2024 Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4

Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp: Renault expertise elevated by Alpine

•Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp introduces the new E-Tech plug-in hybrid 300 hp powertrain
•E-Tech 4x4 300 hp powertrain features a 22 kWh battery for a range of up to 100 km (62 miles) in all-electric mode (WLTP*)
•The extra power is provided by an electric motor added to the rear axle; coupled with 4Control Advanced, Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp features four-wheel steering and drive
•Atelier Alpine version features a particularly distinctive look with Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a Starry Black floating spoiler, special 21-inch 'Chicane' wheels, and a specially tuned chassis developed with Alpine Cars
•Atelier Alpine version premieres an intelligent self-adjusting suspension system coupled with a new camera for predictive control
•Available in two levels of trim, Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine, Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp will be available from autumn 2024
•ÚK prices and offers to be announced in June
Renault is unveiling the high-performance version of Rafale – the Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp. Channelling all the passion and expertise of the brand, the new plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers the best of both worlds, ICE and electric, with a preference for everyday electric driving. Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp is more than just a high-performance powertrain. A vehicle in tune with its times, it is ultra-efficient, with a range of up to 1,000 km (621 miles)*. With the electric motor added to the rear axle, this brand flagship gains a permanently active four-wheel drive set-up. Packed with the best in high-tech features and safety systems, Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp also optimises traction and roadholding in all circumstances.




An outstanding powertrain

Úncompromising choices in technology
The powertrain of Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp is based on the E-Tech hybrid 200 hp powertrain, with the addition of an electric motor on the rear axle and a chargeable battery with a substantial capacity of 22 kWh. This gives Rafale a range of up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) in all-electric mode (WLTP*).



A new plug-in hybrid powertrain
Únder the bonnet, the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine has a new turbocharger, boosting power to 110 kW or 150 hp (compared with 96 kW or 130 hp for the E-Tech 200 hp version) and torque to 230 Nm (compared with 205 Nm). The multi-mode clutchless dogbox takes account of these changes.

The combustion engine is combined with three electric motors (two main and one secondary) with a total output of 300 hp:
•the main electric motor on the front axle, developing 50 kW (70 hp) and 205 Nm of torque
•the second main electric motor, permanently connected to the rear axle, developing 100 kW (136 hp) and 195 Nm of torque
•the secondary HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator) electric motor developing 25 kW (34 hp) and 50 Nm of torque.

For a dynamic driving experience, the engine and motors work together to unleash the full potential of the vehicle, with performance levels as follows:
•0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds (compared with 8.9 seconds for the 200 hp E-Tech hybrid)
•50 to 75 mph in 4.0 seconds (compared with 5.6 seconds for the 200 hp E-Tech hybrid)
•1,000 metres from a standing start in 26.9 seconds

The two main motors are powered by a 22 kWh/400V lithium-ion battery for electric driving. The secondary HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator) electric motor starts the internal combustion engine, controls gear changes via the automatic gearbox and helps charge the battery.

For maximum charging power of 7.4 kW (32A), a full recharge of the battery takes:
•2 hrs 10 min. for 0 to 80%
•2 hrs 55 min. for 0 to 100%

'Rafale embraces two key aspects of Renault's heritage. First, sporting prowess, with high-performance saloons such as the R21 Turbo and Safrane Baccara Biturbo, and second, a capacity for innovation, with our people-carriers, turbochargers and E-Tech hybrid powertrains.'
Grégory Launay, Revenue Leader, Renault Rafale

Atelier Alpine: the best of Alpine and Renault technology

All the expertise of Alpine in a special chassis
Alongside the Esprit Alpine trim shared with the E-Tech hybrid 200 hp version, Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp is available in a specific Atelier Alpine version. An evocative name that brings to mind the advanced expertise brought to Renault by Alpine Cars.

This pooling of talents makes it possible for drivers of Renault Rafale to enjoy 'the Alpine experience'. Specifically, the Atelier Alpine chassis was tuned by a group of around a dozen dedicated engineers from Alpine Cars through the development of:
•special parts: dampers, springs, jounce bumpers, front and rear anti-roll bars and 21-inch wheels;
•an exclusive controlled damping system named 'active suspension with predictive camera';
•specific Agility Control modes;
•calibration of the ECÚs controlling braking, regenerative braking, stability and trajectory control and power steering;
•expert support in coupling the powertrain to the chassis and the Continental sports tyres.

