Can Renault Bring the MPV Back?
Suddenly it's 1984
Over forty years ago, Renault launched the innovative Espace MPV in Europe. Using fiberglass body panels over a steel spaceframe, it was built by partner Matra--and was almost built in the US and sold by AMC. Five generations of the midsize MPV were built before the nameplate was repositioned (surprise!) as a three-row SUV based on the compact Austral.
Now the E-Space concept, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, brings the Espace back to its roots as a three-row family-oriented MPV. It shares the original's one-box profile, steeply raked windshield (inspired by France's TGV trains) and sharknose front end, but adds a more reconfigurable interior, electric power, and an innovative instrument panel.
Up front is a new U-shaped lighting signature and 3D illuminated Renault diamond logo. The glass cabin was inspired by Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House; you can see how the glass extends down behind the body panels. And the black baseplate along the rocker panels hides the technical systems and reduces the visual height of the vehicle.
Inside, the E-Space takes a cue from BMW's Panoramic iDrive, with a full-width "OpenR Panorama" display across the base of the windshield, with a smaller control pod and touchscreen directly in front of the driver. A steering yoke is connected to a steer-by-wire system to free up space. Renault says we should expect this in the next-generation Scenic and Rafale SUVs due by 2030.
The interior is quite a bit more upscale (and more versatile) than the original Espace. Renault describes it as "drenched in color", with scarlet, purple, coral, and garnet, and the metal physical controls are inspired by jewelry. The six individual seats feature interior-design-inspired lacquered shells, and the second row seats can swivel or fold flat to create a table.
With Citroen publicly expressing interest in reviving the MPV market with their ELO concept and Fiat's Multiplay rumored for production, it's possible that a "post-SUV" market in Europe could include some new MPVs. Renault has a long history in this segment, having followed up the Espace with the compact Scenic and small Modus MPVs, so it's definitely 'on-brand'. And with the Chinese bringing their luxury MPVs to Europe, a 21st century Espace could be the flagship Renault needs.
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