electric is a compelling alternative to the usual suspects.
If you’re in the market for a well-rounded, modern family EV, it should be on your shortlist.