Specific styling attributes
Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp Atelier Alpine features a particularly distinctive look with Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a Starry Black floating spoiler, and special 21-inch 'Chicane' wheels with Continental tyres (20-inch wheels for the Esprit Alpine trim). In a sporting nod to the Alpine brand, the interior of Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine gain mats in the iconic blue of the arrowed A logo.

New active suspension from Renault
Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp Atelier Alpine differs from the Esprit Alpine version through its innovative self-adjusting smart suspension system, with a camera at the top of the windscreen. This system named 'active suspension with predictive camera' continuously adjusts damping such as in the case of a speed bump or obstacles on the road ahead.

An innovative Agility Control
Specific to Rafale Atelier Alpine version, a 'Chassis Control' menu on the multimedia screen lets drivers adjust the 4Control Advanced settings, the damping profile and the rear steering angles in three ways:
•Comfort, for everyday journeys, particularly in the city.
•Dynamic, for a compromise between agility and cornering.
•Sport, for handling and driving pleasure.

These agility control settings are available in all driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and MySense) with the exception of Snow mode.

Reflecting the wide range of adjustable technologies available on the Atelier Alpine version (four propulsion sources, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, regenerative braking and active suspension), these three modes allow drivers to customise Rafale to their own requirements. Developed by Alpine engineers, the settings for each mode ensure an optimal configuration of Rafale Atelier Alpine every time.

The qualities of hybrid and electric power

All-electric performance for everyday use
Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp features a generously-sized 22 kWh rechargeable battery rated at 400V. When fully charged, the battery offers a range of up to 100 km (62 miles)* in all-electric mode. This capacity encourages regular plug-in charging.

If the battery charge is sufficient, all-electric driving is activated by default in Comfort and Eco modes and may be maintained depending on driver input. Drivers can also 'force' this choice by selecting 'Electric' mode with the EV MODE button on the central armrest. This energy choice is maintained for power requirements of up to 160 hp and a maximum speed of 135 km/h (84 mph).

EV MODE includes a drop-down menu allowing drivers to select one of three modes:
•Hybrid (active by default)
•Electric to 'force' all-electric driving
•E-save to use the internal combustion engine from start-up in order to charge the battery up to 25%, such as before arriving in an urban area, for example

In everyday use, Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp functions in the same way as an all-electric vehicle, with similar driving sensations, particularly in terms of quiet running and acceleration response. At the wheel, driving pleasure is further enhanced by the regenerative braking function, adjustable via the paddles on the steering wheel.

Range of up to 1,000 km
With the energy management system effectively optimising use of the engine and motors, standardised consumption over a WLTP* cycle is 0.7 litres/100 km (403.5 mpg) and 15 g of CO2/km with a full battery, and 5.8 litres/100 km (48.7 mpg) and 132 g of CO2/km with an empty battery. As a result, Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp is on a par with the best among the high-performance SÚVs in the D segment.

Drawing on the ingenuity and efficiency of E-Tech technology, vehicle range is:
•Úp to 100 km (62 miles) in all-electric mode (WLTP*)
•Úp to 1,000 km (621 miles) with a full tank of petrol (55-litre tank) and a fully charged battery (WLTP*)

*pending homologation and subject to ÚK spec

Smart traction for safety and dynamic performance
With the new electric motor on the rear axle, Renault Rafale E-Tech 4x4 300 hp gains permanently active four-wheel drive. The traction of each axle is managed automatically by the E-Tech system based on driving conditions and the driving mode selected via the MÚLTI-SENSE settings. Torque distribution can vary instantaneously from 100% for the front wheels (front-wheel drive) to 100% for the rear wheels (rear-wheel drive). As a general rule, front-wheel drive is preferred up to 70 km/h (43 mph), and rear-wheel drive for higher speeds.

Predictive hybrid driving
This function maximises the use of electrical energy while driving. Google's mapping data, such as the topography of the road over the next seven kilometres (or the most likely route if no destination is entered), provides advance information to the battery management system to maximise the use of electric power. A driving report is available in the form of a bar chart detailing consumption and the distance travelled in all-electric mode.

Source - Renault