Renault’s New Rafale: A Sporty and Electrified Coupe-SUV
Renault is set to unveil its latest model, the Rafale, on June 18, 2023. The new coupe-SUV is named after a 1930s racing plane and is expected to bring an enhanced and more appealing design to the lineup. The Rafale will share the electrified underpinnings with its sibling models, the Austral and Espace, and will be built on the latest iteration of the CMF-CD architecture.
Design and Styling
The Rafale exhibits a bolder overall design compared to the Austral, with more aggressive styling cues. The fully redesigned rear enhances the coupe-SUV stance with pronounced shoulders and a heavily angled rear glass. The elongated LED taillights that incorporate Renault’s emblem and dual spoilers add to the car’s flair. The flagship Esprit Alpine trim will likely feature sportier bumpers, larger-diameter alloy wheels, and special badging.
Interior
The Rafale’s cabin is likely to be borrowed from the Austral and the Espace, with a digital cockpit that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen, and a 9.3-inch head-up display. The car is expected to have a 48-color ambient lighting system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Alcantara upholstery may also contribute to the upscale ambiance.
Powertrain
Renault has officially confirmed that the model will be available with E-Tech hybrid engines. It is highly likely that this will include the self-charging hybrid variant, which delivers a combined output of 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque, similar to the Austral and Espace models. This particular setup consists of a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, an electric motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and an automatic gearbox that sends power to the front axle.
It is highly likely that Renault will also introduce a more powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid option for the Rafale, featuring a notable all-electric range and strong performance capabilities. However, Renault is not expected to have a zero-emission variant, as it follows a different strategy by utilizing a separate platform for its electric vehicles.
Market Positioning
The Renault Rafale is positioned within Europe’s midsize segment (D-SUV) and will serve as a direct competitor to the Peugeot 408 fastback. Additionally, higher-spec versions of the Rafale may attract customers who would otherwise consider the base models of premium rivals such as the Mercedes GLC Coupe, BMW X4, and Audi Q5 Sportback.
Conclusion
The Renault Rafale is set to bring an enhanced and more appealing design to the lineup, with bolder styling cues and a sportier overall design compared to the Austral. The car is expected to have a digital cockpit with the latest tech from the automaker’s arsenal, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen, and a 9.3-inch head-up display. The car will be available with E-Tech hybrid engines, with a heavy dose of electrification expected to align with the sporty appearance of the Rafale. The car is set to debut on June 18 at the Paris air show in Le Bourget, before being released in the market later this year.