The 2024 Renault Master has made its UK debut at the 2024 CV Show ahead of the large van‘s on-sale date later in 2024.
The new Master is an all-new large van, replacing the model that has been on sale since 2010. As well as adopting the brand’s latest visual identity for the first time on a commercial vehicle, the new van boasts improved aerodynamics for increased efficiency on all versions.
There will be three different powertrains on offer, with a hydrogen model to be part of the official line up for the first time. This is set to go on sale in 2025, with more details expected on payload and performance later in 2024. This will be alongside a diesel and a battery-powered version, with a capability that promises to make it one of the best electric vans for range.
New look for the 2024 Renault Master
The all-new 2024 Renault Master features the brand’s new logo in the centre of an upright grille with vertical slats. This is framed by a pair of C-shaped LED headlights, while a U-shaped insert sits below the grille. This is black on lower models and body-coloured on high-end trims.
There will be plenty of choice when it comes to these colours – there are seven as standard and more than 300 optional shades.
The most notable change to the new Master’s design is one that is designed to have a practical impact, though. The aerodynamics have been optimised to improve airflow and therefore efficiency.
The front end is further forward and on more of an angle, the bonnet is shorter, the door mirrors and roofline are more streamlined and the rear is slightly narrower. This improves the overall aerodynamics by 20%, and also improves interior noise levels.
Interestingly, Renault says that the Master was too large to test in its usual wind tunnel, so it built versions that were to an 83% scale and then put the full-size versions in a tunnel designed for aeroplanes.
The changes are set to continue inside, too, where the outdated screen setup in the current model will be replaced by a more car-like infotainment system. Think the tablet-style offering in the latest Kangoo, which uses touchscreen controls on the whole, with a few shortcut buttons for the climate controls.
What is new inside the 2024 Renault Master?
The Renault Master’s cabin has been thoroughly modernised and is totally unrecognisable compared to the blunt and basic version in the previous model. At the centre of the dash sits a standard-fit 10-inch digital infotainment screen, which is powered by the same Google-powered system that is used in the latest Megane. It will also have wired and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The dash itself is S-shaped and angled towards the driver, while the steering wheel is one from the passenger-car range. This also plays host to the controls for the automatic gearbox, to free up more space on the central console.
There is now 135-litres of space in the cabin for storage, which represents a 25% increase. This is spread across the dash, cupholders, glovebox drawers, the doors and cupholders.
The middle seat can be folded down to create a desk, while there is a slot to store a laptop. There are also USB-C connections to power devices.
Seat options include versions that can swivel, ones on suspension and there is a choice between individual seats and three types of bench.
Engine choices
As is the norm with modern vans, the 2024 Renault Master is being designed as an electric van from the outset. This new version represents a big step up from the outgoing conversion. Renault was cautious when it first announced the Master in late 2023, and the final homologated range has been boosted up from its first estimates. After final tests it has confirmed it is possible to cover 285 miles using the 87kWh battery.
This battery pairs up with a 105kW motor that provides 300Nm of torque. There is a smaller 40kWh battery in the Master range, but this is not coming to the UK as Renault reckons all the demand will be for the 87kWh version. It has also confirmed that it will not be following other manufacturers in offering a larger battery – the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter has a 113kWh battery that weighs more and has a detrimental impact on payload.
There is a 130kW DC fast charger as standard, which adds 142 miles of range in half an hour, while a 22kW AC charger will get it from 10% to 100% in four hours.
The Master E-Tech will also come with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability. This means there is a socket in the rear loading bay that can provide up to 3.5kw of power to tools or rear bodies such as refrigeration units. The Master will also be able to return power from the battery to the grid if needs be.
As well as an electric version, Renault insiders have also said that the Master will be offered with a hydrogen fuel cell system. There are few details on this at the moment, with Renault saying just that it is designed to accommodate the technology. Renault head of LCV Heinz-Juergen Loew confirmed that this will be available from early 2025.
Renault has also confirmed that the Hydrogen version will now be built in house, rather than by a third-party converter, as was done with the small-run hydrogen model of the previous Master.
There will also be a choice of just two diesel engines, which are shared with the Renault Trafic. These are 2.0-litre units with 130hp and 150hp power outputs on offer. There are more and less powerful models in the Trafic’s range, though, so a 105hp and 170hp model could be offered should there be demand.
Both will come with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox and a nine-speed automatic model.
One thing that will not be coming is a plug-in hybrid, with Renault saying it does not see that as an option in the long-term future.
What payload and practicality does the 2024 Renault Master offer?
The full range of payloads are not yet confirmed, but Renault has said that the diesel will be capable of taking up to 2,396kg in the L2H2 diesel model, however this is for a heavy-duty model, with the sub-3.5-tonne versions taking slightly less.
The electric version, however, is capable of carrying up to 1,625kg in the L2H2 model. This will be on a 4.0-tonne gross vehicle weight, but Renault will also be offering a 3.5-tonne model that it says will not be far behind the 4.0-tonne version with a maximum payload of around 1,200kg. Despite the extra challenges of driving a heavier van, Renault reckons that the 4.0-tonne will be the more popular of the two.
Renault has also confirmed that the electric, diesel and hydrogen models will all be made on the same production line and therefore you will be able to get all three powertrains in all available body shapes and sizes. This will also include versions such as the chassis-cab, meaning converters will be able to access all three options.
Despite the rear being fractionally narrower, Renault says that the new Master has best-in-class loading width and length. The side sliding door is 40mm wider than before, while the overall loading bay has been stretched by 100mm.
The entire structure underneath the Master is new – only the door handles are carried over from the previous model. This means it should also drive in a totally different manner, with Loew describing it as ‘Black and White’ compared to the outgoing version.
There is also a new braking system offered, which is power assisted and will provide the same feel regardless of how much weight there is in the back of the van. It boosts regeneration to help improve electric range and triggers the emergency braking system sooner to half the response time.
Notably, there will be no differences between the left-hand drive and right-hand drive Renault Master. This is important, and welcome, as recent versions of both the medium Trafic and the smaller Renault Kangoo have had exciting features that are not offered in the UK market as it was not possible to convert it to be offered in right-hand drive.
This time around, Loew confirmed that the plan is not to abandon the right-hand drive market.
What safety systems does the 2024 Renault Master offer?
There will be up to 20 advanced driving and safety (ADAS) systems on the new Master, with head of Renault LCV Heinz-Juergen Loew saying that the company is targeting the highest level of Euro NCAP rating – a Platinum score.
These systems include intelligent speed assist, lateral stability, trailer stability and automatic emergency braking.
When will the 2024 Renault Master go on sale and how much will it cost?
The new Renault Master will be available to pre-order in the first three months of 2024 with official orders in quarter two. The first deliveries will then take place from September.
There will be more information on pricing and specification closer to the pre-order date in early 2024.
