The Renault Scenic is again in Australia after 15 years, however it’s far faraway from what native Francophiles could bear in mind.
Not an oddball compact individuals mover, the new-generation Scenic has now donned Renault’s E-Tech branding and adopted the type of a mid-size electrical SUV, putting it squarely within the combine with a few of Australia’s hottest electrical automobiles (EVs).
That additionally makes it the fourth EV to be bought by Renault in Australia, following the Zoe metropolis hatch, Megane E-Tech small SUV, and Kangoo E-Tech supply van. There are many different electrical Renault fashions on sale abroad, however they’re unlikely to return to Australia within the foreseeable future.
Regardless, the Scenic E-Tech is amongst six new or refreshed fashions Renault has promised to deliver to Australia within the subsequent six months. Whereas particulars of that rollout are scarce, it’s extremely possible it’ll revolve round electrified fashions, together with hybrids.
That’ll be necessary for the low-volume French model, which has skilled a decline in gross sales regionally as Chinese language manufacturers – typically with cheaper vehicles – have skyrocketed in reputation.
In actual fact, 2025 was Renault Australia’s worst gross sales lead to 14 years, with 4569 registrations down 17.8 per cent on 2024. And the brand new yr has gotten off to an inauspicious begin – its gross sales within the first two months of 2026 had been additionally down 17.8 per cent on the identical interval in 2025.
Within the meantime, six Chinese language manufacturers surged previous Renault on the 2025 gross sales chart, all of which promote vehicles cheaper than everything of Renault’s present catalogue. Nonetheless, the French model is seeking to flip its fortunes round, and the Scenic is its first assertion of intent.
It’s priced sharply, gives a aggressive claimed driving vary, and comes with a wholesome record of normal options. Solely the flagship Esprit Alpine (pronounced ‘es-pree al-peen’) is out there from this month’s launch, with the usual Techno trim as a result of arrive in late Might or early June 2026.
CarExpert was amongst media invited to Canberra to pattern the Scenic E-Tech Esprit Alpine – how does it stack up primarily based on our first impressions, and can or not it’s sufficient to regular Renault’s ship?
How a lot does the Renault Scenic E-Tech price?
The Renault Scenic E-Tech begins at $55,990 earlier than on-road prices for the bottom Techno, and extends to $65,990 earlier than on-roads for the flagship Esprit Alpine.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech Techno | $55,990 |
| 2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech Techno Lengthy Vary | $59,990 |
| 2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech Esprit Alpine | $65,990 |
Notably, as Renault identified to us, the Scenic E-Tech is less expensive in Australia than in Europe. Within the UK, the vary begins at £35,495 for the bottom Techno, which is roughly A$67,950 in a direct conversion – attractive for certain.
As for rivals, Renault Australia common supervisor Glen Sealey explicitly named the Kia EV5 as a “golden competitor” as a result of its “comparable dimension” and “comparable worth factors”.
Sourced from China, the EV5 ranges in worth from $56,770 to $61,170 earlier than on-roads in its most comparable front-wheel drive kind. A key distinction is that Kia additionally gives two all-wheel drive variations with significantly extra energy than the Scenic, priced at both $64,770 or $71,770 earlier than on-roads.
In any other case, the bottom Scenic is just barely dearer than the smaller Megane E-Tech ($54,990 earlier than on-roads), cheaper than the bottom Tesla Mannequin Y ($58,900 earlier than on-roads), and barely above the BYD Sealion 7 ($54,990 earlier than on-roads).
To see how the Renault Scenic E-Tech stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
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What’s the Renault Scenic E-Tech like on the within?
There’s a premium edge to the Scenic’s cabin, which looks like an upscale evolution of Renault’s attribute inside design language established over the previous decade.
The central portrait-style infotainment touchscreen blends nearly seamlessly into the digital instrument show’s housing, damaged up by a set of vertical air vents. This creates a cockpit really feel, as this massive, related panel angles in direction of the driving force and sits fairly excessive on the dashboard.
It is a comparable strategy to that of the EV5, besides Renault has opted to not comply with the Korean model in utilising a 3rd touchscreen for local weather controls between the infotainment and instrument shows. The Scenic is all the higher for it, too, as Kia’s association is an ergonomic nightmare.
As an alternative, Renault has maintained its tried-and-tested array of bodily local weather controls on the backside of the infotainment display screen. Whereas nonetheless not good, given the bodily buttons are merely shortcuts for probably the most primary local weather capabilities, it’s preferable to the screen-only strategy of many rivals.
Extra nuanced controls are discovered within the always-on ribbon on the backside of the touchscreen above.
Except for these clicky bodily switches, the Scenic’s inside controls are nonetheless a bit uncommon, particularly when you’re used to Western and Japanese vehicles. For one, Renault’s quirky stalk for infotainment controls reappears, changing extra conventional steering wheel-mounted buttons.
