The name of Renault's next luxury coupe SUV, the Rafale, has been unveiled. However, not everything is known about the Rafale yet as it is set to launch on 16th June.

The brand's lineup of electric vehicles is completed with the new car, which is powered by an E-Tech hybrid engine and is built on the CMF-CD platform. The new Rafale is Renault's next highlight, following the Austral five-seat SUV and the Espace five- or seven-seat SUV. It reinforces Renault's offensive in the D class.

Why is it called Renault Rafale?

Renault's notable past in aviation inspired the name. The link between Renault and aviation can be traced back to the early twentieth century when Renault was a manufacturer of combustion engines for vehicles, trains, and planes at the time.

During this time, Renault took over another manufacturer named Caudron to form Caudron-Renault, with whom they manufacturered a record-breaking racing plane named Rafale.

What powertrain will the Rafale use?

The Austral's 197bhp and hybrid E-Tech powertrain, which acts as a generator-style hybrid system, will most likely also be used to power the Rafale.

This means that one of two electric motors drives the wheels, with the turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine primarily used to generate electricity.