Renault Rafale: The SUV coupe that excites car skeptics

Test drive Shining Frenchman: Why even car skeptics succumb to the Renault Rafale

2025-01-08 From sp-x | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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An SUV coupe that even delights car skeptics? The new Rafale from Renault does just that. With digital gimmicks, illuminated seats, and a smart hybrid drive, it shakes up the premium class.

With the Rafale, Renault has another SUV in its lineup.(Image: Renault) — With the Rafale, Renault has another SUV in its lineup.
(Image: Renault)

Even if the son is not a car enthusiast, he occasionally notices differences between our test cars. Who can blame him: His opinions are usually more favorable regarding sports cars, convertibles, or pickups than for economical small cars. However, the new Rafale from Renault doesn't fit into any of the mentioned categories, but the son somewhat surprisingly comments from the back seat, "This is a really cool car." And yes, somehow that fits quite well.

Renault takes its sometimes slightly confusing SUV offensive to the extreme with the Rafale. Symbioz, Captur, Arkana, Scenic, Austral, and Espace are the names of the French brand's more or less mid-sized and more or less similar high-stance vehicles. However, the Rafale is only the brand's second SUV coupe after the Arkana. The gently sloping roofline towards the rear certainly gives the stately 4.71-meter-long five-door vehicle a stylish touch. It also pleases with an aggressive front and characterful light design. In the case of the Esprit Alpine trim we tested, filigree alloy wheels and black accents add a somewhat sportier note.

Nocturnal techno ballet: When the Frenchman requests a light show

Some passengers are also wide-eyed when it's dark and the Rafale welcomes its occupants with a brief greeting ceremony in the form of a light sequence. When the signal transmitter is recognized by the vehicle, both indicators initially awaken, and the light elements are then activated from bottom to top, as if the Rafale is booting up. Inside, the ambient lighting also provides an additional light show. The biggest wow effect, however, is offered only by the Alpine trim, where a blue-lit Alpine "A" appears in the sportily contoured backrests of the front seats.

In addition, the son, a typical digital native, is impressed by the slightly sporty, yet digital and premium-looking, and very tidy cockpit. There's much to discover on the large touchscreen running the "OpenR Link" multimedia system. It features Google functions based on Android Automotive and also allows for wireless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. So there are plenty of apps available here. The responsive display features fine resolution and stylish graphics. In addition, there's fast processor technology and smart operating logic—those who appreciate highly digitalized and connected cockpit environments will find much to admire in this Renault. If you prefer to focus on driving-related information instead, simply glance at the image of the optional head-up display in the windshield.

XXL trunk meets premium cockpit: That's what the new one can do

The Rafale also offers space. It can be a bit tight when entering between the driver's seat bolsters and the dashboard extending deep into the interior. Otherwise, both front and rear seats provide a relaxed seating experience. Even taller adults enjoy sufficient headroom in the back, thanks in part to the optional glass roof and the resulting lack of a headliner. The traditionally variable trunk can hold 143 to 505 U.S. gallons, which is more than ample for an SUV coupe.

The drive also leaves a good impression. The full hybrid system combines a 0.32 gallons three-cylinder gasoline engine with 131 hp with an electric motor of 68 hp. Additionally, there's another 24 hp electric motor that ensures smooth transitions between fully electric and combustion engine drive moments in conjunction with the multi-mode transmission. In almost every situation, the 200 hp total system feels smooth, powerful, and refined.

15 gears for reason: Relaxed cruising instead of aggressive shifting

The driver doesn't need to deal with which of the 15 different gear combinations the transmission is using. It's sufficient to briefly push the gear lever into position D. Whether for relaxed cruising or brisk acceleration—the hybrid drive is pleasing in almost every situation. Sometimes it runs fully electric, other times with gasoline and electric support. Even the kids in the back seat notice this flexibility and the ever-present E-boost, which impresses them. Additionally, there's good practical efficiency. It averaged 1.72 gallons on longer and slightly faster highway tours. The Rafale, which remains pleasantly quiet, doesn't become exceptionally fast though: the confident propulsion ends at 112 mph.

Full hybrid and entry-level engines do not contradict dynamic driving pleasures. If desired, it handles corners both smoothly and swiftly. The steering does exactly what one would expect from a car with the Alpine logo. Additionally, there's all-wheel steering, which makes it particularly nimble and agile through curves. Despite its firm and not-so-typically French character, ride comfort is not compromised.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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Gallery

With its 4.71-meter-long body, the Rafale is already a stately presence.(Image: Renault)

The Rafale offers good space for its rear passengers.(Image: Renault)

The taillights of the Rafale also catch the eye.(Image: Renault)

The slowly sloping roofline toward the rear gives the Rafale a coupe-like elegance.(Image: Renault)

Gallery with 13 images

Comfort is also ensured by the extensive equipment program of the Esprit Alpine version, which, in addition to the standard equipment like dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and navigation, also offers all-wheel steering, seat heating, and an electric tailgate. Exclusively reserved for the Alpine version are the aforementioned pulsating blue A-logos in the backrests, which impress the son and, in his opinion, alone justify the not exactly modest price of 51,740 USD. He's not wrong here either, because at least the 4,820 USD surcharge compared to the 46,870 USD base version is something one should be able to overlook if they want a truly cool car.