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The 2024 European Car of the Year

The competition this year was fierce, with a mix of well-known brands and new players stepping into the spotlight. Among those vying for the title, a notable mention was the BYD Seal from China, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Volvo EX30, which, while also hailing from China, plans to kick off production in Belgium from the following year. The lineup for the contest also featured the Peugeot E-3008, Kia EV9, Toyota CH-R, BMW 5 Series, and Renault Scenic. Ultimately, it was the Renault Scenic that clinched the title of Europe’s 2024 Car of the Year, gathering a total of 329 votes. Following closely behind was the BMW 5 Series with 308 votes, and the Peugeot E-3008 rounded out the top three with 197 votes. The remaining contenders, the Kia EV9, Volvo EX30, BYD Seal, and Toyota C-HR, garnered 190, 168, 131, and 127 votes, respectively. Introduced in the previous autumn, the Renault Scenic has shed its minivan image for a more contemporary crossover look. It bears resemblance to the Vision Scenic Concept from 2022, along with other current models from Renault, packaged in a sleek design that includes the latest technological features, along with a range of comfort and convenience options. This vehicle is powered by electricity. The vehicle’s architecture is built on the Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, now rebranded as AmpR. This platform is exclusively used for electric models and serves as the foundation for the new Megane E-Tech Electric and the Nissan Ariya. The Scenic E-Tech Techno Long Range variant stands out as the most economical, boasting a range of 610 km (379 miles) under the WLTP cycle. It has a power output of 217 ps (214 hp/160 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. Accelerating from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) takes 7.9 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 170 kph (106 mph). In the UK, this model is priced at £40,995 ($51,945). For those seeking a more affordable option, the Scenic E-Tech Techno Comfort Range offers 170 ps (168 hp/125 kW) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. This version is slightly slower, taking 8.6 seconds to reach 100 kph, with a top speed of 150 kph (93 mph) and a range of 418 km (260 miles), priced at £37,495 ($47,510). The lineup is completed by the Esprit Alpine Long Range and Iconic Long Range models, priced at £43,495 ($55,110) and £45,495 ($57,645), respectively.