- Scenic facelift appears ready with styling borrowed from updated Megane.
- Google Gemini and new software features are likely to enhance the interior.
- Range may remain unchanged thanks to already impressive battery capacity.
The facelifted Renault Scenic E-Tech has been spotted in disguised form again, but thanks to a strange timing quirk, Renault has accidentally made our job of decoding the upcoming changes much easier. The spy shots landed on the very same day the company unveiled the new-look Megane E-Tech, giving us a pretty clear preview of what’s next for the bigger Scenic SUV.
The updated Megane arrives with a completely reworked front end featuring a new grille treatment like the one on the Captur and Symbioz, fresh lighting elements, and a more assertive – and less obviously electric – look. The camouflaged Scenic prototype appears to be wearing much of the same visual makeover, which makes sense given the two EVs already share plenty of hardware beneath the skin.
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The Scenic is already one of the stronger offerings in its segment, so it’s not like it requires any major help. It looks good, drives well, and has a great electric range, so unlike the Megane, which gains a larger battery as part of its update, the Scenic may not need major changes in that department.
With its existing 87 kWh battery already delivering more than 380 miles (612 km) of WLTP range, Renault could decide that a fresh face and upgraded technology are enough to keep the Scenic competitive for the next phase of its life. And since the new Megane stuck with the old one’s 217 hp (220 PS / 160 kW) electric output, the Scenic probably will, too.
Google Gemini Onboard
The software enhancements introduced on the Megane seem almost certain to carry across. That means Google Gemini integration should be on the cards, allowing drivers to interact with the vehicle using more natural voice commands. There’s also a decent chance Renault will bring over some of the smaller improvements that debuted on the Megane, including new charging and connectivity features, expanded app support, new driver recognition functions, and upgraded connected services.
For now, Renault isn’t saying when the refreshed Scenic will make its official debut. But with prototypes already out testing and the Megane’s makeover now public, we’d be surprised if the wait stretched much longer than a few weeks. The official shots of the freshly-revealed Megane E-Tech in the gallery below give you an idea of what to expect from the Scenic.
SH Proshots, Renault
