Renault Rafale as a 300 hp plug-in hybrid with a touch of Alpine

When Renault presented its top model Rafale in the middle of last year, it already announced the arrival of a 300 hp plug-in hybrid version. It is the top version, fully called Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300, that is now discussed in more detail.

The plug-in hybrid Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 – quite a mouthful – has a 1.2 three-cylinder petrol engine under the hood, just like the already well-known 200 hp regular hybrid engine version. In the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300, however, the petrol engine is not 130 hp and 205 Nm strong, but produces 150 hp and 230 Nm. The electric motor that drives the front wheels, with 70 hp and 205 Nm, is just as powerful as the one in the E-Tech Hybrid, but the E-Tech 4×4 300 also has an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. This in turn produces 136 hp and 195 Nm. The muscular plug-in also has a 34 hp and 50 Nm powerful starter generator. The result: a system power of 300 hp.

With its 300 hp, the four-wheel drive Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 sprints from a standstill to a speed of 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. For comparison: the 200 hp E-Tech Hybrid needs 8.9 seconds for the 0-100 sprint. On the intermediate sprint from 80 km/h to 120 km/h (4.0 s), the plug-in hybrid variant is also considerably faster than the regular hybrid version (5.6 s). More relevant is the electric range. The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 has a 22 kWh battery on board, a battery that gives the car an electric range of 100 kilometers. The package can be recharged with up to 7.4 kW. Up to a speed of 135 km/h you can travel kilometers using only electric power. At least, until you demand more than 160 hp from the drivetrain.

Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300

Alpine

Renault is already positioning the Rafale as its top model and the E-Tech 4×4 300 is being marketed as the sportiest model. For example, unlike the regular hybrid, the plug-in hybrid will not be available as a Techo, but only in two Alpine versions. The first is called Esprit Alpine, a flavor that is the top version of the Rafale E-Tech Hybrid. Above this, Renault places the new Atelier Alpine version. That is more than just a more richly equipped variant. For example, Alpine has interfered with the adjustment of the (active) dampers, suspension and stabilizer bars. The Atelier Alpine has customized software for things such as the brakes, brake generation, stability control and power steering. The suspension adjusts based on what a camera in front of the car observes. 4Control Advanced

From the outside you can recognize the Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 Atelier Alpine by its special 21-inch wheels, the Blue Sommet Satin paint color and a black rear spoiler. Also included: co-steering and counter-steering rear wheels.

The Renault Rafale E-Tech 4×4 300 will be launched on the market in the autumn. Dutch prices will follow in the run-up to the market introduction.