Renault’s newly revealed Espace E-Tech has surprised car enthusiasts and international media with its bold transformation.
Renault completely redesigned the sixth-generation Espace, transforming it from a minivan into a mid-size SUV. The new model features major exterior, interior, and powertrain updates, signaling more than just a visual refresh.
Renault unveiled the new Espace on March 20 for the European market. Initially launched in 1984 as a minivan, the vehicle returns as a full-fledged SUV.
A Comprehensive Overhaul: From Exterior to Powertrain
The new Espace reflects Renault’s current design style. It features matrix LED headlights and boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. The front grille has a Renault logo pattern, and a wide air intake gives the vehicle a solid stance.
At the back, it includes angular taillights and a slim spoiler. It has mid-size SUV dimensions, measuring 4,746 mm (186.8 inches) long, 2,043 mm (80.4 inches) wide, including mirrors, and 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) high.
It’s slightly smaller than the Koleos but still looks substantial on the road.
The Espace E-Tech features a hybrid-exclusive powertrain. It combines a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine with two electric motors, creating a full hybrid system that delivers approximately 200 horsepower. It takes 8.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph), a solid performance for a mid-size SUV. Renault has also included its proprietary 4 Control Advanced system.
This innovative technology enables rear-wheel steering, which allows the back wheels to turn opposite to the front at low speeds and in the same direction at high speeds. The result is significantly improved maneuverability in tight urban spaces and enhanced stability during high-speed highway driving.
Noteworthy Enhancements in Interior Space and Convenience
The Espace will be available in five-seat and seven-seat versions. The interior includes a 24-inch dual digital display, a head-up display, and a panoramic roof with automatic dimming, which creates a futuristic ambiance.
The front seats are designed for comfort, and improved soundproofing makes the cabin quieter.
Storage space is also generous. For the five-seat version, trunk capacity starts at 692 liters (24.4 cubic feet) and expands to a maximum of 2,224 liters (78.5 cubic feet) with the seats folded. The seven-seat model offers 212 liters (7.5 cubic feet) of space behind the third row, expandable to 2,054 liters (72.5 cubic feet) with all rear seats folded down.
The Espace also includes Renault’s latest safety and driver assistance system, Active Driver Assistant. This system features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and other technologies to support safe driving.
For the first time in a Renault vehicle, the cruise control system uses navigation data to adjust speed automatically on curves, helping reduce driver effort.
The Espace will be built at Renault’s Palencia plant in Spain and is expected to launch in Europe this summer.
