The Renault E-Space Concept returns to the minivan concept. This isn’t the end of the innovations.

The Espace has for years been one of the most obvious answers to the question of what car to choose for a family in Europe. The first generation from 1984 helped create the large minivan segment here, after which popularity for such vehicles began to decline in favor of SUVs, until eventually the Espace itself changed its form.

The current model is already an SUV and uses the E-Tech hybrid powertrain. However, Renault is now showing a completely different direction. The E-Space Concept places greater emphasis once again on traditionally “van-like” proportions and space. The powertrain is electric.

The Renault E-Space Concept is 4.70 meters long

The French brand describes the new prototype as a modern interpretation of the concept behind the original Espace. It’s not a retro car copying the 1980s model, but rather a return to a similar mindset regarding family cars.

The E-Space Concept is 4.70 meters long. This is roughly the size of a typical mid-size SUV, but the body shape has been designed to allocate as much of this length as possible to the cabin.

The front is short, with a steeply angled windshield, a long roofline, and the rear part of the body nearly vertical. A straight line of windows extends far toward the tailgate, further emphasizing its van-like proportions. The vehicle is shown in Black Rubé color.

Lights form a large U shape

The most distinctive stylistic element are the lights. A wide U-shaped light motif appears both at the front and rear of the body.

In the center of the front belt, Renault has placed a backlit rhombus. The manufacturer describes it as an element suspended between the light points, creating a pixelated effect.

The name itself was also chosen deliberately. The letter “E” refers to E-Tech, the brand’s term for electrified powertrains. “Space” is meant to emphasize the spaciousness and significance of the cabin. Additionally, it naturally pays homage to the brand’s history.

Renault remains silent on its interior

The interior is currently the biggest unknown. The brand has not yet shown the cabin, nor provided information on the number of seats or trunk capacity.

It is unknown whether the E-Space will be a traditional seven-seater van or if the manufacturer will opt for a different layout. The original Espace models were famous for their flexible cabin design — seats could be removed and rotated, and in some versions, the front seats could be flipped 180 degrees.

The new concept is intended to build on this idea of a car designed around passengers. However, we will not know the details until the launch.

Electric powertrain, but no specifications

Renault confirms that the E-Space Concept is an electric vehicle. That’s where the specific technical details currently end. We don’t know the battery capacity, engine power, range, or charging speed. The manufacturer also hasn’t officially disclosed the platform on which the prototype was built.

There is also no confirmation that the E-Space will go into production. However, the French manufacturer has often used concepts in recent years as relatively close previews of future series models. This was the case with the Renault 5 and Twingo, which also retained a retro style. If the E-Space follows a similar path, a production version could appear in Europe in about two years. For now, this is just a prediction, not an official timeline.

Megane to get a new LFP battery

The E-Space will be the main highlight at the Paris show, but not the only one. The brand will also unveil a modernized Megane E-Tech electric. This vehicle will feature a new 67 kWh LFP battery. Its range is expected to reach 500 km, with DC charging being 25% faster according to Renault. Charging from 15% to 80% of capacity should take just 24 minutes.

The car’s appearance will also change. A new Smart Mode, additional OpenR Link functions, and the Gemini assistant using Google’s artificial intelligence will be introduced.

LFP will also be used in other Renault models

Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are set to gradually appear in the full range of electric models from this brand. The Twingo will come equipped with a 27.5 kWh battery, the Renault Model 5 with a 37 kWh battery, while the Megane and Scenic will feature 67 kWh batteries. In the future, LFP batteries are also planned for the Renault 4 E-Tech electric.

The battery packs use a cell-to-pack design, and the brand retains the Fireman Access system, which allows firefighters to quickly access the batteries with water in case of a fire.

Twingo with a glass roof

The Twingo E-Tech electric version will feature a panoramic roof called Twingobay with an area of 0.7 m². The glass is designed to block 99.9% of UV radiation as well as most infrared radiation, which is why Renault has chosen not to use a traditional sunroof.

The option will cost 550 or 600 euros, depending on the market (approximately 2400-2600 zł). The Twingo will also incorporate Gemini artificial intelligence, available as an optional OTA update (from the cloud) for vehicles equipped with the OpenR Link system.

555 HP in the Renault 5 Turbo 3E

We will also see the Renault 5 Turbo 3E in Paris. This electric version, inspired by the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, will be displayed as an engineering prototype very similar to the future production car.

The two engines located at the rear wheels combined generate 555 horsepower. Renault also claims 4800 Nm of torque at the wheels, labeling the Turbo 3E as the most powerful road car in its history.

Gordini and the off-road Renault 4

In addition to the E-Space, two more concepts will be unveiled. The Renault 8 Gordini Concept will be an electric, two-seater coupe inspired by the sportsy 8 Gordini from the 1960s. The Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept, on the other hand, builds upon the idea of recreational versions of the old “four,” such as the Plein Air and JP4. The new prototype features all-wheel drive.

A special version of the Rafale hypnotic as well as the new Trafic Van E-Tech electric will also be on display. Thus, Renault will use the Paris show to showcase both future models and updates to vehicles already available on the market.

Piotr Sobczyk