The long-standing Renaut Master van is entering its fourth generation, claiming to offer increased usability and enhanced efficiency on a new multi-energy platform. This new version will be available with a choice of all-electric and diesel drivetrains from 2024, and is also adaptable to a hydrogen engine and fuel cell in future. The new design also looks future-ready with a choice of 20 different configurations, a payload of up to four tonnes and 11-22 cubic metre load areas. The all-new Master van also offers about 20 driver assistance systems, including active safety features such as lateral stability, automatic emergency braking, trailer stability assist and Intelligent Speed Assist.
The new Master van has four diesel Blue dCi powertrain options, delivering 105, 130, 150 or 170 horsepower. These engines can be paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a highly efficient new 9-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the version you opt for. Renault says that advanced aerodynamics ensure the new fourth-generation version is possibly among the best-in-class when it comes to efficiency. In fact, the 100% electric version claims to offer a class-leading range of up to 410 kilometres (255 miles) on a single charge.
The fully-electric All-new Renault Master EV is powered by a 105kW motor, delivering 300Nm of torque. It benefits from an 87 kWh battery that also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. That means you can charge or power other devices from the vehicle; like power tools, computers and custom-built body parts; directly from the battery. And it can also feed energy from its battery to the grid using a bi-directional charger. A 130kW DC fast charger adds 229 km of range to the vehicle in just 30 minutes, while a 22kW AC home charger tops up the battery from 10% to 100% in under four hours.
A new power-assisted dynamic braking control system in the new Renault Master is said to keep braking effectiveness and pedal feel the same regardless of how much weight the van is carrying. The company claims that this new braking technology also halves the response time of the automatic emergency braking system and enhances regeneration in the electric versions.
The new OpenR Link multimedia system of the new Renault Master includes a 10-inch screen, wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, Google Assistant, and a few handy apps for professionals at work. The system can also encompass new functionalities over time, with free over-the-air updates for more than 20 apps, for five years.
The Master is a very important product for Renault, backed by a solid sales number of over 3 million Master vans since 1980. Not just that, the Renault Master also found its way onto the roads of more than 50 countries, despite manufacturing them exclusively in Batilly, eastern France, since the model’s introduction. Its fourth-generation model, which is expected to take the journey further, will be available to pre-order from the first quarter of 2024, while the customer deliveries will start from September 2024.