Renault's flagship SUV will be Rafale

Renault has officially announced the name of their upcoming flagship coupe SUV: Rafale. This addition completes Renault’s lineup of vehicles powered by E-Tech hybrid engines and built on the CMF-CD platform. Following the success of the All-new Austral SUV, the All-new Rafale will be Renault’s next standout model, strengthening their presence in the competitive D segment.

The choice of the name Rafale draws inspiration from Renault’s rich aviation heritage. To trace the connection, one must venture back to the early 20th century when Renault played a pioneering role in manufacturing combustion engines for cars, trains, and planes. In 1933, Renault acquired Caudron, an aircraft manufacturer, forming Caudron-Renault. Each plane produced under this collaboration was named after a notable wind. In 1934, the C460, a remarkable single-seater racing plane designed for record-breaking performance, was renamed Rafale.

By embracing their historical roots, Renault is incorporating the distinctive characteristics of the renowned Caudron Rafale into their new high-end vehicle. The name Rafale evokes the notion of wind and encapsulates the allure of its sleek and captivating silhouette, instantly evoking images of exceptional performance, boldness, excitement, and distinctive charm.

The highly anticipated world premiere of the All-new Renault Rafale is scheduled to take place at the 54th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget on June 18th.