¿Por qué Renault va a matar el PHEV? Probamos a fondo el Rafale E-Tech 300 Atelier Alpine

Today we're testing the Renault Rafale E-Tech 300 4x4, the French brand's only plug-in hybrid. While Renault is heavily invested in conventional hybrids and pure electric vehicles, this 300 hp SUV coupé has secured a spot in the Top 10 best-selling PHEVs of 2025. Its appeal is clear: groundbreaking design, power, good equipment, and a starting price of €50,320. Competition? The Chinese are cheaper… but few have such a finely tuned chassis. The Rafale is Renault's flagship model, and it doesn't go unnoticed. It boasts an aggressive front end with a 3D grille, matrix headlights, and a rear end with horizontal LED taillights that emphasize its width. In this Atelier Alpine version (with satin slate gray paint and 21" wheels), its premium character is even more pronounced. Inside, the impact is immediate: spectacular seats with firm support, a 12″ vertical touchscreen with OpenR Link (one of the best systems on the market), an electrochromic Solarbay roof, and a rear armrest with a tablet holder. Space is generous thanks to a 2,738 mm wheelbase (the same as the Espace). Paragraph 3 – Trunk and Mechanical System The Rafale PHEV's trunk capacity is 465 liters (compared to 532 liters for the standard hybrid), because the 22 kWh battery takes up some space under the floor. However, the shape is regular, and it has practical features. Under the hood, we find a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 150 hp, supported by three electric motors: two at the front (68 hp + 34 hp) and one at the rear (136 hp). The result: 300 hp, intelligent all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, and up to 96 km of real-world electric range (Zero Emissions label). The drawback: it only charges via AC at 7.4 kW (3 hours to fully charge the battery). Behind the wheel, the Rafale PHEV surprises with its power. Acceleration is much more energetic than in full hybrids, the 4Control steering (standard in the Atelier Alpine trim) makes it very agile in corners, and the Alpine-designed chassis barely exhibits body roll. But it's not all perfect: the suspension's damping is somewhat harsh over sharp bumps, and when the battery is depleted, the three-cylinder engine becomes more audible and vibrates than desirable. In real-world fuel consumption: in the city, it can exceed 100 km of electric range; with an empty battery, we achieved 5 l/100 km on secondary roads and 6.6 l/100 km on the highway. Not bad for a 300 hp SUV. Is it worth it? The Rafale E-Tech 300 is a very accomplished product: design, finish, technology, chassis, and efficiency. That's why it's among the best-selling PHEVs. But Renault has already announced that its future lies in conventional hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), precisely to avoid the noise and vibration of the three-cylinder engine in a car costing over €50,000. If you're still looking for a sporty PHEV with a Zero Emissions label, the Rafale is ahead of budget-friendly Chinese models and rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq iV or the Opel Grandland. That said, we recommend checking dealer offers on coches.com and our financing options to pay for it monthly. What do you think? Should Renault discontinue the PHEV? Let us know in the comments! 00:00 Introduction 02:43 Exterior Design 06:13 Interior Design 09:41 Trunk 10:37 Engine 12:48 Dynamic Test 18:23 Conclusions / Pros and Cons More information on the Renault Rafale https://www.coches.com/noticias/renau... New Renault Rafale https://www.coches.com/coches-nuevos/... Pre-owned Renault Rafale https://www.coches.com/km0/renault-ra... Used Renault Rafale https://www.coches.com/coches-segunda...