R-Space Lab points to new Espace EV

Concept sets up Espace's return to MPV roots on all-new platform and with plenty of tech

- Phil McNamara [e-mail]

RENAULT has given the biggest hint yet that its flagship Espace will be reborn as an MPV.

The French brand has unveiled the R-Space Lab, a striking concept which picks up the MPV thread Renault abandoned in 2023, when it turned the Mk6 Espace into a me-too SUV. Just a typo away from E-Space, the concept measures 4.5 metres long and 1.52 metres tall. That makes it 20cm shorter and 12cm lower than today’s Espace SUV, which isn’t built in right-hand drive after Renault lost faith in trying to sell big cars to Britain.

The French should right that wrong with the next Espace, assuming it makes it out of the ‘Lab’ and into production looking like this. The concept clearly builds on the form language of Renault’s last concept, the Embleme, which Auto Express predicted was a toe in the water for the Espace’s return to its roots.