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Renault Just Helped Us Unwrap The Facelifted Scenic’s Disguise

  • 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.

Related: BMW Killed The Range-Extender EV. Ford And Renault Want To Bring It Back

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

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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.

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SH Proshots, Renault

Renault’s Electric Scenic Is Already Getting A Refresh Just Over Two Years In

  • Spy shots reveal upcoming changes to the Scenic E-Tech’s lights front and rear.
  • Tweaks to the electric SUV’s grille and front fascia also appear to be on the list.
  • Buyers currently get a choice of 60 kWh or 87 kWh battery packs in the lineup.

It’s only been a little over two years since Renault pulled the wraps off the all-electric Scenic E-Tech, and already an update is on the way. The model, positioned a rung above the Megane in Renault’s expanding EVs lineup, is in line for some modest visual tweaks ahead of going on sale next year.

This camouflage-clad prototype was recently spotted on the streets of Europe, looking very similar to the refreshed Megane E-Tech we also saw recently. While most of the front fascia is shielded from view, we understand Renault’s designers have tweaked the Scenic E-Tech headlights, although we are rather fond of the current model’s lights.

Read: Renault’s Struggling Electric Crossover Is Getting A Second Chance

It appears that Renault has also adjusted the design of the SUV’s LED daytime running lights, which are stacked vertically below the headlights. The bumper looks slightly different too, though both it and the grille keep much of their current shape and proportion.

No obvious changes have been made to the sides of the SUV, which still sport flush door handles and sharp silver C-pillars. At the rear, there will be new LED taillights, although their final design remains hidden.

What Else Will Change?

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The current Renault Scenic E-Tech is based on the firm’s AmpR Medium architecture, also underpinning the Nissan Ariya and Nissan Leaf. Powering the base model is a 168 hp electric motor and a 60 kWh battery, giving it a range of over 260 miles (418 km). A punchier version is also offered, delivering 215 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque, and using a larger 87 kWh battery, boosting range to over 379 miles (610 km).

Given that these figures remain relatively competitive, particularly for the 87 kWh version, we don’t expect to see any significant changes made. With that being said, recent reports suggest the Megane E-Tech will switch from LG-sourced batteries to AESC ones. If this is the case, then it’s possible the Scenic E-Tech could make the same shift.

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