In observe, this setup works fairly properly, however it’ll take newcomers a second to regulate given it’s hidden behind the steering wheel. Because of this, you’ll solely discover primary controls on the wheel itself; it will be higher in the event that they had been completed in something aside from piano-black plastic and labelled only a contact extra explicitly.
Urgent these buttons will ultimately reveal the instrument show’s configurability. We fairly like its model, and there are a number of seems to be with completely different information shows to scroll by, together with navigation by way of the automobile’s built-in Google performance.
The one different merchandise of observe is the gear selector. It’s a column-mounted stick, however it seems to be odd given its form and dimension – completely useful, however quirky nonetheless.
A theme all through the cabin is how well-made the whole lot feels. The screens are snappy and graphically sharp, all fittings are rock-solid, and materials selection is undeniably premium – it seems to be and feels far much less plasticky than many different fashionable Renaults.
A part of that will need to do with the additional gear fitted to the flagship Esprit Alpine. Highlights embrace bespoke supportive seats, a premium, leather-wrapped tiller with a suede insert, and the high-end sound system, which builds on the Scenic’s customary soft-touch surfaces and robust ergonomics.
You’ll additionally discover distinctive design parts just like the blue inserts on the door playing cards and dashboard, together with the French blue, white and purple stitching. Whereas this Scenic is ‘Alpine’ in look solely, its sporty enhancements are well-considered and significant.
Storage-wise, the Scenic is well-appointed. Beneath the infotainment show is a ‘floating’ tray with a wi-fi telephone charger, whereas additional again is a ‘floating’ armrest that includes a coin tray, two USB-C ports and a deep storage field.
Moreover, you get a big tray that matches a purse properly, together with a central cupholder. The cubbies within the doorways are finest suited to small bottles, however there are many locations to stow your fine details all over the place you look.
The Scenic’s second row is spacious, and at 173cm I had no points with legroom or headroom. There’s no driveline hump to compromise foot room in any seating place, with the utterly flat flooring making it straightforward to scoot throughout the bench if want be.
The seats themselves are surprisingly supportive and have backrests with deep cut-outs, which do a greater job of holding you in place than in most different SUVs. Facilities aren’t dangerous both, with twin air vents (however no third climate-control zone) and USB-C ports on the again of the centre console.
The actual social gathering piece, nonetheless, is Renault’s ‘Ingenious’ centre armrest. It is a configurable armrest with a lid that opens to disclose small storage trays, one other pair of USB-C ports, and cupholders with swivelling machine holders for something from telephones to full-size tablets – nice for retaining younger ones entertained.
You additionally get storage pouches on the entrance seatbacks, and the rear bench folds down in a 40:20:40 configuration when you’re carrying longer objects however have to maintain particular seats accessible.
The Scenic’s boot is spacious, with a deep flooring to maximise capability. Its quoted 545 litres of capability is bigger than the EV5’s 513L and even the Sealion 7’s 500L, although it feels smaller than a Mannequin Y boot within the steel. An influence tailgate is customary throughout the vary.
Extra space is unlocked by a deep cubby beneath the ground, however it’s in any other case a case of what you see is what you get. There’s additionally no spare wheel, as Renault has adopted most different EVs in together with solely a tyre restore package with the Scenic.
There’s additionally no under-bonnet storage, with that house taken up by a nest {of electrical} gubbins.
| Dimensions | Renault Scenic E-Tech |
|---|---|
| Size | 4470mm |
| Width | 1864mm |
| Peak | 1565mm |
| Wheelbase | 2785mm |
| Cargo capability | 545L (rear seats up) 1670L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Renault Scenic E-Tech stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Two powertrains can be found for the Scenic E-Tech. Each variants are front-wheel drive, although the bottom choice has a 60kWh battery with as much as 430km of vary, whereas the Lengthy Vary will get an 87kWh battery and a claimed vary of 625km.
| Specs | Scenic E-Tech | Scenic E-Tech Lengthy Vary |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 60kWh nickel manganese cobalt | 87kWh nickel manganese cobalt |
| Energy | 125kW | 160kW |
| Torque | 280Nm | 300Nm |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Tare mass | 1746kg | 1840kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.6 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 16.3kWh/100km | 16.8kWh/100km |
| Power consumption (as examined) | – | – |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 430km | 625km |
| Max AC cost fee | 11kW | 11kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 130kW | 150kW |
Energy outputs additionally differ barely between the 2 drivetrains, with the Lengthy Vary gaining an additional 35kW and 20Nm (see above). The Lengthy Vary powertrain is out there with each the Techno and the Esprit Alpine trims, whereas the opposite is unique to the Techno.
We didn’t get sufficient time in anyone Scenic to document a consultant real-world vitality consumption determine, however we did observe a determine of round 17kWh/100km after about an hour of driving.
