[Test Drive] Renault Scenic, the "Electric Family Car," Continues the Success of Compact SUVs

Renault returns to the electric vehicle market after three years
Smooth ride rivals that of a sedan
Equipped with LG Energy Solution battery... 460km on a single charge
"Panoramic glass roof" catches the eye

Renault Korea has made a return to the domestic electric vehicle market after three years. The star of this comeback is the Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric (hereafter referred to as "Scenic"), which was named "Car of the Year" in Europe during its debut year last year. As its outstanding product quality has already been proven overseas, there is growing interest in whether it can become another hit for Renault in Korea, following the QM6 and Grand Koleos. On June 26, we had the opportunity to experience the Scenic, driving from the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul to Yangpyeong.

The Scenic is positioned as an "electric family car." Originally launched in 1996 as a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Scenic was reborn as a fully electric vehicle in September 2023. It has now established itself as the representative model in Renault's C-segment electric vehicle lineup.

Senic E-Tech 100% Electric. Renault Korea

The vehicle measures 4,470mm in length, 1,865mm in width, and 1,590mm in height. Its size is similar to Renault's Arkana (length 4,570mm, width 1,820mm, height 1,570mm). The wheelbase is 2,785mm, which is longer than the Arkana's 2,720mm, while the front and rear overhangs (distance from bumper to wheel) are shorter, maximizing interior space.

At the front, Renault's diamond-shaped "lozenge" emblem is prominently displayed, and the same diamond pattern is boldly applied to the upper part of the grille, catching the eye. The specially designed 20-inch "Oracle Wheels" (Iconic trim) also feature the diamond pattern, which is said to minimize air resistance.

Opening the flush door handles, which do not protrude, and stepping inside, you are greeted by two displays: a 12-inch horizontal screen for the driver's seat and a 12-inch vertical touchscreen in the center console. These make up the "openR link" multimedia system.

Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric's SolarBay Panorama Sunroof. Renault Korea

The test vehicle on this day was the top-tier Iconic trim, equipped with a "SolarBay panoramic sunroof" on the ceiling. It is notable that the transparency of the glass can be adjusted in four levels, either for the entire sunroof or separately for the front and rear sections, allowing you to control the amount of light entering from outside. With a surface area of 1.65m², it increases the sense of openness, and its laminated glass structure is designed to ensure safety even in the event of breakage.

With a UV (ultraviolet) blocking rate of 99% and a total solar transmittance (TTS) of 16%, it offers about 2.5 times the energy-saving effect compared to a regular glass sunroof. However, since it cannot be adjusted to be completely opaque or fully transparent, it is likely to be a matter of personal preference.

Pressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle moves forward smoothly. With a curb weight of up to 1,915kg, it is lighter than its competitor, the Ioniq 5 (2,015kg). Combining a 160kW electric motor with a maximum torque of 300Nm, it delivers impressive acceleration. It is said to take 7.9 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standstill.

The car remains stable even at higher speeds. It is built on the dedicated "AmpR Medium" platform developed by Renault's electric vehicle subsidiary, Ampere, which provides optimal weight distribution and reduces body roll while driving. Instead of the typical floating sensation of some electric vehicles, the Scenic feels as if it hugs the road surface.

Senic E-Tech 100% Electric. Renault Korea

Depending on the driving situation, you can choose from four Multi-Sense modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Perso (custom). These modes alter everything from interior lighting and seat comfort to powertrain settings and pedal responsiveness, adding to the driving enjoyment.

The vehicle is equipped with an 87kWh NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery from LG Energy Solution, Renault's partner, enabling a maximum driving range of up to 460km on a single charge. Using a 130kW fast charger, it can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 34 minutes.

The Scenic features "Fireman Access" technology for electric vehicle fire response, which creates a passage in the battery case so that, in the event of a fire, water can be directly injected into the battery cells with a fire hose to prevent overheating. In addition, a "pyro switch" is installed, which automatically cuts off battery power if the airbags deploy in an accident.

For safe driving, the Scenic offers 30 advanced driver assistance features, including Active Driver Assist, which supports Level 2 autonomous driving on the road. It truly feels like a car designed for families to ride safely and comfortably.

Interior view of the Renault Korea Renault Samsung Motors SM6 E-Tech 100% Electric.

The Scenic is produced and imported entirely from Renault's Douai plant in France. As it is a model aimed at the European market, the Google-based infotainment system (GAS) is not available domestically. Therefore, to use navigation, you must connect via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which can be inconvenient.

The price ranges from 54,940,000 to 66,560,000 KRW, and with Seoul's electric vehicle subsidy applied, it comes to 46,490,000 to 57,730,000 KRW. As of the test drive date, the vehicle is undergoing eco-friendly certification, so the price may change. Despite being an imported model with a variety of premium features, it remains competitively priced. Renault Korea plans to sell only 999 units of the Scenic in Korea this year, so if you want to experience an electric family car with Renault's unique sensibility, you may want to act quickly.