Is the Renault Rafale a bona-fide BMW, Volvo and Tesla alternative?
June 01, 2025 by Mario Christou
Car changing is a big deal
There’s no denying that the Rafale is Renault’s most attention-grabbing product, but does it have the substance to back up its style in the highly competitive coupe-SUV market? Senior reviews writer Mario Christou gets behind the wheel to find out.
The Renault Rafale is the automotive equivalent of a high-street brand dabbling in designer fashion; eye-catching but missing the ultimate finesse of pricier alternatives. Think of it as the Boohoo to BMW X4’s Gucci. It’s positioned somewhere between premium German offerings and cheaper alternatives like the Peugeot 3008 or Skoda Enyaq Coupe.
Styling is undoubtedly the Rafale’s strongest suit. With its aggressive headlights and sporty silhouette, there’s more than a whiff of Lamborghini Urus about it if you squint. It’s a head-turner, particularly with its distinctive arrow-shaped LED running lights dominating.
Inside, the Rafale impresses at first glance. The two-tier dashboard looks suitably premium, complemented by leatherette and suede trims that feel genuinely luxurious. However, closer inspection reveals some cheap-feeling gloss black plastics around the infotainment system and vents.
Despite these touches, it’s generally a pleasant cabin, particularly in higher trims featuring the electrochromic glass roof (it goes opaque at the touch of a button), though the infotainment menus are unnecessarily complex.
The Renault Rafale is surprisingly spacious for having such a shallow roofline
Practicality is pretty solid, as front-seat passengers enjoy ample storage and loads of adjustability in the comfortable seats. In the back, passengers are treated to excellent legroom and decent headroom for a coupe-SUV.
Storage is well-considered, especially with a generously-sized rear armrest featuring clever tablet holders, but oddly-shaped door bins provide limited space for larger water bottles.
The boot is spacious enough at 530 litres, though the plug-in hybrid model compromises on underfloor storage for charging cables.
Engine choices are clear-cut: a 200hp self-charging hybrid or a more compelling 300hp plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The latter not only offers better performance and strong efficiency – achieving an impressive 50mpg on motorway runs – but also makes sense financially for company car users due to its low Benefit-in-Kind rate. Real-world electric range for the PHEV sits between 30-35 miles, shy of Renault’s optimistic 65-mile claim.
The Rafale’s interior looks good, but there is the odd questionable plastic
Driving the Rafale is a mixed bag. Its optional four-wheel steering makes it impressively nimble around town, particularly for such a large car, and its quick steering and minimal body lean inspire confidence on a twisty road.
On the flipside, it’s overly stiff on smaller bumps and jarringly bouncy over larger undulations and potholes. Road noise intrudes noticeably at speed, spoiling the experience of motorway journeys. Visibility is compromised too, making parking unnecessarily stressful despite optional 360-degree cameras.
Ultimately, the Renault Rafale makes sense for buyers not yet ready to commit to a full electric vehicle, offering a stylish hybrid alternative. However, with accomplished all-electric alternatives such as the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 available for similar money, the Rafale’s quirks and compromised comfort make it a less clear-cut choice.
If you’re smitten by the Rafale’s looks and you prefer a sporty drive over a comfortable one, it’s certainly worth a look.
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