Renault Rafale review: Super-stylish plug-in hybrid that boasts strong efficiency

The new Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300HP could be one of the best-looking plug-in hybrids on sale today. It’s the Renault Austral’s sportier brother – more coupe-like in profile, larger in size, and much more powerful under the skin.

Where many rivals rely on discreet styling, Renault has gone downright fashionable. From the rakish roofline to the dramatic LED lighting and chiseled Alpine-inspired nose, this is a family SUV with flair. But it also has the substance to match the style – especially if you opt for the all-wheel-drive 300HP plug-in hybrid version tested here.

With a large 22kWh battery, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a trio of electric motors, it offers up to 62 miles of pure-electric driving – more comfortably than most plug-ins. Assuming you plug in regularly, that’s enough to cover most daily trips without using a drop of petrol.

And you should plug in, because this is where Rafael really matters. Charge at home overnight using cheap electricity, and your operating costs will go down. With fuel prices still high, this matters more than ever.

Renault says this is a car that blends electric driving habits with long-range flexibility – up to 621 miles on a full battery and tank. Add a high-tech cabin, a commanding driving position and smart suspension, and it’s an attractive package. But it is not complete…

How we tested

I drove the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300HP for a week on typical British roads: A-roads, suburban commutes, shopping runs, and a few secret backroad blasts, all to get a real-world feel for its electric range, technology, comfort, and family-friendliness.

Independent Rating: 7/10

renault rafale specifications

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

Rafale’s plug-in hybrid system looks absolutely modern. It has a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with three electric motors – one at the front, one at the rear and a starter-generator for all-wheel drive. Together, they produce a mighty 300 hp, helping the Rafale accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds.

But the real story is about the battery. At 22kWh, that’s almost double what you’ll find in many plug-in rivals – which translates to a really useful 60+ mile EV range in everyday conditions. This is not just a box-ticking figure; I made it through the commute and short distance journeys comfortably, even with the air-conditioner on.

Charging is also good. The 7.4kW Home Wallbox will take the battery from empty to 100% in less than 3 hours – ideal for overnight top-ups.

The drive is mostly quiet and smooth. In EV mode, the Rafale cruises peacefully through the city, while switching to petrol power is effortless if you’re gentle. Press hard and there may be a slight hesitation in transitions, but it’s never noisy or annoying.

What’s more impressive is how drivable it feels for a large SUV. Four-wheel steering is standard, making tight turns and parking really easy. However, the ride isn’t the best – it can feel a bit bouncy on rough roads, even in Comfort mode.

Sport mode adds some weight to the steering but doesn’t actually alter the drive. The Rafale is best when you’re taking things more leisurely, although that bumpy ride never really goes away.

Interior, practicality and boot space

Renault’s interiors have taken a big step forward recently and the Rafale continues the trend. You’re greeted by a portrait-style Google-powered touchscreen that dominates the dash, supported by a crisp digital driver display. It’s modern, responds quickly and looks familiar to anyone who’s used Google Maps.

There’s a clean design aesthetic throughout, especially in the top-spec Atelier Alpine trim, which adds brilliant blue detailing and sporty seats. Most of the materials look good, although not everything is up to premium standards. The controls on the steering wheel feel a bit plasticky and are awkwardly placed – not helped by the fact that there are three separate stalks coming out of the right side of the wheel for gear selection, wipers and audio. it’s too much.

Practicality is decent, if not class leading. Front seat space is ample and the driving position is comfortable. The rear seats offer good legroom, but the low roofline makes the rear feel dark and slightly claustrophobic – taller teenagers may complain.

The boot is a decent size and not compromised too much by hybrid gubbins, although not as big as boxier rivals. This will accommodate a weekly shop and general family stuff without any hassle.

The center console is functional, but dominated by a large grab handle that feels more style than substance – not a deal-breaker, but it gets in the way more often than it helps.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

This is one area where the Rafael really shines. The Google-based infotainment system is fantastic – intuitive, voice-responsive, and full of clever touches like predictive hybrid energy usage based on route topography. This is the same system used in the latest Megane E-Tech and in Australia, but here it has a polish.

It has built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play apps – and it integrates seamlessly with your smartphone via wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. OTA (over-the-air) updates come as standard, making the system future-proof without dealer visits.

Higher trims get a head-up display and customizable drive modes, plus clever regenerative braking adjustment capability via paddles behind the wheel – a neat touch that lets you control how strong the regeneration is.

The standard stereo is decent, though not class leading. An upgraded sound system (expected on Atelier Alpine trims) adds some extra power and clarity – especially welcome when streaming your playlist over Bluetooth.

Overall, it feels like a tech-savvy car – right down to the predictive suspension that scans the road ahead and adjusts damping accordingly.

Prices and operating costs

At a starting price of £43,995, the Rafale PHEV isn’t cheap – and in top Atelier Alpine spec it will cost you around £47,000. This puts it in direct competition with plug-in offerings from the likes of Kia and Peugeot and even some base-spec BMW and Audi.

Where it fights back is efficiency. With a 22kWh battery and limited figures of 403.5mpg and 15g/km CO2, company car drivers should see attractive benefit-in-kind (BiK) rates.

There is no longer a £2,500 EV grant for PHEVs, but Renault is offering competitive low-rate finance. Plug in at home using off-peak electricity, and running costs are seriously low.

As ever, this is a car that only makes sense financially if you make the most of its plug-in credentials – charge it often and you’ll make considerable savings. Ignore the cables, and you’ll be carrying extra weight.

renault rafale rival

questions to ask

How long does it take for Rafale PHEV to charge?

Up to 100% in just less than 3 hours using a 7.4kW home charger.

Is it worth the money?

If you plug in regularly and want a stylish, efficient SUV with reasonable EV range, then yes. But at around £44k, there are value-packed rivals – particularly from China.

Does Renault cover battery?

Renault offers 8 years of battery warranty with its standard vehicle.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Decision

Stylish and efficient, the Rafale is a welcome new face in the plug-in hybrid SUV sector. It looks great, runs quietly and has real-world electric range that many rivals can’t match. But some ergonomic quirks, some cheap bits inside, a lumpy ride and pricing that veers into premium territory make it fall a bit short of perfection.