Now that the campaign to reconquer the C-segment – one of the main goals in the Renaulution strategic plan – is well under way with the Megane E-Tech electric, Arkana and Austral success stories, it’s time for Renault to make its next move on the D-segment.
The first is a reboot of the family-friendly All-new Espace; the second is a completely new and daring model: The all-new
Rafale.
Now that Renault has revamped its arsenal of technology for hybrid powertrains, chasses, and electronic equipment, it decided it could no longer deprive its customers of a vehicle born and bred for driving pleasure – or deprive the brand of a new flagship. The all-new Renault Rafale is both.
Rafale is a French word that evokes wind, and is also an aeronautical reference. Aviation has played an important part in Renault’s history: the Caudron-Renault Rafale, which flew at a record-breaking 445 km/h in 1934, is only one
example.
The All-new Renault Rafale is the first production vehicle entirely designed according to the new visual language that Gilles Vidal, vice president of design, for the Renault brand, has brought in. It is ushering in a new era in Renault’s design: it is visionary, daring, perfectly in tune with its time and tailor-made for a period when everything is moving ever faster and only avantgarde models will stay attractive throughout their life cycle.
The all-new Renault Rafale also features up-to-the-minute connectivity and a 200 hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain that is as efficient as it is frugal and uses recycled materials.
It was born to take driving pleasure to ever new heights and will be enhanced with technological breakthroughs that will rank it high up in the high-performance automotive universe with a new E-Tech 4×4 300 hp powertrain.
Renault has crafted its DNA around optimal driving pleasure – but not the self-centred kind. Instead it is pleasure that the driver enjoys alongside passengers in a “car for life and living”.
Driving pleasure is a priority, but never at the expense of passengers, who have plenty of space and amenities to enjoy as well. The all-new Renault Rafale is a gratifying SUV coupe; it looks as vibrant as it feels when you drive it, and it is an opportunity to share an intense driving experience with your friends or kids – however grown-up they may be.
On the inside, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is joined by a 12-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen to echo many of Renault’s latest models, including the Megane E-Tech Electric where it was installed first. Running on Android Automotive 12, the infotainment supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Customers will be able to get the coupe-SUV with a 9.3-inch head-up display projecting the relevant info onto the windshield.
The all-new Renault Rafale 200 hp E-Tech full hybrid is scheduled to reach markets in 2024.
“The All-new Renault Rafale is central in the Renaulution, symbolises our move upmarket and shows that we belong in every customer segment. With its captivating coupe-SUV design crafted for intense experiences, it provides unprecedented driving pleasure with its hybrid powertrains and a standard-setting chassis brimming with passion and know-how from Renault engineers,” said Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault
brand.
“The All-new Rafale is a powerful illustration of the Renault brand’s new design language. It is in keeping with its DNA through generous curves, treated with great precision, combined with lines of tension and technical details that bring character and sophistication to the
whole.
With its unprecedented style, quality craftsmanship and proportions, the All-new Renault Rafale asserts its power and personality on the road”, said Gilles Vidal, head of design for Renault.