Back to basics? Renault previews electric Espace

The Renault E-Space Concept revives the formula of the original Espace, but adapts the minivan concept to the era of electric mobility.

It may seem like a distant memory, but before SUVs flooded the market, the ideal vehicle for transporting families was the minivan. Renault was among the first to embrace this format with the Espace, and now it seems determined to do so again.

Rumors have been circulating for some time, and just days before the Paris Motor Show, the French brand reinforces them by releasing the first image of the E-Space Concept, which is set to be one of the stars at the event taking place from October 12 to 18.

At 4.7 meters in length, the E-Space Concept appears to be directly inspired by the first generation of the model. It retains its typical silhouette, with a sharply angled front and a vertical rear section. Meanwhile, the 23-inch wheels give it a more muscular appearance.

The inspiration from the past can be seen in the double A-pillar, horizontal waistline, and even in the way the front hood is separated from the area designated for the headlights and grille (which actually doesn’t exist). The lighting signature is also new, with Renault’s diamond emblem appearing illuminated.

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All for space

Renault has not yet shown interior images, but it has revealed some details. The E-Space Concept will feature six individual seats arranged in three rows within a cabin with a completely flat floor.

The seats themselves all have identical dimensions and can rotate slightly to improve access.

In terms of technology, the interior of the E-Space Concept builds on an evolved version of the OpenR Panorama concept. It features a large curved screen measuring 113 cm wide and 11 cm high, spanning almost the entire dashboard. This is a solution we will see in future Renault flagship models.

Is this a preview of the future Espace?

For now, Renault has not confirmed a future production version. Officially, the E-Space Concept is intended to explore new solutions for electric family cars.

But the revival of the Espace name and, more importantly, its original philosophy make it clear that Renault is testing the possibility of giving prominence back to a design approach that was nearly lost due to the dominance of SUVs.