The first Renault Rafale D-segment coupe CUV unveiled at the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France, heralds a new era for the brand’s design as it is the first product , which was developed from scratch under new design direction. In his own words, Renault is trying to conquer new horizons, especially after the company has completed its planned work in the compact segment. The hilariously dubbed “Renaulution” strategy called for powerful new entrants such as the Arkana coupe SUV (based on the rather old Duster B0 platform) and the Austral crossover SUV – a successor to the Kadjar, which is based on the alliance’s CMF-CD platform with which Nissan is collaborating Qashqai or the CMF-EV-based electric hero Megane E-Tech.
Now the company is also trying to strike a few new pages in the upper mid-size (D) segment, first with the sixth-generation Espace – now a five- or seven-seat CUV that’s heavily based on the Austral, and more importantly ( (albeit second) with the all-new Rafale. To the French, the name evokes the power of nature, as Rafale is a word for high winds. But for Renault, this nametag is associated both with the future of “hybrid powertrains (and) electronic devices.” ‘ in a flagship as well as its record-breaking past, hence the name is also used as a homage to the Caudron-Renault Rafale aircraft ‘which reached a record-breaking speed of 445 km/h (276.5 mph) in 1934’.
So it’s easy to see why Renault chose an air show for the official public launch of the model, right? This is the first production vehicle “to be designed entirely according to the new visual language introduced by Gilles Vidal as Head of Design Renault.” Premium car manufacturers such as BMW, Audi or Mercedes are at the top of the luxury segment. Instead, they’re still trying to democratize the coupe SUV idea after their daring arcana showed a mainstream brand can do the same.
Sure, it still combines features from the mainstream and premium segments, complete with the new front end optics of the 2024 Clio facelift and the top Esprit Alpine appointments of the new Espace, which also give the Rafale its generous wheelbase (2.74m /107.8 m) gives in.), but not its complete practicability. Still, for longer trips and adventures, the new SUV can pack a couple of suitcases in its 530-litre boot. Other highlights include best-in-class connectivity features, the use of recycled materials in the powertrain area and “a benchmark chassis full of passion and know-how from Renault engineers”, according to Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the Renault brand.
Speaking of engines, the all-new Renault Rafale will arrive in intended markets next spring with the base 200hp E-Tech full hybrid option. Those who feel the need for more of everything also have the option of a new 300hp E-Tech plug-in hybrid 4×4 version.
