Overview
Renault is undergoing a revolution – and the Megane is the latest car to be swept away by the firm’s electric car restructure. The French firm’s family hatchback, which has been around since 1995, is now an EV aimed squarely at the Volkswagen ID.3. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is targeting the same market, too.
However, Renault is selling to a slightly different audience. While most electric hatchbacks major on practicality and comfort, the Megane E-Tech Electric is being pitched as a driver’s car. The only other real competitor in those stakes is the Cupra Born. The strategy has obviously paid off, though, as the Megane took home the gold as the Best Medium Electric Car for 2023 in the Parkers New Car Awards.
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is rather unusual. In pictures, it looks an awful lot like a family SUV – but in the metal, its proportions are much closer to that of a family hatchback. In fact, it’s only 50mm taller than the outgoing Megane and has regular ground clearance.
Its line-up is simple, too. UK buyers have a choice of three specifications called Equilibre, Techno and Iconic. Even the most basic model is well-equipped – standard kit includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear-view camera, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mid-range Techno cars build on this specification with enormous 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, scrolling indicators, dual-zone climate control, a 48-colour interior ambient lighting system and synthetic leather upholstery. There’s also some extra safety equipment, such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and all-round parking sensors.
The range-topping Iconic model features a different set of 20-inch alloy wheels, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, a 360-degree parking camera and gold detailing for the front and rear bumpers. Prices start from £36,995 for the cheapest Equilibre model, £39,495 for the middling Techno variant and £41,995 for the range-topping Iconic version.
Despite the trim differences, every Renault Megane E-Tech Electric features the same powertrain. Under the floor, there’s a 60kWh battery pack that feeds an electric motor mounted on the front axle. The system develops 217hp and 300Nm of torque which Renault says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 99mph and a maximum range of 280 miles.
Performance & range
The Renault Megane electric sits on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance’s CMF-EV platform, which underpins the Nissan Ariya. Its battery is 40% smaller than that of the Renault Zoe and weighs 395 kg. Renault Group claims that it is the thinnest battery on the market, allowing a low vehicle height.
There are two battery pack options: 40 kWh and 60 kWh. The 40 kWh battery pack consists of 8 modules of 24 cells each. The 60 kWh battery pack comprises 12 modules with 24 cells each. The 40 kWh battery pack has a single layer of modules, while the 60 kWh battery pack has two layers of modules. Renault Group guarantees that they won’t deteriorate to less than 70% of their nominal capacity for eight years.
The Renault Megane electric SUV can offer a WLTP range of up to 470 km/280 miles. Image Source: Renault Group
On a full charge, the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric can travel 300 km/186 miles (WLTP) in the 40 kWh variant and up to 470 km/280 miles (WLTP) in the 60 kWh variant. A heat pump is present in the EV to keep the range in check in the winter. The maximum AC charging power is good – 22 kW, but the maximum DC charging power is a disappointing 130 kW.
An electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) powers the wheels using the energy stored in either of the battery packs. The low-end configurations use a 96 kW (130 PS)/250 Nm motor, while the high-end configurations pack a punchy 160 kW (218 PS)/300 Nm version. A 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes just 7.4 seconds. However, the top speed is just 160 km/h (99 mph). The driver can choose from different braking regenerative levels, starting from Level 0 and going up to Level 3.
Renault Megane Alpine
A few years after the launch, Renault could add a Megane E-Tech Alpine variant to the lineup with enhanced aerodynamics, sportier styling, improved electronics, and more powerful and torquier motors. The Alpine variant could get the same motors that generate 290 kW (394 PS) and 600 Nm of torque in Nissan’s Ariya long-range (87 kWh) AWD variant. The Megane E-Tech Alpine could have the capability to accelerate from 0-62 mph in around five seconds and a higher top speed.
By 2024, Renault Group plans to introduce what it calls ‘Gen 2 performance’ for sports cars, with an energy density of 700 Wh/l at the cell level. Eventually, this technology would trickle down into cars like the Megane E-Tech.
The Megane E-Tech Alpine should carry a base price north of EUR 50,000.
