Renault is giving the Scenic E-Tech Electric a useful round of upgrades for 2026, with more range, faster charging and a batch of new tech. The catch? They’re still under review for the UK and haven’t yet been confirmed here. Given what’s changing, it’d be a shame if we missed out.
The big news is the battery. The current UK Scenic offers up to 381 miles of range, but the updated long-range version gets a new 89kWh NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery and stretches that to 399 miles. It sticks with a 217bhp motor and 150kW peak charging speed, but Renault has cut the 15 to 80 per cent rapid-charging time from the current 37 minutes to 28 minutes – a much more useful improvement than the extra 18 miles of range.
There’s also a new 67kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery coming later, offering up to 290 miles of range and an even quicker 15 to 80 per cent charge time of 24 minutes. Peak charging power rises to 165kW, with Renault pitching the LFP pack as the cheaper, tougher alternative to the bigger NMC battery – and serving as a useful way of demonstrating the differences in battery chemistry, even in the same model of car. Both versions keep the same 217bhp motor.
The Scenic currently starts at £33,245 in the UK for the Techno long-range model, including the £3,750 Electric Car Grant. If the UK does get the nod for the updated Scenic, there’s encouraging news from France where the upgraded model actually costs the same as the outgoing car.
There are plenty of other Scenic changes, too. Techno models get redesigned seats with more recycled material and extra support, while Esprit Alpine cars gain a new “spectral titanium” interior finish. Two new colours join the range – satin slate blue and exo galaxy grey – along with fresh 19-inch and 20-inch wheel designs.
The Scenic’s Google-based infotainment system is getting an upgrade as well, with Gemini joining Google Assistant. Drivers can choose whether to use it, then make more natural spoken requests rather than having to remember the exact wording the system wants. Google Maps also adds more EV-friendly route planning, letting drivers pick charging stops by network, charger speed or payment method.
There’s a new Qi2 wireless phone charger with Apple MagSafe compatibility, while all versions get a more advanced driver-monitoring camera that can spot tiredness and distraction. The same camera can also recognise the driver and call up their preferred seat position, infotainment settings, navigation and mood lighting.
Renault has also updated its driver-assistance systems. Active Driver Assist can now track several vehicles at once, respond more smoothly to traffic cutting in, and bring the car to a stop if the driver fails to respond. A new Smart driving mode can automatically switch between Eco, Comfort and Sport depending on how the car is being driven, too.
And then there are the accessories. Alongside extra storage, a double boot floor and a 310-litre towbar-mounted cargo box, Renault has added a Handpresso coffee machine for charging stops, plus a car seat and safety lead for pets.
The updated Scenic is already available to order in France with the bigger battery, and the 67kWh version will follow later this year. Whether British buyers get the same package is still being decided, but if it comes here the UK Scenic will gain more range, substantially shorter charging stops and a useful collection of new tech over its predecessor.
Read MoreShould you buy a new 76-plate EV or a bargain used one?
Latest Lepas L6 EV revealed with 279-mile range – with more models on the way
Renault 5 gets a whiff of Williams as aero updates boost range
