The Renault Scenic E-Tech keeps the current body, but receives two new batteries and a revised colour palette. Photo source: Renault
Renault Scenic E-Tech reaches 642 km of range and beats the Tesla Model Y in the WLTP cycle
Renault is updating the Scenic E-Tech Electric with two new batteries, shorter charging times and extra functions in the multimedia system. The Long Range version reaches 642 km of WLTP range, 33 km above the figure communicated in Romania for the rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range.
The comparison describes homologation results; it does not guarantee the same difference on the road. Tesla accepts higher charging power, and consumption and stop duration depend on temperature, route, speed and each car’s charging curve.
89 kWh NMC battery and 642 km WLTP
The Scenic E-Tech Long Range receives an NMC battery with a usable capacity of 89 kWh, instead of the old 87 kWh pack. Maximum range rises by 17 km, to 642 km WLTP.
The motor on the front axle develops 160 kW, equivalent to 220 hp, and 300 Nm. The Scenic remains a front-wheel-drive car; Renault has not announced a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant.
Peak DC charging power is 150 kW. Renault quotes 28 minutes for a 15% to 80% charge, about 25% less than before. The onboard charger can accept 11 kW or, optionally, 22 kW in alternating current and allows bidirectional functions in compatible markets.
The more affordable version switches to an LFP battery
Scenic Comfort Range drops the 60 kWh NMC battery and receives a 67 kWh LFP pack. Range rises to 467 km WLTP, and peak DC charging power goes up to 165 kW.
Charging from 15% to 80% takes 24 minutes. This version uses the same 220 hp motor, so choosing the battery no longer also brings a power cut, as it did in the previous configuration.
The cells are integrated in a cell-to-pack architecture, without conventional intermediate modules. The pack comprises 232 pouch cells and uses 53% of the available volume for active material, according to Renault.
LFP chemistry does not use nickel and cobalt and can reduce pack cost, but it has lower energy density than NMC. In the Scenic, the higher capacity and direct integration offset that drawback enough to raise range by 37 km versus the old Comfort Range version.
The bumper receives gloss-black inserts, and the range includes new 19- and 20-inch wheels. Photo source: Renault
Scenic versus Tesla Model Y: what the comparison says
Tesla Romania communicates 609 km WLTP for the rear-wheel-drive Model Y Premium Long Range. Scenic Long Range has 642 km, which gives it an advantage of 33 km or about 5.4% in the standardised test.
Renault, however, has a declared 89 kWh battery and peak DC power of 150 kW. Tesla does not publish the usable battery capacity of the Model Y on the local page, but quotes power of up to 250 kW at a Supercharger and up to 257 km of range added in 15 minutes for the Long Range RWD version.
The two cars are not identical in propulsion or charging strategy. The Scenic is front-wheel drive and prioritises homologated range, while the Model Y benefits from higher power at the station and native access to the Supercharger network. On long trips, total time depends on consumption as well as the distance between stops and the speed held in the 10-80% window.
Neither Renault’s figure nor Tesla’s is a promise for every route. Range can fall markedly in winter and at motorway speeds, especially with large wheels, a heated cabin and a loaded car.
Google Gemini optionally replaces Google Assistant
The openR link system receives Google Gemini, which can be activated in place of Google Assistant. The driver can make more complex requests in natural language, without navigating the screen menus.
Renault includes 2 GB of data a month for three years for apps downloaded from Google Play. After the allowance is used, the phone connection can be used as a hotspot. The Google Maps planner allows stations to be filtered by network, power and payment method.
The phone can be charged on a ventilated, magnetic Qi2 wireless surface. The solution limits movement of the device in corners and reduces heating during charging.
The openR link system integrates Google Maps, Google Play and, optionally, the Gemini assistant. Photo source: Renault
Revised assistance systems
The interior driver-monitoring camera becomes standard and can detect fatigue or distraction. The same camera recognises the user profile and can load seat position, multimedia preferences, navigation and ambient lighting.
Active Driver Assist can track several surrounding vehicles at once in order to react more smoothly when someone moves into the lane. Lateral positioning assistance works up to 70 km/h, and Emergency Stop Assist can stop the car if the driver no longer responds.
Multi-Sense Smart mode switches automatically between Eco, Comfort and Sport. The system can temporarily select the Sport response for an overtaking manoeuvre and then return to Eco without driver intervention.
Discreet design changes and practical accessories
The Scenic receives two new colours, Satin Slate Blue and Exo Galaxy Grey, gloss-black inserts in the bumpers and new 19- and 20-inch wheel designs. The aerodynamic covers of the 20-inch Iconic wheels contain at least 72% recycled material.
The boot keeps its 545-litre volume. Renault introduces a dual floor and a 310-litre aerodynamic box mounted on the tow bar, which affects range less than a roof box.
The Scenic continues to be built in Douai, and the motor comes from the Cléon plant. The model measures 4.47 metres and has a mass below 1,900 kg, depending on version and equipment.
When it arrives in Romania
In France, orders for the 89 kWh battery are already open, and the 67 kWh LFP version can be ordered from autumn 2026. The French prices promoted by Renault include a local subsidy of up to €8,240, so they cannot be used as list prices for Romania.
Renault Romania has not yet published prices, equipment and the local timetable for the updated range. Until the Romanian configurator appears, it is not clear whether the 22 kW AC charger, Gemini and all assistance systems will be standard or optional on each level.
