Renault has just revealed the new Rafale E-Tech 4×4 with 300 hp, the first version of the French brand’s SUV coupe with all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid, featuring enhanced tuning by Alpine.
Introduced in 2023, the Rafale previously had a hybrid powertrain with 200 hp, combining a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 130 hp and 205 Nm, with two electric motors and a multi-mode automatic gearbox. The traction electric motor provides 70 hp and 205 Nm, powered by a 400-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2 kWh, capable of providing exclusive electric propulsion for short periods.
The second electric motor, with 34 hp and 50 Nm, not only serves as an integrated generator-starter motor, but also operates and synchronizes the clutchless gearbox with straight-cut gears, featuring five mechanical and two electric gears for a total of fifteen possible combinations.
Now, Renault is introducing the top-of-the-line version of the Rafale, enhancing the 1.2-liter combustion engine with a new turbocharger, increasing its power to 150 hp and torque to 230 Nm, and adapting the multi-mode gearbox to these changes. Additionally, a 136 hp and 195 Nm electric motor has been added to the rear axle, allowing the SUV coupe to deliver a total power of 300 hp.These numbers allow the Rafale 4X4 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, compared to the 8.9 seconds of the front-wheel drive version.
The new all-wheel drive variant features a 22 kWh battery that promises an electric-only range of up to 100 km. The battery can be charged at a maximum power of 7.4 kW to 80% in 130 minutes, or fully in 2 hours and 55 minutes.
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The new Rafale E-Tech 4X4 is available in two trim levels, the Esprit Alpine which features a performance-focused image, with details that reinforce the brand’s image from Dieppe, highlighting the 20’’ wheels.
The Atelier Alpine version adds an adaptive suspension that uses a camera to analyze the road ahead and signal to the shock absorbers to prepare. This system takes into account the speed and driver’s reaction to continuously adjust the damping, for example, in case of bumps or obstacles on the road.
In addition, the multimedia screen features a menu called ‘Chassis Control’ that allows the driver to adjust the parameters of the 4Control Advanced system, the damping levels, and the rear steering angles in three ways (Comfort, Dynamic, and Sport).
The French brand has already announced that the new all-wheel drive version of the Rafale will hit the market next fall, without revealing the prices yet.
