Renault R-Space Lab rethinks the family car for life beyond transport

Renault’s R-Space Lab is not intended to preview a specific future model, yet it offers one of the clearest statements of where the brand believes the modern car is heading.

26 Renau Lab1

Conceived by Renault Group’s Futurama innovation laboratory, the concept explores the long‑standing idea of voitures à vivre, vehicles designed as adaptable living spaces rather than simple tools for getting from place to place.

The exterior sets the tone. A clean one-box silhouette prioritises space and visibility over sporty proportions, with a body measuring roughly 4.5 metres in length and just 1.5 metres in height. Slim pillars, frameless doors and a windscreen that blends into a fully glazed roof create an unusually airy atmosphere and blur the boundary between cabin and surroundings. It is a deliberate move to make the interior feel calm, open and larger than expected.

Inside, the focus is on reconfigurability and intuitive digital design. A curved openR panorama screen runs across the full width of the dashboard, bringing together driving information, assistance systems and media in one continuous display. Most functions are controlled via a central touchscreen laid out to feel as familiar as a smartphone, while steer-by-wire technology allows for a compact steering wheel that frees up space and improves forward visibility.

Clever packaging underpins the living space concept. Airbags are built into the seats rather than the dashboard, allowing for a multifunction glovebox that can double as a leg rest. The front passenger seat slides back to engage with rear occupants, and three identical rear seats can recline, fold or flip up to accommodate everything from bikes to pets.

Human-centred safety also plays a key role. Technologies under evaluation include a tactile alcohol detector and in-car artificial intelligence acting as a Safety Coach. Together, they hint at a future where Renault cars behave less like machines and more like supportive partners in daily life.

More Industry News stories

Ford bets on seven new models to reclaim ground in Europe

Ford bets on seven new models to reclaim ground in Europe

Ford will launch seven new models in Europe by 2029, it announced recently, as it seeks to grow its flagging passenger car sales, fend off fierce competition from Chinese rivals and maintain an edge in the continent's commercial vehicle market.

  • 21 May 2026
Hey Google, can I park here?

Hey Google, can I park here?

Volvo Cars and Google are working together to shape a new generation of driving experiences by combining automotive engineering with artificial intelligence.

  • 20 May 2026