Renault has introduced a series of model year upgrades for the Scenic E-Tech, exactly three years after its debut. The electric crossover inherits a new LFP battery, faster charging, improved safety features and Google Gemini AI integration from the recently facelifted Megane E-Tech. However, it skips the styling updates, leaving them for later in the product cycle.

Visually, changes are limited to the gloss black accents on the front and rear bumpers, the new alloy wheels measuring 19 and 20 inches in diameter, as well as the fresh Satin Blue Slate and Exo Galaxy Grey shades. Earlier sightings of camouflaged prototypes suggest that Renault might be working on more substantial styling updates for the future, likely including the faux grille of the Megane.

More: Renault Gave The Updated Megane EV A Meaner Face And A Slower 0-62

Inside, the openR link infotainment gains Google Gemini AI as a smarter alternative to the Google Assistant. Users can download applications from the Google Play Store using the 2 GB of monthly data offered by Renault for a period of three years. Those who want more can always use their smartphone tethering function.

Renault

Other interior upgrades include a magnetic and ventilated wireless charging pad, and more sustainable upholstery options. More specifically, Techno models feature PET fabrics containing over 95% recycled yarn, Esprit Alpine editions gain a spectral titanium finish made from 75% recycled plastic, and top Iconic trims receive cubic grey accents or optional light grey paired with genuine lime wood.

Review: The 2026 Renault Austral Facelift Is Polished, But It Has A BMW-Sized Problem

The safety suite inherits the Megane’s updated in-car monitoring camera, which tracks driver fatigue and enables driver recognition for loading presets based on personal preferences. It also benefits from more sophisticated ADAS such as Multi Target tracking for surrounding traffic, improved lane positioning at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph), Emergency Stop Assist in the case of an unresponsive driver, and a smarter predictive eco-driving function.

New Batteries, Longer Range

Under the skin, the Scenic E-Tech borrows the LFP battery introduced by the mechanically-related Megane E-Tech during its mid-lifecycle update, combined with a carryover front-mounted electric motor producing 220 hp (164 kW / 223 PS).

The 67 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery of the Comfort Range variant has a cell-to-pack architecture and delivers up to 467 km (290 miles) of WLTP range, which is 37 km (23 miles) more than its NMC predecessor. Furthermore, it supports 165 kW fast charging, taking it from 15-80% in 24 minutes, or 25% faster than before.

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The larger 89 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack which is exclusive to the Scenic E-Tech Long Range has also been upgraded, gaining 2 kWh in capacity and stretching the WLTP range by 17 km (11 miles) to 642 km (399 miles). This unit is compatible with 150 kW fast charging, replenishing 15-80% in 28 minutes.

Pricing

The updated Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric is available to order in France starting at €38,750 ($44,900) for the 89 kWh Long Range model in the Techno trim. The cheaper 67 kWh Comfort Range version will arrive in the coming months, priced from €31,750 ($36,800).

The electric crossover with minivan ancestors is still being manufactured at Renault’s ElectriCity facility in Douai, France, with electric motors supplied by the Cléon plant in Normandy.

Renault

Two of France’s most recognizable names, Alpine and Lacoste, have come together for a clothing line and a one-off build of the electric A290 Rallye hot hatch that, although highly unlikely, we’d very much like to see reach production.

Read: Alpine’s New A290 Rallye Throws Mud And Sparks At $70K

The build carries the full name ‘Beware of the Crocodile – Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye’, and it takes its color cue from the bright red of the crocodile’s tongue on the Lacoste badge. The exterior is mostly white with red turning up only in flashes, while the cabin goes the opposite direction and drowns itself in red almost wall to wall.

Key changes include flared wheel arches, a revised front bumper with red accents on the covered headlights and DRLs, and plenty of forged carbon fiber. The hot hatch also rides on a set of classic aero-disc-inspired rally wheels finished in white. As with the standard A290 Rallye, a roof scoop makes the cut too.

The rear is the most striking area. The rear window is gone, and in its place sits a large red crocodile head that appears partly submerged in red water, which is in fact just the car’s red-painted ducktail spoiler.

A Cabin To Match

Alpine and Lacoste have then transformed the EV’s cabin. Hundreds of little crocodiles are spread across the dashboard while Lacoste’s petit piqué red fabric adorns the racing seats and door panels. Intricate embroidery has been completed by the same firm that produces the embroidered crocodiles on Lacoste’s polo shirts, and 3D printing has also been used to shed unnecessary weight from the seats.

Not only have the firms collaborated on this special A290, but Lacoste ambassador Pierre Niney and Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly are also the stars of a short commercial released to promote the partnership. In addition, the French firms are launching a collection of polo shirts, T-shirts, accessories, and other pieces.