Renault prepares a major Scenic facelift to boost declining sales. Expect a softer design, LFP battery option, improved range up to 650 km, and faster charging. Details inside.
Renault is preparing a significant update for the Scenic. The electric crossover, which fully transitioned from a minivan to an SUV format three years ago, got off to a decent start, but sales are now slipping. In Spain, only 152 units were registered in the first four months of 2026.For comparison, the Skoda Elroq sold 790 units in the same period, while the new electric Toyota C-HR recorded 1,217 registrations. Even the niche Alpine A290 was close behind with 146 cars, nearly matching the Scenic.Renault has already put the updated Scenic through road tests. The prototype is heavily camouflaged, so exterior details remain hidden, but a softer design is expected, echoing the brand’s latest concepts—the Embleme Concept and the R-Space Lab. The current Scenic has a sharper look, similar to the Captur, Symbioz, and Rafale, so the facelift could make it calmer and more appealing to a broader audience.The interior is also set for upgrades: new materials, improved perceived quality, and an updated multimedia system. For a model with a high price tag, this is critical—buyers in this segment now compare not just range but also interior, interface, equipment, and charging speed.Currently, the Scenic is offered in two versions. The Comfort Range produces 170 hp, comes with a 60 kWh battery, and offers up to 430 km of range. The Long Range variant packs 220 hp, an 87 kWh battery, and can travel up to 625 km.After the update, a version with an LFP battery is expected—it should be more affordable and help lower the entry price. Renault will also improve efficiency: the base version could approach 450 km on the WLTP cycle, while the long-range model might reach around 650 km. Charging should also be faster: the LFP version is projected to go from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. Currently, Renault is often criticized for capping charging at 150 kW.The main factor here isn’t competition from a specific model but price. In Spain, the Changan Deepal S05 starts at €36,690 before subsidies and has already racked up 805 registrations, while the Scenic Long Range costs €41,126 and offers less equipment.Renault isn’t updating the Scenic for the fun of it: the car needs to be cheaper, more efficient, and a bit more convincing in styling. A full 800V architecture won’t arrive until 2028, so until then, the Scenic will have to hold its own in the market with this facelift.
Automobile Magazine – USA
