Renault has pulled the wraps off the R-Space Lab, a bold new concept car that offers a tantalizing glimpse at where the French automaker is heading — both in design and technology — as it prepares a major product offensive for the years ahead.
The name pays homage to a 2011 concept that foreshadowed the previous-generation Espace MPV, and Renault describes the new R-Space Lab as “a laboratory for exploring the spirit of voitures à vivre” — loosely translated as “cars to live in.” Measuring around 4.5 metres in length and 1.5 metres in height, the one-box concept sports a production-ready exterior that strongly suggests it will influence the styling of upcoming models, even if Renault stops short of confirming a direct road car.
A cabin built around flexibility
The most striking element of the R-Space Lab is its interior, which has been designed from the ground up to be reconfigured to suit the driver’s needs. A curved panoramic screen stretches the full width of the dashboard, paired with a central touchscreen that Renault says can be operated as intuitively as a smartphone. Steering is handled by a compact yoke wheel connected to a steer-by-wire system, which the company claims improves both visibility and comfort.
On the passenger side, airbags have been relocated into the seat itself, freeing up dashboard space for a large multi-function glovebox. The front passenger seat can even slide rearward to merge with the second row. In the back, three individual seats can recline, fold flat, or flip their cushions up, while the rear doors open a full 90 degrees for effortless access.
Safety technology also gets a forward-looking update, with a touch-based alcohol detector and an AI-powered safety coach integrated into the cabin.
12 new models in four years
The R-Space Lab doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is part of Renault’s sweeping new Futuready strategy, which sets out an ambitious plan to launch 12 new models in Europe over the next four years. These will concentrate on the more profitable C- and D-segments — a deliberate shift from the brand’s earlier Renaulution plan, which prioritised smaller A- and B-segment cars like the Renault 5, 4, and the upcoming Twingo.
Renault’s ultimate goal is to grow global sales to two million vehicles annually, with Europe accounting for half of that figure. The brand has identified three pillars to get there: consolidating its European presence, accelerating electrification, and broadening its international lineup with 14 additional models — including a production version of the B-segment Bridger SUV concept.
A new platform is coming
Underpinning this next wave of vehicles is a brand-new architecture called RGEV medium 2.0, built specifically with European buyers in mind. The platform supports an 800V electrical system enabling ultra-fast charging and is flexible enough to span B+ through D-segment vehicles across all body styles.
Three powertrain configurations will be available:
- Pure electric — up to 750 km of range
- All-wheel-drive EV — up to two tonnes of towing capacity
- Range-extender — a combined range of up to 1400 km
Renault insists that while hybrids will play a meaningful role, fully electric vehicles will remain “at the very heart” of its long-term vision.
