TESLA

Renault takes on Tesla with new Scénic versus Tesla Model Y

Renault is so confident in its latest electric vehicle, the Scénic E-Tech, that it did not hesitate to launch an advertising campaign directly targeting the clear leader in European sales among battery-powered models. The campaign is currently exclusive to the United Kingdom and compares the features of the electric Scénic to Tesla's Model Y.

The slogan displayed on the billboard is attributed to the British publication Auto Express and states that "the new Renault Scénic E-Tech puts the Tesla Model Y to shame in terms of price and range", precisely two of the criteria most valued by potential buyers of this type of vehicle. And the fact that the billboard is next to one of London's most popular charging stations quickly allowed it to jump onto social media, increasing the effectiveness and reach of the communication.

According to Publicis, the agency that worked on the creative, the billboards used are digital and can adapt to the drivers passing by, varying the message depending on the vehicle they are driving. And, according to the British press, the system installed specifically identifies Tesla owners.

As soon as the billboard “sees” a Tesla approaching, the original message “New Renault Scenic E-Tech embarrasses Tesla Model Y on price and range” is replaced by others more targeted at users of models from the North American manufacturer. And examples of these jabs at drivers of the best-selling electric car in Europe range from “This is awkward” to “You’re probably good at other things”, to “Elong-ger”.

The creativity of the British Renault advertisers served to draw attention to the greater autonomy of the Scenic E-Tech, as well as its competitive price. As for the distance that the French SUV can travel between charges, the Scénic reaches 430 km with the 60 kWh battery and 623 km with the 87 kWh accumulator, all this with prices that in Portugal range from €43,490 (Techno version) in the first case and €51,250 (Esprit Alpine) in the second. Now, just compare it with the prices of the Tesla Model Y, also in our country, to see that the comparison does not clearly disadvantage the sales leader, since the most affordable version of the Model Y is sold for €44,990, with an identical battery (60 kWh), but with 299 hp (instead of 170 hp) and 455 km of autonomy (instead of 430 km), despite having a length of 4.751 m and a wheelbase of 2.890 m, instead of the 4.470 m and 2.785 m of the Scénic, which places the French SUV in a segment below its American rival, in terms of dimensions and space. There is still one “detail” to overcome, associated with the fact that the cheapest Tesla is offered for €44,990, compared to €43,490 for the Scenic, despite the latter claiming a top speed of 150 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, while its rival from across the Atlantic reaches 217 km/h and goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

In the versions with the largest battery capacity, the Scenic guarantees an impressive 623 km of autonomy, extracted from an 87 kWh battery, while the Model Y can travel 600 km (also in WLTP) with a battery of just 75 kWh. This RWD version (only one engine) of the Y Long Range is sold in Portugal for €48,990, while the Scénic demands €51,250 in exchange for a top speed of 170 km/h (compared to 217 km/h for its North American rival) and 218 hp of power (compared to 347 hp), which ensures 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds (compared to 5.9).

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