Buying & owning
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
If you’re paying cash, the Renault Megane E-Tech will cost more to buy than even top-spec versions of the MG4 and Nissan Leaf while falling roughly in line with the Cupra Born and VW ID 3.
Disappointingly, the Megane E-Tech is predicted to suffer heavier depreciation than all those rivals except the Leaf. That can have an effect on the amount you’ll pay each month if you decide to buy on PCP finance. You can check the latest prices by searching our New Car Deals pages.
If you’re a company car driver, you’ll find that because it’s an electric car the Megane E-Tech attracts very low benefit-in-kind tax.
Entry-level Equilibre trim is our pick. Standard equipment includes 18in alloys, full LED headlights, climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and a 9.0in touchscreen infotainment system.
Techno trim adds 20in alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, rear privacy glass, adaptive cruise control and an upgraded six-speaker sound system.
Is the interior any good?
Oh yeah. It’s much more attractive than the ID.3 or the Born’s interior and it’s packed with clever design touches. Take the gear selector – it’s a stalk mounted on the steering column rather than a lever on the centre console, which is a much more efficient use of space. The decision allowed Renault to design an enormous centre console with more storage room than a walk-in wardrobe.
We like the infotainment system, too. The 9.0-inch screen runs on Google software so, if you have an Android phone, it’ll automatically pair to the car when you step inside. That tray under the touchscreen is another great addition – it’s big enough to hold even the largest smartphones and, on mid-range Techno models and up, it’s a wireless charging pad.
The cockpit is trimmed nicely, with quality to banish those shonky Renault prejudices. We like the unusual fabric dashboard cover (which is made from recycled plastic bottles) and the stylish suede inserts on the doors, but we’re interested to see how they stand up to the trials and tribulations of family life. Suede trim can end up looking like an old flannel if mistreated.
Boot space is good at 440 litres, but the area is an odd shape with most of its capacity coming from its depth rather than its length. There isn’t a ski hatch in the rear backrest, either, which means you’ll need to fold the bench flat more often. The Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia Niro EV are arguably more flexible – but they don’t look like concept cars, so pick your poison.
An electric hot hatchback? Sounds great!
Allow us to temper your expectations. The new Megane E-Tech Electric is not some sort of EV equivalent to the stunning Megane RS Trophy-R. Think of it as a warm family hatch, similar in focus to the Ford Focus ST-Line or the Kia Ceed GT. It’s sporting enough to make you smile on the right back road, but soft enough to keep your fillings in place when the tarmac gets choppy.
The new Megane is powered by a 60kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axles. The system has an output of 214bhp and 221lb/ft of torque, which Renault says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 99mph. So, you won’t be baiting Teslas at the lights, but you’ll nose ahead of most petrol-powered hatchbacks.
But these figures are somewhat meaningless in the real world. What impresses the most is how the Megane accelerates when you’re on the move. Unlike the Volkswagen ID.3 or the Nissan Leaf, the Renault doesn’t run out of steam once it crests 50mph – it’ll keep accelerating strongly right up to motorway speeds, which means you always have the confidence for an overtake.
Renault also says the Megane will cover 280 miles on a charge, but we found that to be more like 200 during our time with the car. Still, the range indicator seems to be trustworthy – we tackled a 70-mile trip in the car from the launch event and it used almost exactly 70 miles of electricity. Charge times are good, too. You can easily brim the battery overnight from a 7.4kW wallbox.
Five stars for the 2022 Megane EV at Euro NCAP
All variants of the 2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric have been awarded five stars in the stringent Euro NCAP crash safety tests. The EV scored 85% in adult occupancy, 88% for child occupancy, while its safety was rated at 65% for vulnerable road users. The Euro NCAP video shows how intact the cabin remains in the front off-set impact test (50 kmph), full-width rigid barrier test (50 kmph), and side-impact test (60 kmph).
The Megane’s safety assist score was 79%, and its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) feature worked perfectly during the pedestrian impact tests in light and dark environments. The AEB identified cyclists reasonably quickly and avoided hitting them by a few millimetres. Active safety features like lane keep assist also worked perfectly on the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric. After the Zoe was awarded zero stars in 2021, the Megane EV’s score would relieve Renault.
Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
Regardless of trim, every Renault Megane E-Tech has a 215bhp electric motor driving its front wheels, and it’s fairly nippy. In our tests, it managed 0-60mph in 6.9sec, making it fractionally quicker than the equivalent Cupra Born or MG4.
All versions have front-wheel drive, so you have to be a bit delicate with the accelerator pedal when the road is wet. If you put your foot down hard, the front wheels can spin before the traction control kicks in to cut the power temporarily.
The entry-level Equilibre trim, which comes with 18in wheels, has the most agreeable ride, but the Megane E-Tech is still comfortable on the 20in wheels you get with higher trims. The suspension has a firmer edge than the MG4’s, giving the car tight body control, and potholes and expansion joints are dealt with quickly, with no pronounced aftershocks.
Verdict
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is a great electric hatchback. It’s comfortable, spacious, well-equipped and fun to drive – but a hot hatchback to replace the old Megane RS it is not. Here’s hoping Renault ups the ante soon with a proper Renault Sport version.
Slightly disappointing performance aside, the new Megane is a definite cut above the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born – and that’s all it really needs to do to stand out in the class for the time being. Its chassis is more composed more of the time and its interior is a far better place to while away the miles. Overall, it’s a promising start to Renault’s electric revolution.
Interior
The interior layout, fit and finish
With plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment, the Renault Megane E-Tech has a great driving position – much better than the MG4, which has its steering wheel offset to your left. Better still, all the adjustability makes it easy to get comfortable on long journeys, while the adjustable lumbar support you get on higher trim versions is a welcome addition.
The front window pillars are fairly chunky, though, and can get in the way when you’re navigating sweeping bends or exiting a junction. Rearward visibility isn’t great, either, due to the large rear pillars and tiny rear windows (this is less of a problem in the Cupra Born and the MG4).
Thankfully, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera come as standard on all models, with front sensors fitted on all but the entry-level version. To make life even easier, the top two trims swap the standard reversing camera for one with a 360-degree view.
Inside, the Megane E-Tech is smartly finished and filled with lots of soft-touch materials, many of which are recycled. There are some hard plastics but they’re hidden low down and don’t detract from the overall impression.
FAQs
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Is the Renault Megane a reliable car?
The Megane E-Tech is too new to have featured in our 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey but Renault claimed 18th place out of 32 manufacturers. All Renaults come with a five-year warranty as standard.
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Is the Renault Megane available as a hybrid?
No – the Megane E-Tech comes exclusively as an electric car with a 60kWh (usable capacity) battery.
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Which Renault Megane model is the best?
Of the three Megane E-Tech trim levels available, we reckon Equilibre represents the best value for money. It comes with plenty of standard equipment.
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How safe is the Renault Megane?
Euro NCAP awarded the Megane E-Tech five stars out of five for safety.
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Why has Renault stopped making the Megane?
Renault hasn’t stopped making the Megane, but it no longer sells any petrol or diesel versions – only the E-Tech electric car version is offered new now.
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Is the Renault Megane bigger than the Zoe?
Yes – the Megane E-Tech is a class above the Renault Zoe and is bigger in every direction.
Price & release date
The Renault Megane electric SUV will compete with the VW ID.3 in the global market. Image Source: Renault Group
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric was launched in France on December 19, 2021, with ex-showroom prices ranging between EUR 35,200 (GBP 29,325) to EUR 51,400 (GBP 42,815). The Megane E-Tech Electric is available in three variants: Equilibre, Techno, and Iconic. French buyers can choose between two different battery packs and two electric motors as well.
The 130 hp model with the 40 kWh battery costs EUR 35,200, which plummets to EUR 29,200 thanks to a EUR 6,000 ecological incentive that the Megane EV is eligible for. The 220 hp version with the 60 kWh battery pack costs EUR 45,400, with an identical incentive.
Orders for the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric opened in February 2022. Production takes place in Douai, France. The first units of the E-Tech will be delivered to customers in May 2022, as per an Automobile Propre report filed on April 14, 2022.
