Renault is set to redefine its electric vehicle (EV) lineup starting in 2028, transitioning from retro-inspired designs to innovative, forward-looking models. While the brand’s nostalgic tributes, like the Renault 4, 5, and Twingo, have been met with widespread acclaim, the French automaker’s design chief, Gilles Vidal, confirmed a shift towards contemporary, low-slung silhouettes inspired by this year’s Embleme concept.
Vidal highlighted that the Embleme concept, a sleek and sporty crossover, provides a clearer vision of Renault’s future design philosophy. “The Embleme is a better representation of what’s next for the brand globally in terms of design and maybe new silhouettes,” Vidal told Autocar. Future models will feature “generous shapes” and simplified aesthetics, marking a departure from the brand’s more intricate designs like those seen on the Renault Scenic.
Renault’s forthcoming EV platform will also accommodate innovative body styles, potentially influenced by wagons. Vidal noted that wagons, with their aerodynamic profiles and spacious cargo areas, align well with EV priorities like efficiency and practicality. He described them as “kind of sexy” and hinted they could inform the evolution of SUVs and crossovers.
Anti-SUV sentiment, particularly prevalent in Renault’s home market of Paris, was another factor influencing the brand’s design shift. While Vidal acknowledged the criticism, he defended the practicality of SUVs and crossovers, comparing them to family-friendly MPVs. “They are the same weight, have the same engines, the same CO2 emissions,” he said, questioning why SUVs face disproportionate scrutiny.
Despite this forward-looking approach, Renault has no immediate plans to phase out its retro-styled icons. Vidal emphasized the timeless appeal of the 4, 5, and Twingo, suggesting they will evolve gradually, akin to Fiat’s enduring 500 series. This dual strategy allows Renault to cater to nostalgia while forging a bold new path in EV design.
