In 2025, Renault Austral and Espace were fully restyled. The family resemblance with Rafale is now more visible in the design of both models, while the in-car experience has been optimised to deliver enhanced comfort with new useful technologies.
All the models in the range are available with the full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain, delivering an excellent performance-to-efficiency ratio. With a full tank, all three models offer a range of up to 1,100 km, with fuel consumption ranking among the best on the market (4.7l/100 km for Austral and 4.8l/100 km for Espace and Rafale).
Renault’s European flagship, Rafale is also available with the E-Tech 4×4 300 hp plug-in hyper hybrid, a high-performance version developed by Alpine engineers. With its 22kWh battery, this version enables all-electric driving every day.
With the start of the new year, Renault’s high-end models are gaining technology upgrades and new equipment to further enhance the in-car experience.
Austral, Espace and Rafale: demand for top-spec versions
The Renault brand is confirming its acceleration at the top end of the market. Sales of Austral, Espace and Rafale following their market launch point to a clear preference for top-spec finishes with high added value:
- Austral, almost 50% of sales for Esprit Alpine
- Espace, 66% of sales for Esprit Alpine and Iconic
- Rafale, 85% of sales for Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine
Many customers select options with their orders. Among them, the Solarbay opacifying glass roof is a frequent choice. Offering excellent thermal comfort and optimum brightness, it features intuitive control of all four dimming modes, voice-controlled through Google Assistant. Available on Espace and Rafale, Solarbay is present on 40% of models sold.
Another very popular option is the high‑fidelity audio system by Harman Kardon, which delivers a more immersive sound experience. It is selected at the time of purchase by nearly 40% of Espace customers, 35% of Rafale customers, and 32% of Austral customers.
Technology upgrades and new equipment for an even more enjoyable in-car experience
New “Qi2” wireless charger
Renault is one of the first carmakers to offer a wireless charger meeting the Qi2 standard (or Magsafe on iPhone) for the first time in its range.
Already present on most new-generation smartphones, this technology uses a magnetic ring to deliver maximum charging power (50% battery charge recovered in one hour) without overheating.
This wireless charger can also be used with previous-generation smartphones compatible with wireless charging, simply by adding a magnetic phone case or ring.
New connectivity package
From 2026, Austral, Espace and Rafale gain a new feature provided by Airnity, a cellular connectivity platform for the automotive industry. Users can take advantage of a secure internet package directly integrated with the car’s infotainment system to run apps downloaded to OpenR link.
This means that they no longer have to use a smartphone (via tethering) to use available apps while on the road. The service includes an internet package (2 GB per month for 3 years or the term of the contract with Mobilize Financial Services*) covering monthly usage of the most popular in-car apps (up to 40 hours of audio streaming or up to three hours of video streaming).
Google Gemini
Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is set to replace Google Assistant in the near future as part of an over-the-air update. Gemini goes much further as a true conversational assistant powered by artificial intelligence.
Rather than having to remember the exact phrase for what you want, you can have a normal conversation with Gemini and carry out more complex tasks. You can also interrupt it mid-sentence or switch languages seamlessly at any point in a conversation.
Advanced driver attention monitoring system
A camera in the A-pillar, already used to automatically customise the driving position, now includes a new feature designed to detect any signs of driver fatigue or discomfort. If the monitoring system senses a problem, the car will gradually be brought to a stop with the hazard warning lights flashing.
Introduction of “Smart” mode
On all its high-end models, Renault is replacing “MySense” mode, by a new “Smart” mode, which switches automatically between the different Multi-Sense modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport) depending on the driver’s style.
For example, drivers benefit instantly from the instant response of “Sport” mode when overtaking but can also make savings by switching to “Eco” mode whenever they slow down, when driving through a village, for example.
Finally, Austral and Espace complete the range with an all-new body colour, “Slate Blue satin”. Rafale gains a new elegant and sophisticated upholstery option in black coated textile with a grained finish (TEP).
Renault SUV, Out to win new customers
Austral, Espace and Rafale have demonstrated an outstanding ability to attract new customers, particularly from rival brands.
In the case of Rafale, for example, over half of customers are new to Renault, and of this total, nearly 50% are former owners of a model from a premium brand. The Renault brand is demonstrating the success of its value strategy, and its ability to gradually attract a more demanding customer base.
All these new features are now available to order in France.
| AUSTRAL | Versions | Price |
| Evolution full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €41,900 or €360/month (*) | |
| Techno full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €43,100 | |
| Esprit Alpine full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €46,000 |
| ESPACE | Versions | Price |
| 5-SEATER | Techno 5-seater full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €46,000 or €420/month** |
| Esprit Alpine 5-seater full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €49,300 | |
| Iconic 5-seater full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €51,300 | |
| 7-SEATER | Techno 7-seater full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €46,500 |
| Esprit Alpine 7-seater full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €49,800 | |
| Iconic 7-seater full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €51,800 |
| RAFALE | Versions | Price |
| Techno full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €46,000 or €430/month*** | |
| Esprit Alpine full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp | €50,000 | |
| Esprit Alpine E-Tech 4×4 300 hp hyper hybrid plug-in | €55,000or €470/month**** | |
| Atelier Alpine E-Tech 4×4 300 hp hyper hybrid plug-in | €60,000 |