Renault Megane E-Tech Review

Renault Megane E-Tech at a glance...

Concept car styling

Comfortable ride

Good performance

Latest in-car technology

Renault Megane E-Tech design & powertrain

The Renault Megane E-Tech 100% Electric is a small family hatchback featuring crossover styling, and its 20-inch wheels help it to retain its concept car looks. It has a deep 440-litre boot with a separate compartment under the floor to store charging cables.

The Megane E-Tech has a 60 kWh battery (usable capacity), a 220 hp electric motor, and it’s front-wheel drive.

There’s a ‘Multi-Sense’ button on the steering wheel which offers different driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and ‘Perso’. The Megane features steering wheel-mounted paddles, which typically adjust the level of brake regeneration in an EV, but in the case of the Renault also allows you to change driving mode. Volume control for media can be found behind the steering wheel.

A 9-inch central ‘openR link system with Google built-in’ touchscreen includes shortcut buttons for the main functions, and below the screen, there are separate controls for heating and ventilation. There’s also a 12.3-inch display in front of the driver; sat nav mapping is displayed on both screens. When you start the Megane, be aware that there’s a seven-second wait while the car does a system check before you can select a gear and drive off.

There’s a ‘Multi-Sense’ button on the steering wheel which offers different driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and ‘Perso’. The Megane features steering wheel-mounted paddles, which typically adjust the level of brake regeneration in an EV, but in the case of the Renault also allows you to change driving mode. Volume control for media can be found behind the steering wheel.

A 9-inch central ‘openR link system with Google built-in’ touchscreen includes shortcut buttons for the main functions, and below the screen, there are separate controls for heating and ventilation. There’s also a 12.3-inch display in front of the driver; sat nav mapping is displayed on both screens. When you start the Megane, be aware that there’s a seven-second wait while the car does a system check before you can select a gear and drive off.

Charging the Renault Megane E-Tech

The Renault Megane E-Tech has a WLTP official combined driving range of 280 miles. During a test in winter, the Megane’s real-world driving range averaged 170 miles, despite featuring a system to manage battery temperature.

The Renault Megane E-Tech's maximum rapid charging rate is 130 kW. Charging at this rate could allow up to 186 miles of charge to be added in 30 minutes. A 7.4 kW home wall box should provide a 0% to 100% charge in 9 hours 15 minutes.

The Renault Megane E-Tech price and model range

The Renault Megane E-Tech is available in three trim levels, Equilibre, Techno and Launch Edition. Equilibre models are available from £36,995, Techno models from £39,495, and Launch Edition models from £40,995.

Conclusion

The Renault Megane E-Tech offers concept car looks along with a comfortable ride, responsive acceleration and agile handling. Bearing in mind the Megane’s relatively compact exterior size, the interior is spacious, and it features the latest technology. Be aware of the delay before you can drive away while the car carries out system checks, and watch out for the real-world driving range dropping in winter.