08:46 12-04-2026
Renault Espace likely to be discontinued due to electric shift
Renault's FutuREady plan suggests the Espace may end, as the new RGEV platform isn't suited for seven-seat models. Learn about market changes and electrification impacts.
Renault is preparing for a major transformation of its model lineup, and one casualty of this new strategy could be the legendary Espace. While there's no official statement yet, an analysis of the FutuREady plan suggests the current generation will likely be the model's last.
The main reason is the shift to the new RGEV electric platform, which will serve as the foundation for the brand's future vehicles. This platform promises to reduce production costs by 40% and features a modern 800-volt architecture with fast-charging capabilities. However, there's a significant limitation: the platform isn't designed for full-size seven-seat vehicles like the Espace.
Market pressure adds to the challenge. Despite a recent facelift and transformation from a classic minivan into an SUV, the model is losing popularity. Sales figures trail significantly behind the more compact Renault Austral, making further development of the project economically questionable.
The Espace's story began back in 1984, when it essentially created the family minivan segment in Europe. Today's market has changed dramatically: buyers increasingly favor crossovers and electric vehicles, while traditional formats are gradually fading away.
The fate of the Renault Espace serves as a clear example of how even iconic models can't withstand changing eras. Electrification and new platforms dictate their own rules, and only those formats that fit into the economics of the future will survive.