With its sixth generation, the Renault Espace is essentially giving up any minivan influences because the 2024 model was revealed to be a seven-seat SUV. The SUV is built on the tried-and-true CMF-CD architecture, which is also found in the Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the smaller Renault Austral. The Espace and Austral share the majority of their body panels, including a nearly similar front end, making it clear that they are strongly based on each other. The Espace, however, has a greater capacity, a different greenhouse, and a more upright tail when viewed from the B-pillar and back.
The Renault Espace is 4,722 mm in length and has a 2,738 mm wheelbase. The compact crossover Austral has been modified slightly for the 2024 Renault Espace, which is a long-wheelbase version of the vehicle. The new Espace defies the trend of automobiles getting bigger and heavier by being 14 centimeters shorter and 215 kg lighter than the minivan it replaces. It also offers a more roomy third row and rides 32 millimeters lower, but you can also get it with just five seats.
The cargo space, which is accessible via a power tailgate, ranges from a generous 1,818 liters in the five-seat configuration with the second row folded to a modest 159 liters with all seven seats in place. When the back seats are all the way forward, the five-seat variant, according to Renault, has a volume of 777 liters. Smaller goods can be stored in additional 39 liters of space accessible throughout the cabin.
Three trim levels are available from Renault: the base Techno, the opulent Iconic, and the sporty Esprit Alpine. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen, and the 9.3-inch head-up display are all carried over from the Austral's dashboard inside. High-end variants come with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and 48-color ambient lighting. The Alcantara/synthetic leather upholstery and blue stitching of the Esprit Alpine set it apart from the Iconic, which has cushioned leather and ash wood accents. The SUV is also available with a 1.330 mm long by 840 mm wide panoramic sunroof.
Similar to the Austral, a diesel engine is not offered with the new Espace. There is only one powertrain option initially offered for the 2024 Renault Espace. A high-voltage starter-generator, an electric motor, a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine, and a 2-kWh lithium-ion battery make up the self-charging hybrid system. The E-Tech hybrid generates a combined 197 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque, just like the top-spec Austral, and only drives the front wheels through an automated transmission. The Espace can reach a top speed of 175 km/h and speeds from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.
According to Renault, the new hybrid has a combined WLTP cycle average fuel consumption of 4.6 lt/100 km and CO2 emissions of 104 g/km, with a range of up to 1,100 km. The new Espace weighs between 1,587 kg and 1,698 kg, which is 215 kg less than the previous model and depends on the trim and equipment.
The Espace has an additional advantage over other conventional SUVs in its market aside from having a more advanced multi-link rear suspension. It has rear-wheel steering, which makes the turning circle similar to that of a Clio at 10.4 meters. Without this technology, which can steer the rear wheels up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels at speeds up to 50 km/h, it would be 11.6 meters. For increased stability at greater speeds, the rear wheels can steer up to one degree in the same direction as the front ones.
This spring will mark the beginning of Renault Espace's order period. The Spanish facility in Palencia will manufacture the SUV. Price information will be released in the future.