It is. And it’s at the same time a symbol of the decline of the German automotive industry
I’m currently looking for an EV as a new family car. It’s not easy, we are currently driving a Renault Espace 7-seater that we bought second hand and used it a lot. There is nothing comparable at the market right now (except the VW buzz that my wife do not like). We looked at KIA EV9 but the price tag is to hefty. So, will will end up with an alternative. Problem is that in all the EV that we looked so far there is significant less space than in the Espace even with sometimes bigger cars 
. Will keep you posted but I think we will end up with either one of KGM Torres EV, Tesla Y or BYD Tang.
Just asked Lumo for you Lumo: Privacy-first AI assistant where chats stay confidential
This was the reply:
Thought about this
Searched the web for “best 7 seater electric vehicles 2026 EV replacement Renault Espace”
5 results
Thought about this
I’ll help you find suitable 7-seater electric vehicles to replace your Renault Espace. Let me search for current options available in the market.
Based on current market information, here are the top 7-seater electric vehicles that could replace your Renault Espace:
Top Recommendations
Kia EV9 - Currently ranked among the best 7-seater EVs. It offers strong range, spacious third-row seating, and competitive pricing. This is probably the closest direct competitor to the Espace in terms of family-friendly practicality.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 - Shares similar electric drive technology with the Kia EV9 but positioned at a slightly lower price point. Good alternative if you want comparable space with different styling.
Tesla Model X - Premium option with excellent range and performance. The falcon-wing doors are distinctive, though the third row is tighter than dedicated MPVs like the Espace.
Tesla Model Y (7-seater option) - More affordable than the Model X, though the third row is best suited for children rather than adults.
Rivian R1S - Adventure-focused SUV with genuine 7-seat capability and impressive off-road credentials.
Budget-Friendly Options
Mercedes-Benz EQB - One of the more affordable 7-seater EVs, though the third row is compact.
Cadillac Vistiq/Escalade IQ - Premium American options with spacious interiors.
Important Note
Renault is expected to launch an all-electric successor to the Espace later this year that will directly target the same family-friendly segment. This could be worth waiting for if you want to stay with the brand.
Key Considerations
When choosing, think about:
- Third-row usability - Is it for adults or children?
- Boot space with all seats occupied
- Real-world range for family trips
- Charging convenience in your area
Would you like me to search for more specific information about any of these models, such as pricing, range, or availability in your region?
Believe China is putting just about every industry on the planet out of business. Capitalism can not compete with organized authoritarism. Perhaps the German autobahn will save the industry somewhat. No other business has to build normal cars that can drive all day over 160 KM/H.
“Capitalism can not compete with organized authoritarism” That is the fallacy driving the far right. In the short term, dictators are often successful in some ways, long term it is a different matter. Social democracy needs to get tough without losing its core values.
I hope it’s only a bad time like the Porsche 928 and a future Boxster like success is developed.
Thanks, the list looks good. I have to check the Mercedes and the Cadillac. For the rest of the list, they are just outside of my price range. I do not really like cars and every $ spend on cars hurts me Ideally I would go for a second hand car as I always did, but the second hand options are not great right now. There are some Tesla Model X around that would be interesting but I’m scared of the potential cost of repairs specially on the doors.
Furthermore, I have not seen the Tesla Model Y 7-seater option here in Switzerland.
Today we did a test drive for the BYD Tang and it felt good. The car is maybe a bit to big for my taste but my wife is the decision maker.
They are very cramped in the back.
Better wait for the Chinese made YL that is supposed to hit the stores in Q3, when sales of X and S have officially ceased.
I’m currently visiting family in London and I’ve really started to notice an explosion of Chinese EV brands here i.e BYD, Xpeng, Leap Motors, Omodo, Jaecoo as well as MG which has been here the longest.
1 Like
Like I said The EV thread - #831 by RobBob
May the German Autobahn save Germany.
Yes, we’re in the UK atm and seeing a lot of Chinese brands as well.
If this is the car of the year, der Schweiz is not doing good. Fat and grey SUV 
I saw a yellow Renault R5 on the way to the dealership. It sparked joy. EV can be happy. This grey is brutalism on wheels.
2 Likes
Wonder how many judges are driving a new BMW now?
BMW: great range!
Thanks to a battery over 30% larger and heavier than a Model Y = lousy efficiency…
Someone at my job pointed at this info. I had no idea about:
- Global ICE cars sales peaked in 2017 with 79.9 million cars, down to 54.8 million in 2024. A 31% drop. (FFS! that was 10 years ago!!!
) - For the sake of discussion, hybrids are greenwashed ICEs. So, 82.5 million sold on 2017, down to 68.1 million in 2024. Anyway, a 18% drop.
- Meanwhile, BEVs went up from 0.8 million in 2017 to 10 million in 2024.
The BMW iX3 may be a fat and inefficient grey pig, but it’s taking a bit out of ICE market share.
What happened in the last 10 years? Covid made us poorer at the global scale? People in China massively moved to BEVs? The only certain thing is that China took over global car exports which include a lot of BEVs.
Graphs from the IEA. Looking forward to the update with 2025 numbers. Everyone has individual choices, but on average cars are getting electrified.
From bbc.com
Chinese car maker Seres has patented a voice controlled ‘in-vehicle toilet’
while i appreciate innovations… ‘good lord!’ to this one …
How would that even work? Driving along trying to get your underwear down to use it … Because you know that’s what some drivers would be trying to do.
Of course if they are selling car with 700km range, these will soon become essential…
What’s next? Rolling food carts on the roads/highways delivering directly to moving vehicles?
They already have built in wifi with handsfree driving …
)