The Renault Scenic Looks Almost the Same, but Its Biggest EV Weak Spots Just Got Better
by AutoExpert | 2 September, 2026
Renault has refreshed the Scenic E-Tech three years after its debut, but you’ll have to look beyond the bodywork to spot most of the changes. The electric crossover gets new battery options, faster charging, updated driver assistance, and a handful of new cabin features.
The exterior treatment is fairly restrained. Renault adds gloss-black sections to the bumpers, introduces new 19- and 20-inch wheel designs, and expands the paint range with Satin Blue Slate and Exo Galaxy Grey. Camouflaged test cars suggest that a more noticeable design revision could come later.
The cabin gets a technology upgrade through the openR link system, which now integrates Google Gemini instead of Google Assistant. The system also comes with 2 GB of mobile data per month for three years and Google Play access. A magnetic wireless charging pad with built-in ventilation has also been added.
Renault has paid attention to the materials, too. Techno versions use fabric made from more than 95% recycled yarn, while Esprit Alpine models use trim containing 75% recycled plastic. Buyers of the Iconic version can choose new finishes, including genuine lime wood.
The driver assistance package gains a new interior camera that monitors fatigue and identifies the driver. The Scenic can follow multiple vehicles around it, help maintain lane position at up to 43 mph, and activate Emergency Stop Assist if the driver becomes unresponsive. Predictive eco-driving can also use information about the road ahead to improve efficiency.
Battery technology gets the largest update. The 67 kWh LFP battery in the Comfort Range model now offers up to 290 miles of WLTP range, adding 23 miles over the previous version. It can accept up to 165 kW and needs 24 minutes to charge from 15 to 80 percent.
The 89 kWh NMC battery remains the Long Range option and now reaches 399 miles on the WLTP cycle, an improvement of 11 miles. Its maximum charging rate is 150 kW, with a 15-80 percent charge taking 28 minutes.
In France, the Long Range Techno starts at €38,750 ($44,900), while the 67 kWh Comfort Range model starts at €31,750 ($36,800). The Scenic may look familiar, but Renault has used this update to improve the parts of an EV that owners notice every day.
