The Renault R-Space Lab is a mid-size, single-space MPV concept designed to give us an idea of what to expect from the French automaker over the next five years. While it won’t go into production as is or even inspire any production model directly, it will nonetheless inform the design of 14 new Renault vehicles scheduled for launch in 2026–2030.
The MPV is only 4.5 meters (175.8 inches) long. It has McPherson struts at the front end and multi-link suspension at the rear end. A special rectangular frame at the bottom holds the battery cells while also improving the rigidity of the bodywork. The power architecture used works with 800V current.
The underpinning platform is also new and known as the RGEV medium 2.0. It implies the use of either one (RWD) or two (AWD) electric motors to drive the wheels. Engineers predict up to 750 kilometers (466 miles) of range for any battery-electric vehicles built on this platform, and up to 1,500 km (932 miles) for any range-extender hybrids.
On the outside, the R-Space Lab sports a mildly futuristic look with its gently sloping panoramic roof and frameless doors. The interior is pictured with five individual seats, but that’s just one of the possibilities, Renault says. The front panel is all-digital with multiple displays, and the steering wheel is a drive-by-wire yoke.
The automaker plans to use its RGEV medium 2.0 platform to produce numerous vehicles under Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands. Its well-appointed layout promises up to 40% cost savings compared to the more traditional designs.
