The Renault Rafale has been chosen as the official car by the French Presidency. The new flagship of the diamond brand has been selected to replace the DS7 Crossback hybrid previously used by Emmanuel Macron.
It’s a significant moment for Renault. The automaker makes its return to the presidential garage. No car from the brand had been seen at the Élysée since 2016, during François Hollande’s presidency. The vehicle at that time was a Renault Espace. Since then, Peugeot 5008 and DS7 Crossback hybrid models had been preferred over Renault models. But with the Rafale, Renault is back among the top.
The Renault Rafale chosen by the French Presidency
Luca de Meo expressed his pride on social media. The head of the brand believes that “few companies represent France as much as Renault, and we are proud to demonstrate that once again on this July 14.” Emmanuel Macron attended the military parade in a Rafale. “This day marks the return of Renault to the presidential garage and continues a tradition that has lasted for over a century.”
Indeed, since 1920, 12 Presidents of the Republic have chosen vehicles from the brand to accompany them daily. The very first model was the Renault 40 CV. Used by Paul Deschanel, Alexandre Millerand, and Gaston Doumergue, this car marked the beginning of the presidential automotive era. Today, the President confirms his preference for hybrids, and a new chapter in this history opens with the Renault Rafale.
“A car that embodies all the excellence and expertise of the brand,” according to de Meo. The presidential model has undergone specific modifications to meet the requirements of the position. It also features a grille adorned with a tricolor gradient flag, removable pennant holders, blue, white, and red wing badges on the front doors, and specific 20-inch wheels.
It is not known, however, whether the presidential model receives the simple 200 hp hybrid engine or the new 300 hp plug-in hybrid engine.