To see how the Renault Scenic E-Tech stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How does the Renault Scenic E-Tech drive?
The Scenic instantly impresses with its inside, so we anticipated a few of that aptitude to hold by as soon as we hit the street.
Flattening on the column shifter selects Drive, and a few issues will instantly grow to be apparent when you begin shifting. The primary is the steering, which we anticipated to really feel completely different to most different vehicles given Renault’s briefing the day earlier than.
The drawcard is that it has fairly a low ratio, which implies it requires much less enter on the wheel to realize the identical steering angle as different SUVs with a extra ‘regular’ ratio. I simply so occurred to be driving a Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the course of the week of the Renault’s launch, and the distinction between the 2 is stark.
In actual fact on first impressions, the Scenic feels considerably twitchy. Not essentially unstable, however the truth that small inputs on the tiller translate to massive adjustments of course could really feel odd till you’re used to it.
Happily, the adjustment interval is simply as brief because the steering ratio. You’ll shortly discover the steering really feel is definitely pretty intuitive, making the Scenic really feel fairly agile in city environments.
The opposite notable attribute is the Scenic’s brake really feel. Sadly, the pedal’s journey is spongey and the chunk level is imprecise, which makes it tough to guage when making an attempt to be progressive on the brakes – be it pulling as much as a purple gentle or diving right into a flip.
In contrast to the steering, our impression of the braking didn’t enhance over the course of the drive. We’ve little question that odd really feel is the results of combining regenerative and friction braking, as we’ve noticed comparable behaviour in lots of different EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
It’s a disgrace, particularly when you’re not a fan of super-strong regen braking, like this writer. In case you’re on the opposite facet of the fence, there are 4 ranges of regen power to play with utilizing the steering wheel paddles, plus a real ‘one-pedal’ drive setting.
This masks the sub-par brake pedal really feel to a level, and it’s possible how most house owners will drive as properly. For me, it’s the one factor of the Scenic’s drive expertise that wants a contact extra fine-tuning.
The Scenic in any other case presents a strong bundle that’s pleasing to drive. The powertrain in Lengthy Vary variations (together with the Esprit Alpine we drove) isn’t potent, however it’s highly effective sufficient to get you in control in a comfortably fast time.
It feels notably robust when planting the throttle from about 80km/h, when it’ll shortly shoot previous 100km/h with no hesitation. That is good for overtaking on rural roads, even when it received’t win many drag races.
In actual fact, the shortage of outright energy means you’re unlikely to run into severe torque steer on this front-drive SUV. That every one makes it very approachable whereas nonetheless delivering efficiency that may impress anybody used to combustion options.
In terms of dealing with, the Scenic is well-sorted, however it isn’t a sports activities automobile. Whereas it’ll mean you can take turns at greater speeds than most conventional SUVs with composure, the Scenic isn’t about to set any hill climb information. It’s simply sharp sufficient to let you could have some enjoyable.
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The trade-off of its sporty setup is a agency experience, exacerbated by the Esprit Alpine’s 20-inch alloys. Renault has nonetheless completed an honest job of masking the Scenic’s weight, no less than higher than Hyundai has completed with non-performance Ioniq 5 variants, however it’s a contact extra bobbly than we anticipated.
Round city, although, it’s completely livable. You’ll solely actually discover the agency experience when travelling at excessive pace on bumpy rural roads, and even then it doesn’t really feel prefer it’s about to bounce off the street. Street noise isn’t even that dangerous.
If you wish to liven issues up, there are 4 completely different drive modes to select from. They’re all pretty self-explanatory, however don’t count on a distinction in experience high quality while you flick to ‘Sport’ mode – this simply sharpens throttle response and makes the steering heavier.
The latter grants extra management over micro-inputs, which is very useful given the brief steering ratio. You can even utilise ‘Perso’ mode to customize the automobile’s security methods to fit your tastes, however we don’t suppose you’ll have to.
Renault is especially pleased with the calibration of the Scenic’s security tech, and we are able to see why. Nothing bugged us in the course of the launch – no points with lane-keeping, no points with pace restrict warnings, and no points with driver monitoring. And sure, we made certain they had been all enabled.
This was refreshing in a brand-new automobile, and pretty damning for different fashions just like the Ioniq 5, which I maintain mentioning due to its obnoxious speed-limit warnings and so forth. The loopy factor is the Hyundai is much dearer than the Renault, but the Scenic has far more palatable tech.
All of that mixes to create a powerful EV bundle with simply sufficient efficiency and simply sufficient dynamic sharpness to maintain you entertained. It might be agency, and the brake pedal could not really feel incredible, however general it’s fairly pleasing.
It additionally feels meaningfully completely different in comparison with most different EVs in the marketplace proper now, which is simply how a Renault needs to be.
