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In-depth reviews

Renault Scenic - Electric motor, performance & drive

Sure-footed handling isn’t fun, but the Renault Scenic does a decent job of smoothing out UK roads

Electric motor, performance & drive rating

4.0

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Two power outputs are offered with the Renault Scenic, and which one you get depends on the battery you choose. The smaller 60kWh battery comes with a motor that delivers 168bhp and 280Nm of torque.

By upgrading to the 87kWh battery, you get a 215bhp electric motor with 300Nm of torque. The bigger battery adds around 100kg of extra weight when compared with the 60kWh car, and there’s a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds on offer. Both versions are front-wheel drive – Renault has yet to add a four-wheel-drive option to any of its electric models.

Model Power0-62mphTop speed
Renault Scenic Techno 60kWh168bhp8.6 seconds93mph
Renault Scenic Iconic 87kWh217bhp 7.9 seconds 105mph

What is the Renault Scenic like to drive?

There’s a sporty edge to the Scenic courtesy of its firm ride and fast steering, but it’s not a particularly agile car to drive.

In town

Light steering with a quick rack boosts the Scenic’s manoeuvrability at low speeds, but this is offset by a lack of all-round visibility. You sit low compared with some rival electric SUVs, while the rear window is narrow and the view is obscured by the large headrests in the back. 

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For those reasons we’d recommend the top-spec Iconic model, because it comes with a 360-degree camera system and digital rear-view mirror, although this can be switched off if you prefer glass. All models in the line-up feature front and rear parking sensors. 

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The more powerful 215bhp electric motor offers reasonable responses away from the lights, but there isn’t the typical punch in the back that a lot of electric vehicles deliver.

On A- and B-roads

At motorway speeds, you’re aware that the Renault’s steering is relatively quick around the dead-ahead position and requires constant attention to ensure the car is tracking straight. This gives the impression that the Scenic has a sporty edge, but while the ride is on the firm side, that’s more to do with keeping the car’s weight in check than trying to deliver an engaging drive.

A sub-two-tonne kerbweight doesn’t sound all that special, yet in the world of electric SUVs the Scenic is one of the lighter models on sale. This helps with its responses, but there’s still some body roll in corners, while the firm suspension shudders over bumps that rivals can absorb easily. Some of that can be blamed on the 20-inch wheels that are standard on high-spec variants.

While the car’s power delivery isn’t as forceful as in some EVs, the Scenic’s front-wheel-drive set-up can still struggle to get it down, especially if you’re exiting a corner, when the inside wheel will break traction. Wheel-tugging torque steer is also an issue if you feed all of the power in at once.

On the motorway

Refinement at motorway speeds is good, and wind noise is reduced on top-spec Iconic models courtesy of standard-fit acoustic glass. There is some tyre roar to be heard instead, though.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

The less powerful 168bhp electric motor that comes with the smaller 60kWh battery delivers a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds, while the larger 87kWh model with 215bhp covers the sprint in 7.9 seconds. The gap between the two isn’t greater because while the latter has an extra 49bhp, the larger battery also adds 100kg to the kerbweight. The more powerful Scenic does have a higher top speed, though, at 105mph, while the 62kWh car is limited to 93mph.

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