Renault’s electric study E-Space goes back to the future

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Renault unveiled its new electric van concept called the E-Space. Not only does the name reference the Espace from 1984, but so does the design. The focus is on the interior, which is entirely dedicated to the well-being of passengers. We reveal some of the vehicle's the special features.

Image: Renault

Renault is reviving the Espace concept from 1984. At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the French manufacturer will unveil the E-Space Concept, an all-electric design study that positions itself as a modern successor to the 1984 Espace. This means it retains the silhouette of a classic large MPV, a body style that has also been making a comeback with models like the Volvo EM90, the Lexus LM, or the Zeekr 009.

Measuring 4.70 metres in length, 2.02 metres in width, and 1.67 metres in height, the E-Space combines familiar proportions with very short overhangs and 23-inch wheels. While Renault has not provided details about the drivetrain, the electric van is said to feature a retractable front splitter that reduces air resistance at high speeds to improve efficiency.

Renault developed the E-Space from the inside out

The development of the Renault E-Space began with the interior, as the manufacturer emphasises that the concept is designed around human needs and is meant to serve as a “rolling living space”. The passenger compartment is said to feel bright and airy thanks to large glass surfaces and low-set windows. The doors open in opposite directions, providing pillar-less access. The flat floor accommodates six individual seats. Those in the second row can be rotated 180 degrees to face the third row, or they can remain forward-facing to use the two 12.3-inch screens on the back of the front seats.

The second-row seats can also be folded into a table. This allows passengers in the third row to sit at the table with a clear view of the two monitors, for which video game controllers are also on hand. For added luxury on board, Renault has integrated a mini-fridge and an air purifier into a sliding console.

Cosy interior with a widescreen display

The cockpit in the E-Space is equipped with a curved widescreen display (1,130 x 110 mm) that spans the entire width below the windshield. It serves purely as a display and does not have touch functionality. Operation is handled via two flexible touchscreens next to the steering wheel. Renault calls the overall concept OpenR Panorama, and it is set to be introduced in upcoming higher-class Renault models, particularly the Renault Rafale and Scenic. This study provides a preview of real production plans, although it has not yet been confirmed if the complete van will receive a production successor.

Image: Renault

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For the interior design, Renault uses bold colours and a 1970s-inspired flair. This is also evident in the three-centimetre-thick wool carpet on the floor. For table and decorative surfaces, the manufacturer uses coloured straw, while the steering wheel is covered in a bio-material made from castor oil and cotton. The paintwork contains bio-based resins, and the tyres are made from approximately 19 per cent sustainable natural rubber.

The brand has committed to using at least 30 per cent recycled materials across its entire model range in the future. With the E-Space Concept, Renault is going a step further, using the study primarily as a technology carrier for bio-based and renewable alternatives, aiming to rely not only on recycled materials but also on fully renewable raw materials in the future.