Update for the flagships: At the start of the new model year, the Renault models Austral, Espace and Rafale receive technology upgrades and new features that further improve the driving experience – including a new generation wireless smartphone charger “Qi2“, an integrated data package for online functions, an advanced driver recognition system that can detect signs of fatigue, and the AI voice assistant Google Gemini.
SUCCESSFUL AT THE TOP END
Renault has successfully established itself in the upper market segment with the top models Austral, Espace and Rafale. In 2025 alone, the three models recorded 444,000 units sold worldwide (including 158,000 in France), an increase of 7.9 percent compared to the previous year, thereby strengthening the brand’s position in the C/D segment.
They are particularly impressive with their model and equipment mix: customers show a clear preference for the top equipment variants, thereby confirming the high-end positioning of the models in the segment. For the Rafale, 85 percent of sales come from the high-quality Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine lines. For the Espace, 66 percent of customers choose the Esprit Alpine and Iconic versions, and for the Austral, the Esprit Alpine line represents almost 50 percent of the vehicles sold. Many customers also choose exclusive options such as the Solarbay glass roof and the Harman Kardon HiFi audio system.
The Renault flagships are also celebrating success in Austria: almost 3,000 Australs have been registered in this country since their introduction in 2022. Together with the around 640 units of the Rafale (since 2024) and the 750 new registrations for the Espace (since 2023), Renault’s premium trio comes to around 4,400 units in Austria – a good result for models that compete in a segment dominated by domestic brands and commercial registrations.
E-TECH FULL HYBRIDS IMPRESS WITH PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY
At the same time, Austral, Espace and Rafale are consolidating Renault’s strong position in the full hybrid sector with their sales success: In Europe, Renault was the number two hybrid brand in 2025, and in France the brand has even been the market leader since 2023.
The Full Hybrid E-Tech with 199 hp, which is used in the Austral, Espace and Rafale, impressively shows what E-Tech stands for at Renault: not only for fully electric models, but also for powerful and highly efficient full hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which make electrification accessible to even broader customer groups and application profiles.
With a full tank, all three models offer a range of up to 1,100 kilometers – with fuel consumption that is among the best on the market. Renault also offers the Rafale with the 300 hp Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4×4 plug-in, a high-performance version developed by Alpine engineers that enables daily fully electric driving with a range of up to 105 kilometers thanks to its 22 kWh battery.
COMPREHENSIVE UPDATES FOR THE NEW MODEL YEAR
Just last year, Renault redesigned the Austral and Espace. On the outside, the family resemblance to the Rafale is now even more visible; on the inside, the driving experience has been specifically optimized. Now Renault’s high-end models receive technological upgrades and new features that further improve the driving experience.
WIRELESS SMARTPHONE CHARGER “QI2”
Renault is one of the first car manufacturers to introduce a wireless smartphone charger according to the Qi2 standard (or Magsafe on the iPhone). Most new generation smartphones already use this magnetic ring technology, which enables fast charging (50 percent battery charge in one hour) without overheating. Previous generation smartphones that allow wireless charging can also be charged using the new charger by simply adding a magnetic phone case or ring.
DATA PACKAGE INCLUDED
An extensive data package is included for using the in-car apps via the Open R link infotainment system: customers receive 2 GB of free data per month for three years (or until the end of their vehicle leasing contract from Mobilize Financial Services) to use the apps downloaded from Google Play. This allows, for example, 40 hours of music streaming in standard quality or up to three hours of video streaming. Since the apps and data are integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system, using the smartphone while driving is not necessary.
GOOGLE GEMINI
As part of an over-the-air update, Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is making its way into the top Renault models. Gemini replaces Google Assistant and offers a new dimension in voice control as a true conversation assistant equipped with artificial intelligence. Instead of having to remember exact phrases, users can have a normal conversation with Gemini and carry out more complex tasks. You can also interrupt the assistant in the middle of a sentence or change the language at any time.
„SMART”-MODUS
Renault is replacing the previous “Perso” mode in the high-end models with the new “Smart” mode. Depending on your driving style, this automatically switches between the different MULTI-SENSE modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport). This means that drivers benefit from the direct response of “Sport” mode when overtaking, for example – and from the efficiency advantages of “Eco” mode when driving slowly through a town.
The facelift for Austral and Espace is completed by the new body color “Slate Blue Satin”, the Rafale has a new, elegant upholstery option made of black coated textile with a grained surface (TEP).
