Renault launches priciest ever SUV Rafale Hypnotic, hybrid gives 1,000 km range
Renault's Rafale Hypnotic Special Edition, its costliest SUV yet, is limited to 1,500 units in Europe.
French carmaker Renault has launched its new flagship coupe-SUV, the Renault Rafale Hypnotic Special Edition, in the European market. The company claims the car has already generated buzz thanks to its striking design, premium features and powerful hybrid powertrain. The special edition starts at 63,550 euros in France, about Rs 69 lakh. It is the most expensive SUV in Renault's history.
The SUV has been kept very limited for the European market, with only 1,500 units to be made. Each car will carry a unique number from 1/1500 to 1500/1500, adding to its exclusivity. The SUV is based on the Atelier Alpine trim and comes in a special paint shade called Satin Forest Black, which gives a faint green and iridescent tinge in natural light. It also features a blacked-out grille, a dark-finish Renault logo and satin-finish 21-inch alloy wheels. Gloss black accents on the wheel arches, body cladding and roof spoiler give the SUV a sporty, premium look.
Inside the cabin, the company has focused on a premium experience. It gets a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display and heated front seats. The front seats also have a massage function. Other features include a Solarbay opacifying panoramic glass roof, a large infotainment screen, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity. For safety, it comes with multiple airbags along with several modern safety features.
The interior has a dark theme. The seats use Alcantara and textured fabric, along with blue, white and red tricolour stitching. It also has a backlit Alpine emblem and a unique number plate on the centre console indicating the limited production of each car.
On performance, the Renault Rafale Hypnotic gets the company's E-Tech 4x4 Hyper Hybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 3 electric motors. Together, this setup generates 300 PS of power. The SUV has a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery and, per WLTP certification, can deliver up to 105 km of range in pure electric mode, while its total driving range is claimed to be around 1,000 km. It is also quick, going from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 180 kmph. With its powerful hybrid powertrain, premium features, striking design and limited production, Renault is looking to strengthen its foothold in the European luxury segment with this SUV.