Renault Germany stops sales of EVs and PHEVs
Renault Germany has resorted to a drastic measure to counter the sluggish supply-chain situation concerning automotive parts. The brand has temporarily paused taking new orders for its EVs and PHEVs in Germany on March 25, 2022, reported Edison.media. The models affected include the Zoe, Megane E-Tech, Twingo Electric, Master E-Tech, and the Megane and Captur PHEVs. The shortage of chips and cable harnesses has led to this temporary production halt.
The sluggish global supply chain situation, compounded by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has affected all carmakers. Manufacturers are increasingly struggling to deliver EVs and PHEVs to customers because of the parts shortages. Waiting times are over a year for certain models, and there’s no clarity as to how long customers will have to exercise patience.
Featured Image Source: Renault Group
Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
There’s plenty of head and leg room in the front of the Renault Megane E-Tech. You also get plenty of storage, including door bins that can take a large bottle of water, a fair-sized glovebox, a small tray under the infotainment system for your phone (with wireless phone-charging on Techno trim) and large cubbies in the central armrest and in front of it.
There’s only one cupholder, mind, and the long lower cubby has two movable dividers, which are a bit fiddly.
Things could be better in the back. Two six-footers will find their heads grazing the roof lining and knee room is disappointing by class standards, too. There’s also little space for feet beneath the front seats. In short, the Megane E-Tech’s main electric car rivals – including the Cupra Born, the MG4 and the VW ID 3 – are much more accommodating in the rear.
Общая информация
Имеет полностью независимую подвеску
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Это позволяет всем четырем колесам перемещаться вверх и вниз независимо, обеспечивая плавность хода при движении, когда, например, вы едете по кочкам на дороге.
Имеет полный привод
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Полный привод это система, где крутящий момент распределяется на все четыре колеса автомобиля. Это более выгодно при вождении автомобиля в некоторых случаях, так как данная система обеспечивает повышенную тягу в сложных погодных условиях и больше всего подходит для бездорожья.
Имеет задний привод
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Автомобиль с задним приводом быстрее разгоняется, так как вес автомобиля переносится назад над ведущими колесами. Вес автомобиля также более равномерно распределен, в результате чего автомобиль более удобен в управлении.
Имеет передачу двойного сцепления
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Передача двойного сцепления (DCT) является автоматизированной механической коробкой передач, что позволяет водителю дать возможность контролировать переключения механизма компьютеру. Переход на повышенную передачу происходит очень быстро, в результате происходит плавное ускорение, и в связи с непрерывным потоком мощности также возникает преимущество увеличения эффективности использования топлива.
Электрический автомобиль
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Электромобиль работает от аккумулятора, который можно заряжать дома или в общественных центрах зарядки. В связи с экономией затрат на электроэнергию по сравнению с бензином, это может значительно уменьшить эксплуатационные расходы, а также лучше для окружающей среды, поскольку автомобиль производит 0 выбросов.
Имеет бензиновый двигатель
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Бензиновый двигатель предлагает несколько преимуществ по сравнению с дизельным двигателем. Например, бензиновые двигатели, как правило, легче и дешевле, чем их дизельные аналоги. Бензиновые двигатели также имеют тенденцию иметь большую мощность, и топливо для них более доступно.
радиус поворота
10.3m
Радиус поворота указывает на наименьший круговой поворот, который автомобиль может сделать. С меньшим радиусом поворота легче выполнить разворот с одной попытки вместо того, чтобы поворачивать автомобиль назад и вперед, чтобы развернуться.
выбросы СО2
0g/km
Выбросы CO2 автомобиля, измеряется в граммах на километр. Автомобиль с меньшим выбросом лучше для окружающей среды.
дополнительная гарантия (количество лет)
5yrs
Дополнительная гарантия покрывает части автомобиля, такие как двигатель, коробка передач, карданный вал и т.д. Она, как правило, действует дольше, чем основная гарантия. Она длится либо определенное количество лет, либо количество пройденных километров.
