Renault unveils the new Grand Kangoo in Munich, a seven-seat alternative to SUVs

As saloons lose ground, family vans are emerging as the main allies of the former thanks to their practicality, comfort and a slightly higher driving position that rivals SUVs. It is in this context that Renault has presented the new Grand Kangoo at the IAA Mobility in Munich, aimed at the leisure MPV segment.

The Renault Kangoo is one of the most successful vans on the market, with more than 4.4 million units sold in 50 countries across its three generations. The third generation, launched in 2021, now welcomes the new Grand Kangoo to its range with a clear formula: seven seats, greater size and more interior space.

The new Renault Grand Kangoo will be just as practical as the standard version but with extra space that makes it ideal for carrying up to seven people, thanks to three independent seats in the second row and two seats in the third row, with third-row legroom of 164 mm, among the best in its segment. Access to the third row will be easier thanks to the two sliding doors with a travel of 830 mm (180 mm more than the standard Kangoo), which feature a lower sill and folding seats in the second row.

As standard, the Renault Grand Kangoo comes with a glazed tailgate, although if preferred, doors in a 2/3-1/3 configuration will also be available to make access to the boot easier. With all seven seats in use, the boot offers a generous capacity of 500 litres, expandable up to 3,750 litres with the rear seats removed and the front passenger seat folded, which also provides a loading length of no less than 3,110 mm.

Mechanically, Renault has confirmed that the Grand Kangoo will be available with two combustion engines. First, a 1,300 cc TCe petrol engine producing 130 CV, which can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox; and secondly, a 1,500 cc Blue dCi diesel with 95 CV, available only with the six-speed manual gearbox.

There will also be a fully electric powertrain in the Grand Kangoo E-Tech, comprising an electric motor of 90 kW and 245 Nm of torque. Power can also be limited to 56 kW and a top speed of 110 km/h by activating Eco mode to optimise range. Regardless, it will feature regenerative braking modes called Sailing (for motorways and fast roads), Drive (the default mode, similar to engine braking in a combustion vehicle) and Brake (the maximum level for use in traffic jams and on mountain roads).

Linked to this electric motor is a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery, giving it a range of 265 kilometres. The battery carries an 8-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty and, if during this period it degrades to below 70% capacity, Renault will replace it free of charge. Until you reach that 70% threshold, you will see how you can manage only a few kilometres. It can be charged at up to 22 kW AC to go from 15% to 80% in 2 hours and 40 minutes, and at up to 80 kW DC to add 170 km of range in 27 minutes.

To find out prices in our country for the new Renault Grand Kangoo, you will have to wait until the end of the year, when orders will open, while the first units will begin arriving in the first half of 2024.