Renault Megane E-Tech Electric review

The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has range, style and plenty of tech.

Pros: efficient powertrain, classy interior

Cons: only front-wheel drive, restricted rearward visibility

No stranger to electric cars, Renault intends to take a big bite from the hatchback segment with its new Megane E-Tech Electric.

Renault Megane E-Tech Electric Design 

While it might have a familiar name, the Megane E-Tech Electric couldn’t be more different to any Megane before it. Measuring 4.2 metres, it fits into the five-door hatchback segment well but has quite different proportions to the norm. Its design marks a new era for Renault and is in a similar vein to the company’s forthcoming Austral SUV.

Slim LED headlights, a distinctive daytime running light signature and a big, bold Renault badge ensure that this Megane stands out. It rides on 18-inch wheels with the option of 20-inch alloys on higher spec models. The black wheelarch surrounds and contrasting roof hint at a crossover look while the door handles sit flush with the bodywork to improve aerodynamics.

Despite its beefy appearance the Megane is still lower than Renault’s other electric car, the Zoe, due to a new and slimmer battery design that takes up less space within the floor of the car. A variety of colour options are available including a contrasting ‘Warm Titanium’ finish on the front bumper blade.

Renault Megane E-Tech Electric Interior 

Sitting into the Megane E-Tech Electric reveals a cabin that is markedly different from other models in the Renault range. The dashboard is an all-digital affair that forms an L-shape with the portrait-style touchscreen infotainment. Renault now employs an Android-based operating system that uses Google Maps for navigation, which can also display expected battery charge remaining when you reach your destination.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure maximum connectivity options and buyers can choose to have a wireless charging pad, too. Material quality throughout the interior is to a higher standard than we’ve previously seen in Renaults as well.

Rearward visibility is slightly limited due to the rear window design, but Renault does offer a neat camera-based system that offers improved vision. The rear seats have decent headroom and kneeroom, while the boot holds 440 litres and there is a separate underfloor compartment for carrying charging cables.

Renault Megane E-Tech Electric Performance & Drive 

Our first experience of the Megane E-Tech Electric comes with the more powerful 218hp version. Paired with the 60kWh battery, this version currently tops the line-up and has a 300-kilometre range. However, most people will be likely to choose the less potent 131hp motor as that extends the driving range to 470 kilometres. There will also be a smaller 40kWh battery available with the same 131hp motor.

Performance is expectedly brisk and its 300Nm of torque ensures that the Renault can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds. What is more impressive though is the levels of refinement, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum. There are various levels of energy recuperation available, including a sailing mode that is useful on motorway journeys.

Renault has done a decent job in keeping the overall vehicle weight down, and it tips the scales at 1,636kg in its heaviest form, which is still around 100kg less than the Volkswagen ID.3, for example. Less weight means better driving dynamics and overall efficiency.

One other aspect that’s worthy of a mention is the 22kW AC charger that Renault plans to fit as standard. That means owners will be able to charge more quickly using the public charging network, while the 130kW DC charger should ensure rapid charging lives up to its name.

Renault Megane E-Tech Electric Pricing 

The official pricing for the Megane E-Tech Electric has not yet been finalised, but it is expected to be competitive and could undercut some of the larger electric crossovers such as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Carzone Verdict: 4/5 

Renault has done a first-rate job in creating the Megane E-Tech Electric. The blend of stylish design, high-quality interior and impressive powertrain efficiency is set to make this one of the most desirable electric cars of 2022.

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