For years, the Australian electric vehicle market has been a battlefield dominated by Chinese efficiency and American ubiquity. But in 2026, a new player enters the arena with something different: French flair, European heritage, and a range figure that will make every Tesla owner double-take.

The 2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech has officially been detailed for Australia, bringing with it a bold promise to redefine the electric family SUV. Priced from $55,990 plus on-road costs and boasting a massive 625km (WLTP) range in its long-range guise, the Scenic is aiming squarely at the BYD Atto 3 and the newcomer MG S5.

But is this just another pretty face in a crowded market, or a genuine contender for your driveway? At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we’ve analyzed the specs to see if the French newcomer has the substance to match its style.

💰 The Price of French Flair

Renault Australia has structured the Scenic lineup to hit the “sweet spot” of the premium-mainstream market. It lands in three distinct variants:

1. Techno EV60: $55,990 (+ ORCs)
2. Techno Long Range EV87: $59,990 (+ ORCs)
3. Esprit Alpine EV87: $65,990 (+ ORCs)

This pricing strategy is aggressive. While it sits slightly above the entry-level Chinese rivals (like the $45k BYD Atto 3), it undercuts the Tesla Model Y significantly while offering a more bespoke, European cabin experience. The “Techno Long Range” at just under $60k is the clear volume target, offering maximum kilometres for minimum dollars.

🔋 The 625km Hero: Why It Matters for Aussies

The headline act of the Scenic E-Tech is undoubtedly the 87kWh battery found in the Long Range and Esprit Alpine models.

• Official Range: 625km (WLTP)
• The “Syd-Melb” Test: In real-world highway terms, a 625km WLTP rating typically translates to a reliable 450-480km of pure highway driving at 110km/h. This is a game-changer for Australian road trips. It means comfortably clearing the Sydney to Gundagai leg, or Melbourne to Albury, with range to spare.

This range figure eclipses the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range (420km WLTP) and the MG S5 Long Range (approx. 530km WLTP), placing the Scenic in the elite tier of long-distance tourers usually occupied by cars costing $80k+.

Charging Specs:

• DC Fast Charging: Peaks at 150kW for the Long Range battery (130kW for the standard range).
• Speed: 15-80% top-up in approximately 37 minutes.
• AC Charging: A robust 22kW AC charger is available as an option in some markets (standard spec for Australia TBC), which would be a massive boon for three-phase home charging.

🥊 Rivals: French Chic vs. Chinese Value

The Scenic E-Tech enters a brutal segment. Here is how it stacks up against the key competition:

Vs. BYD Atto 3:

The Atto 3 wins on pure price, undercutting the Renault by nearly $10,000. However, the Renault counters with superior range (+200km!), a more mature, less polarizing interior, and the Google Automotive operating system, which is miles ahead of BYD’s software.

Vs. MG S5:

The incoming MG S5 is the budget king, likely to start near $40k. The Renault cannot compete on dollar-for-dollar value. Instead, it offers a “Premium” alternative—better materials, quieter cabin insulation, and a design that feels like a $70k car, not a budget runner.

Vs. Tesla Model Y:

The Scenic Techno Long Range matches the Model Y RWD on price but beats it on range (625km vs 455km). While it lacks the Supercharger network integration, the extra range might be enough to sway buyers tired of the Tesla minimalist aesthetic.

🖥️ Interior Tech: Hey Google, Drive Me Home

Renault has partnered with Google to integrate Android Automotive OS directly into the car. This is not just Android Auto; the car is the phone.

• Google Maps is natively built-in, offering intelligent EV route planning that predicts battery percentage at arrival with uncanny accuracy.
• Google Assistant controls car functions like climate and media.
• The Screen: A massive 12-inch vertical tablet dominates the centre console, paired with a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The “Solarbay” Roof:

One of the coolest features (available on the Esprit Alpine) is the Solarbay panoramic glass roof. Using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, it can switch from transparent to opaque in segments at the touch of a button or voice command. No physical blind is needed, saving headroom and adding a serious “wow” factor for passengers.

🛡️ Safety & Practicality

The Scenic nameplate was born as a people mover, and the E-Tech retains that DNA.

• Boot Space: 545 Litres, expanding to 1,670 Litres. This trumps the Atto 3 (440L) and rivals the class leaders.
• Rear Armrest: The “Ingenious” rear armrest features pivoting stands for tablets and smartphones, plus USB-C ports, keeping the kids pacified on long trips.

Safety is comprehensive, with roughly 30 driver assist systems including adaptive cruise control and lane centering as standard. While ANCAP testing is pending, it has achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

🇦🇺 The Verdict: A Welcome Return to Form

The 2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech is the most exciting French car to hit Australian shores in a decade. It isn’t trying to be the cheapest; it’s trying to be the best long-range family EV under $65k.

For the Aussie enthusiast who finds the Tesla too common and the Chinese rivals too budget-focused, the Scenic offers a compelling middle ground: European heritage, cutting-edge tech, and a battery big enough to conquer the Hume Highway without a sweat.

🤖 Join the Evolution

With the arrival of the Scenic E-Tech, the mid-size SUV market is more crowded than ever. Is the 87kWh battery worth the extra spend over the standard range? Does the Solarbay roof handle the Australian summer heat?

Don’t guess—get the answers instantly.

At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI chatbot. It is trained on the latest Australian specifications and can help you compare the Scenic directly against your shortlist.

• “Compare the boot space of the Renault Scenic E-Tech vs Tesla Model Y.”
• “What is the real-world highway range of the Scenic Long Range?”
• “Is the Renault Scenic eligible for the FBT exemption?”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.