The Renault Espace MPV will make a comeback as a dramatic new concept car at the 2026 Paris Motor Show.
While the rise of family SUVs consigned the original Espace to the history books, the new E-Space Concept demonstrates how the multi-purpose vehicle could return to our roads.
Measuring some 4.7 metres in length, the full-size E-Space Concept is said to demonstrate Renault’s ‘new approach’ to family car design.
As the ‘E’ in its name suggests, the E-Space features electric power, as Renault begins the roll-out of Lithium Ferrophosphate (LFP) battery technology across its range.
Renault’s LFP batteries are intended to make electric vehicles more accessible, offering improved range without additional cost.
The return of a famous MPV name
The design of the new E-Space Concept offers subtle nods to the original Espace, first launched in 1984.
Wide ‘U-shaped’ light strips are used at the front and rear of the car, while the front grille features an illuminated ‘floating’ Renault badge.
As the first European-developed MPV, the first-generation Espace featured angular fibreglass bodywork mounted on a monocoque spaceframe chassis.
Three more generations of the Espace MPV would follow, although Renault discontinued the model for UK customers in 2012.
Left-hand-drive markets were offered a fifth-generation Espace from 2015, although the car had transformed into a more conventional SUV.
However, the design freedom offered by electrification, plus the popularity of battery-powered MPVs such as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, could see the Espace gain a new lease of life.
More Renault concepts on display in Paris
Renault will display more than just the E-Space Concept in Paris, with numerous other updated models and concept cars on show.
Among them will be a new version of the Twingo electric supermini, which previews the ‘Twingobay’ panoramic glass roof (pictured above).
With a surface area of 0.7 cubic metres, the Twingobay panel brings natural illumination to the cabin of the in-demand EV. No blind is fitted, with Renault saying multi-layer technology filters out 99.9 percent of UV rays.
The recently announced Renault 8 Gordini concept, with its rally-inspired styling, will be another highlight of the French marque’s Paris stand – along with the radical Renault 4 JP4x4.
Press previews of the 2026 Paris Motor Show will begin on Monday 12 October, with the event open to the public the following day.
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