Renault has unleashed one of the most visually arresting plug-in hybrid SUVs currently available in the UK market. The new Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300HP, reviewed in November 2025, positions itself as the more stylish and potent sibling to the popular Renault Austral.
With a coupe-like silhouette and an Alpine-inspired front end, this French contender boldly rejects the cautious styling of many rivals. Beyond its dramatic LED lighting and rakish roofline lies a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that promises both exceptional efficiency and real-world usability for British drivers.
Performance and Real-World Efficiency
During a week of testing on typical British roads, including A-roads and suburban commutes, the Rafale demonstrated its capabilities. Its powertrain combines a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors, generating a substantial 300 horsepower and enabling a 0-62mph sprint in just 6.4 seconds.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the substantial 22kWh battery pack, which provides an impressive claimed electric range of 62 miles. In real-world conditions, this translated to approximately 60 miles of pure-electric driving – enough to cover most daily journeys without consuming any petrol.
Charging the battery from empty to full takes under three hours using a 7.4kW home wallbox, making overnight charging perfectly feasible. The vehicle's total range, with a full battery and petrol tank, extends to an impressive 621 miles, offering both local electric mobility and long-distance flexibility.
Interior Technology and Practicality
Inside, the Rafale presents a significant step forward for Renault interiors. A portrait-style Google-powered touchscreen dominates the dashboard, offering responsive controls, built-in Google Maps, and seamless smartphone integration through wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Practicality presents both strengths and compromises. While front-seat space is generous and the driving position commanding, the stylish roofline impacts rear headroom, making the back seats feel somewhat confined for taller passengers. The boot space remains decent for family needs, though not class-leading.
Standard four-wheel steering enhances manoeuvrability in tight spaces, making this substantial SUV surprisingly agile around town. However, the ride quality can feel somewhat bouncy on rougher British road surfaces, even when the suspension is set to comfort mode.
Pricing and Verdict
With pricing starting from £43,995 and rising to nearly £47,000 for the top Atelier Alpine specification, the Rafale positions itself at the premium end of the mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV market. It faces stiff competition from established rivals like the Kia Sportage PHEV and Peugeot 408 Hybrid.
The financial case strengthens considerably for those who can regularly charge at home using off-peak electricity. With claimed efficiency figures of 403.5mpg and 15g/km of CO2 emissions, company car drivers will benefit from attractive Benefit-in-Kind tax rates.
The Renault Rafale ultimately presents a compelling package for style-conscious families seeking to reduce their running costs without committing to a fully electric vehicle. Its striking design, genuine electric range, and advanced technology make it a serious contender, though some ergonomic quirks and the premium pricing prevent it from achieving perfection.
