Renault is bringing back the Scenic name for another family-friendly model, but this time it’ll be on an electric SUV to rival the Volkswagen ID.4.

The Scenic was a hugely popular compact MPV first launched in the mid-1990s. But with the decreasing popularity of such models, the Scenic was axed in the UK in 2020. Now it's being rebooted into an electric SUV for 2024.

Just like how the original Scenic was a larger, more practical version of the 1990s Megane hatchback, the new Scenic E-Tech sits above the Megane E-Tech in Renault's all-electric model range – a line-up which will be bolstered by the arrival of the new Renault 5 next year, and a new Renault 4 in 2025.

The new Scenic E-Tech will sit above the Megane E-Tech in Renault's range

The new Scenic E-Tech adopts a boxier style compared to the smaller Megane E-Tech, and while it's ever so slightly smaller than Volkswagen's ID.4 SUV, Renault has pushed the wheels to the car's corners to maximise interior space, it says. Boot space, at 545 litres with the seats up and 1,670 with the seats down, is still roughly equivalent to the VW. But Renault is highlighting the Scenic's neat features, such as numerous storage areas which add up to 38 litres of extra space, and a special armrest for back seat passengers, which includes drinks holders, USB-C outlets and stands to rest tablets on. Some models also come with a 'Solarbay opacifying sunroof', which can switch from clear to opaque glass, and the Scenic is a strict five-seater – Scenics in the past have come with the option of seven seats.

Room to spread out in the back and interior also features plenty of cubby holes for added storage

​The bigger Countryman is available for the first time with both a combustion and all-electric powertrain, with the top model offering up to 287 miles of range. Up front and the Scenic borrows the design of the Megane E-Tech's dashboard with a pair of crisp screens, but adds a larger central touchscreen – it's still Google operated, though. No leather is used for the interior, and the cabin uses a high number of recycled materials.

A pair of 12-inch screen dominate the interior which is made from lots of recycled materials

Under the sharply-styled body lies the same platform used on the smaller Megane E-Tech and Nissan's Ariya. There are 60kWh and 87kWh battery packs available giving up to 261 and 385 miles respectively, claims Renault, and a max charging speed of 130kWh for the 60kWh and 150kWh for the larger battery. The 60kWh comes with a 168bhp electric motor, while the bigger battery model gets a more powerful 217bhp motor. Bearing in mind the Nissan Ariya comes with more powerful motors and four-wheel drive, we wouldn't be surprised if Renault adds to this offering at a later date.

With prices for the Megane E-Tech topping out at £41,995, we'd expect the Scenic E-Tech to kick off at just under the £45,000 mark rising to around £50,000 when it goes on sale next year.

Scenic name first appeared in 1996 on a compact Renault MPV