Interior
The Megane E-Tech Electric’s interior highlight is the inverted L-shaped OpenR merged displays. Image Source: Renault Group
Inside, a highly digital cockpit and clean layout of elements give the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric minimalist vibes. There are very few physical controls, with most comfort/multimedia functions operable via a large portrait touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard.
An ‘OpenR’ panel brings together the digital instrument cluster and central console multimedia screen, making them look like a mirrored and inverted L-shaped screen. This panel houses the central air vents as well. The digital instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches, while the multimedia screen measures 9 or 12 inches, depending on the grade. These OpenR displays are part of the OpenR Link multimedia system developed with Google and based on Android Automotive OS. Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play are part of the default software package to provide a smartphone-like user experience for core functions.
The top-end ‘Techno’ variant in France gets premium features like wireless charging, Arkamys sound system with six speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and adaptive LED headlamps with anti-glare function. The range-topping ‘Iconic’ variant takes things one level above by offering features like a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated seats with massage and memory function, automatic parking assist and leather upholstery.
That said, there’s a range of optional comfort packages to choose from for all variants for French customers. At EUR 1,300, the top-spec Iconic variant can be equipped with an ‘Augmented Vision and Driving Assist’ pack that adds features like heated mirrors, blind spot detection, radar with collision warning, automatic parking, 360 degree camera and adaptive cruise control, among many other features. That said, there’s also a Winter Pack (EUR 500) and Performance Pack (EUR 400-600) to choose from.
The Renault Megane EV features a highly digital interior compared to current Renault models with large screens for the AVN and the instruments. Image Source: Renault Group
A sleek horizontal air vent covers the remaining width of the dashboard on the right side. The floating centre console has dedicated mobile phone storage space, and right below it, there’s some extra storage space to put other small items. The absence of a drive-shaft tunnel and a gearshift lever has allowed a flat floor for more space and comfort.
Безопасность
есть система предотвращения столкновений
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Система предотвращения столкновений — это функция безопасности, которая использует датчики для наблюдения за дорогой впереди, чтобы обнаруживать пешеходов, транспортные средства и другие препятствия. Если есть риск столкновения, она подает звуковые и визуальные предупреждения.
есть автоматическое экстренное торможение
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Автоматическое экстренное торможение (AEB) — это система безопасности, которая использует датчики для определения неизбежных столкновений и автоматического включения тормозов.
количество подушек безопасности
Неизвестно. Помогите нам, предложите стоимость.
Подушки безопасности предназначены для смягчения удара для пассажиров в случае столкновения. Стандартное количество составляет около шести, но некоторые автомобили теперь включают дополнительные подушки, например, коленные подушки безопасности, боковые подушки безопасности и боковые шторки безопасности.
рейтинг Euro NCAP
Неизвестно. Помогите нам, предложите стоимость.
Европейская программа оценки новых автомобилей (Euro NCAP) проводит испытания безопасности для новых автомобилей и составляет общий рейтинг безопасности для каждого автомобиля. Она охватывает различные области, такие как безопасность для взрослого пассажира, пассажира- ребенка или пешехода.
есть контроль тяги
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Эта функция автоматически ограничивает пробуксовку колес, чтобы сохранить сцепление шин с дорогой при движении в опасных условиях.
Имеет камеру заднего вида
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Камера заднего вида (также известная как камера заднего наблюдения) обеспечивает вид позади транспортного средства, что помогает предотвратить несчастные случаи. Это особенно полезно для автомобилей с большим количеством ограниченного вида, таких как пикапов и грузовиков.
есть встроенный видеорегистратор
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Встроенный видеорегистратор использует камеры автомобиля для записи видео во время вождения. Эта функция может пригодится больше всего, если вы попали в аварию.
есть ассистент удержания полосы
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Ассистент удержания полосы отслеживает положение автомобиля на дороге. Если автомобиль начнет покидать свою полосу движения, он предупредит водителя (или, в некоторых системах, активно направит автомобиль обратно в свою полосу движения).
есть система помощи при превышении скорости
Renault Megane E-Tech Iconic (2022)
Система помощи при превышении скорости предупреждает водителя, когда скорость автомобиля превышает разрешенную скорость на дороге.