Renault Scenic E-Tech gets longer range, faster charging

The Renault Scenic E-Tech electric SUV has gained larger batteries and longer range in Europe as part of a minor update that could reach Australia in mid-to-late 2027, boosting the BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X rival.

The updates are led by a new 67kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, larger than the 60kWh pack in the current entry-level Scenic E-Tech Techno, which was launched here earlier this year with a price tag of $55,990 before on-road costs and a 125kW/280Nm electric motor.

The bigger battery is mated with a 160kW/300Nm electric motor and improves range from the current 125kW Techno’s 430km WLTP to 467km, one kilometre more than the entry-level Tesla Model Y RWD’s official Australian figure.

Global availability of the new battery is yet to be confirmed, with Renault not specifically saying whether it will completely replace the current 60kWh pack and if the less powerful entry-level electric motor will be axed.

Renault Australia has yet to confirm any changes for the local lineup, with the updates due to roll out in France over the next three months, from September to November 2026.

Based on previous model rollouts, it’s expected the updates may reach Australian models sometime in mid-to-late 2027, although timing hasn't been announced.

Additionally, the mid-spec Techno Long Range gets a new 89kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, up from 87kWh, extending its WLTP range from 625km to 642km on a single charge.

Renault said the new Techno Long Range battery cuts DC fast-charging times by 25 per cent, with a 15-80 per cent top-up taking 28 minutes – around 10 minutes quicker than the current version.

Both new batteries are paired with a 160kW/300Nm electric motor. This represents increases of 35kW and 20Nm for the 67kWh model over the current entry-level Techno, while output is unchanged for the 89kWh Long Range.

The Esprit Alpine is currently listed with the same 87kWh battery as the Long Range and has an identical 625km WLTP range, suggesting it may also receive the larger 89kWh battery.

Renault also says it has recalibrated the adaptive cruise control with a new ‘multi-target’ feature designed to better detect vehicles merging ahead, for example, and respond more smoothly.

Emergency Stop Assist has also been added, slowing the vehicle to a complete stop if the driver doesn't respond.

The Active Driver Assist display has been upgraded with a more realistic view, while the temporary lateral positioning function is now more responsive and works at speeds of up to 70km/h, up from 50km/h.

Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) assistant has been introduced through the Google Built-in system, while cabin tweaks include new seat fabric made with more than 95 per cent recycled PET yarn, teamed with textured coated fabric containing at least 12 per cent recycled material on the Techno model grade.

The Techno also gains a carbon-black (instead of grey) dashboard, with a textured coated fabric section carrying a ‘lightning bolt’ topstitching motif, while the Esprit Alpine gains new interior trim with a ‘spectral titanium’ effect.

Two new exterior paint finishes, satin blue slate and exo galaxy grey, have also been introduced.

In addition to the Scenic E-Tech, Renault Australia has also launched the Symbioz small SUV this year, as well as an updated Trafic commercial van and new-generation Master van and cab/chassis range.

MORE: Explore the Renault Scenic E-Tech showroom