Introduction
Renault was a pioneer of electric cars in the early 2010s, with its Zoe EV remaining one of the most popular EVs made to date. But after a solid start, progress seemed to slump at the French firm.
Until recently, that is, when the firm began its ‘Renaulution’ - essentially its future plans, many of which focus around electrification. There will be a raft of new EVs, some with new names, and others playing on the brand’s heritage, including this new Megane E-Tech Electric.
Based on an all-new platform designed purely for EVs, which will be used on a range of models in the future, and allows greater flexibility when it comes to packaging and design, as this is without doubt one of Renault’s most stylish looking cars in some time. But is it worth considering? Let’s get behind the wheel.
Performance
Renault offers three powertrains on its new Megane E-Tech Electric, which are all new for the firm.
Kicking off the range is a more affordable option using a 129bhp electric motor and 40kWh battery – equating to a 0-60mph time of 10.3 seconds, and a claimed range of 186 miles. The 129bhp motor is also available with the larger 60kWh battery – this version managing 292 miles of range between charges.
More buyers are likely to go for the top-spec powertrain, which bolts a 215bhp electric motor with a 60kWh battery, dropping the 0-60mph time to 7.2 seconds, and increases the electric range to a respectable 280 miles.
They can charge quickly too, at a rate of up to 130kW, which Renault says allows 186 miles of range to be added in 30 minutes for the smaller battery model. A full charge with a 7.4kW wallbox takes just over six hours for the small battery and nine for the 60kWh battery model.
Ride and handling
We were driving the most powerful version of the Megane E-Tech Electric, which delivers plenty of power at slower speeds, but seems reassuringly normal at more moderate speeds. The light steering is ideal around town, though can make it seem a bit unsettled elsewhere.
Through flowing bends it feels composed and settled, while it’s very quiet too – not only because of its powertrain, but also with its limited road and wind noise. The ride was excellent on our test car, though we’ve only tried smooth tarmac so far – the UK’s roads will be the ultimate test.
Interior
With the Megane E-Tech Electric having SUV styling elements to it, you sit higher up than you do in some of its rivals, though visibility isn’t all that great – particularly at the rear, which has a tiny rear window and large pillars.
It’s also not as practical as you might hope, with passengers not having a great deal of legroom or headroom in the back. Though the 440-litre boot sounds quite big on paper, but has a very high load lip, meaning it’s not actually all that useful.
Elsewhere the cabin is smartly finished, and uses a large new touchscreen running Google’s software, which is brimmed with detail yet still easy to use. The large 12.3-inch driver display is equally excellent. The cabin quality is a real notch up from what we’ve seen from Renault recently too, while it uses plenty of recycled plastics to maximise sustainability.
Equipment
Renault is building up for the launch of the Megane E-Tech Electric near the end of 2022, so full trim levels are yet to be detailed.
However, standard equipment does seem to be excellent, with the firm set to offer two trim levels initially – a regular car and a top-spec Limited Edition.
Even the standard car looks set to come with the nine-inch google touchscreen, recycled fabric seats, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. The Limited Edition will bring blind spot monitoring, self-parking and a digital rear view mirror to name just a few features.
Please note Renault is yet to announce prices for the new Megane E-Tech Electric, with these likely to be detailed in the middle of the year.
Verdict
The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric represents a step forward for Renault, particularly next to its current EVs like the Zoe. It’s especially stylish, while the cabin is a big leap forward in terms of tech and quality.
The choice of powertrains will mean there will be something to suit most, though we will reserve full judgement until prices are confirmed. Its only real weakness is its practicality, but nevertheless it represents an exciting prospect for Renault.
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