What do you get?
Australian-delivered Scenics will likely be accessible in two grades.
2026 Renault Scenic Techno tools highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- Auto LED headlights
- Energy-folding facet mirrors
- Auto-dimming digital rear-view mirror
- Heated steering wheel and entrance seats
- Gentle gray material upholstery
- Wi-fi and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-fi smartphone charger
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-inch vertical infotainment display screen
- Digital Assistant
- Google Constructed-in
- Over-the-air software program updates
- Distant companies by way of MyRenault App
- Embedded Google Maps
- 6-speaker Arkamys Traditional Sound System
- Energy tailgate
- 40:20:40-split/folding rear seats
- ‘Ingenious’ again seat armrest
- 2 USB-C cost ports
- 2 cupholders
- 2 telephone holders
- Inner storage
- 2 x USB-C cost ports – entrance
- 4 x USB-C cost ports – rear
- 1 x 12V energy socket – entrance
- 1 x 12V energy socket – boot
- 4 drive modes
- One-pedal drive mode
- 48 ambient lighting modes (inside)
2026 Renault Scenic Esprit Alpine provides or replaces:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Alpine grille, exterior door trims, badging
- Optionally available matte gray physique color
- Face ID (driver recognition for seat and mirror settings)
- Infrared windscreen
- Metallic pedal covers
- 6-way power-adjustable entrance seats with reminiscence
- Therapeutic massage operate for driver’s seat
- Artificial ‘leather-based’ and material seat trim with Alpine stitching
- Aluminium accents for entrance door trims
- 9-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
Is the Renault Scenic E-Tech secure?
The Renault Scenic E-Tech has a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on testing performed by Euro NCAP in 2022.
| Class | Renault Scenic E-Tech |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 92 per cent |
| Susceptible street consumer safety | 77 per cent |
| Security help | 85 per cent |
Commonplace security options embrace:
- 7 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Blind-spot help
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Arms-free parking help
- Lane centring help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Secure exit warning
- Pace signal recognition
- Encompass-view digicam
- Tyre strain monitor
To see how the Renault Scenic E-Tech stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Renault Scenic E-Tech price to run?
The Scenic E-Tech is backed by Renault Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Renault Scenic E-Tech |
|---|---|
| Car guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Excessive-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 30,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual service price | $325 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $1625 |
Renault’s particular person service prices for the Scenic are detailed beneath:
| Service | Value |
|---|---|
| 12 months, 30,000km | $229 |
| 24 months, 60,000km | $309 |
| 36 months, 90,000km | $319 |
| 48 months, 120,000km | $549 |
| 60 months, 150,000km | $219 |
Service prices for the Scenic are barely cheaper than that of its rivals. Kia gives pay as you go plans for its EVs, and a five-year plan for the bottom EV5 Air prices $1839, whereas the identical for the higher-spec Earth and GT-Line variations prices $2389.
The bottom BYD Sealion 7 Premium, in the meantime, prices $1757 to service over 5 years, whereas Tesla doesn’t do conventional service plans.
To see how the Renault Scenic E-Tech stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Renault Scenic E-Tech Esprit Alpine
The Scenic E-Tech isn’t good, however it does lots proper in a world of more and more same-same electrical SUVs.
The factor is, none of its flaws are main or terminal. Some recalibration might go a good distance to enhance its brake pedal really feel – probably the most vital challenge – however the whole lot else together with the short steering and quirky inside controls will really feel regular when you’ve pushed the automobile for some time.
Except for that, the automobile seems to be good, gives wise efficiency, and drives as anticipated for a sporty European SUV, even when it’s a little stiff. Plus, its inside is a pleasant place to spend time in and feels neither underdone nor overdone, given the Scenic’s worth level.
That worth level is sharp too, particularly contemplating it’s not solely aggressive alongside its native rivals but additionally less expensive than it’s in Europe.
However maybe an important factor is the actual fact the Scenic is completely different to the whole lot else on sale in Australia proper now. It has a singular design each inside and outside, and it drives with a distinctly European character.
Whereas we’ve solely pushed the flagship Esprit Alpine, we are able to confidently say the Scenic’s Lengthy Vary variants are the wise decide given their 600km-plus driving vary. The bottom model will nonetheless get you by, however it’ll be higher suited to urbanites than regional motorists.
With that in thoughts, we’re inclined to suggest the Techno Lengthy Vary over the Esprit Alpine. With out having pushed it, we count on the smaller wheels will translate to a barely extra compliant experience, and there’s no ignoring the truth that it’s $6000 cheaper.
The lacking tools should not destroy the character of the Scenic both, as good because the flagship’s further Alpine-flavoured fittings are.
All stated, the Scenic is a compelling new providing within the electrical SUV world, and provides us hope for the rollout of recent and refreshed Renaults promised over the course of 2026.
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