Renault E-Space: Retro people mover concept unveiled in Paris

The Renault E-Space concept unveiled at the 2026 Paris motor show is "not intended to directly preview a production model".

Speaking to Autocar, Fabrice Cambolive, head of the Renault brand, said the company's first priorities are the upcoming Trafic E-Tech van, and the next-generation Scenic and Rafale. Only after those vehicles are launched will the Espace's future be considered.

Heavily influenced by the original Espace, which was launched in 1984 and was Europe's first people mover, both cars feature a wedge-shaped bonnet, a steeply raked windscreen with a base that starts over the front wheels, an expansive glasshouse with large front quarter windows, flat roof, and squared-off wheel arches.

The E-Space concept does diverge quite a bit from the original car, though, with its upright tailgate, much larger dimensions, lightly bulging fenders, and reversed-hinged rear doors.

Measuring 4.7m long, 2.02m wide and 1.67m tall, the concept dwarfs the first-generation Espace, which was just 4.25m long, 1.78m wide and 1.66m tall.

The cabin is bright and airy thanks to the concept's large windscreen, windows and glass roof. The Bauhaus-inspired interior has six identical seats that are said to draw on the work of furniture designer Pierre Paulin.

Although all the seats rotate slightly, those in the second row can swivel through 180 degrees to face the third row. The second row seats can also fold down flat to create a large table, with a built-in game of Connect 4, for people sitting in the last row.

The console between the second row seats houses a fridge, an air purifier and stores video game controllers. The second-row table, as well as the fold-down tray tables built into the back of the front seats, are made from dyed straw rather than wood.

Adding to the lounge-like atmosphere is the extensive use of quilted fabric, and the vehicle's 3cm thick carpet.

Up front the design is equally dramatic with a yoke-style steering wheel ahead of the driver, and a flexible touchscreen that seems to unwind from a centrally-mounted tube. At the base of the windscreen is a configurable curved display measuring 1.13m wide.

While the E-Space is an EV, Renault has not provided any details about its drivetrain or battery pack.

If Renault does decide to use the E-Space as the basis for the next-generation Espace, it will follow in the footsteps of the 5, 4 and Twingo, all of which have become EVs and gone retro.

While the original Espace was a hit in Europe, and inspired other automakers to follow suit, it has never been sold in Australia, unlike other pioneers in the field, including the Chrysler Voyager and Toyota Tarago.

MORE: Explore the Renault showroom | A short history of the people mover