Renault Megane E-Tech Review

Read Caroline’s Renault Megane E-Tech review for everything you need to know about buying Renault’s new electric car in Ireland.

The Renault Megane is one of the perennials of the Renault range and now it’s gone electric! That’s right, there’s no more diesel or petrol Meganes on sale. The future is now this – the all-electric Megane E-Tech.

Available with two different battery sizes and a range of up to 450 kilometres (WLTP), the new Megane E-Tech will take on other mid-size electric hatchbacks like the MG4, the Kia Niro EV, the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Cupra Born.

But going electric means there’s been a step up in price too. The new Megane E-Tech range goes on sale from €37,495 including grants.

Renault has some form when it comes to building electric cars. The Renault Zoe was one of the pioneering electric cars when it launched back in 2012 and is one of the best compact EVs of its generation.

So can the Megane E-Tech charge to the top of the pack? Let’s find out!

What’s so special about the Renault Megane E-Tech?

The Megane E-Tech is a beautiful piece of design. The Megane was always a bit of a looker. Renault has continued that tradition with the new E-Tech. The new design language is called ‘sensual tech’ and this car has great presence.

The proportions are perfect with an extended wheelbase, the wheels pushed out to the corners and short overhangs. Big wheels: 18-inch as standard but all other versions like the Techno on test get stylish 20-inch that give it the look of a concept car. There’s also a slick high window line and hidden rear door handles for added grace and elegance.

The other curiosity to the Megane is that Renault has given it some crossover design cues without turning it into anything other than a stylish hatchback. So it sits a small bit higher off the ground than most of the competition and the wheel arches and sills have a bit more definition.

LED headlamps come as standard with a dramatic LED daytime running light signature. At the back the full width light bar gives a final flourish and M E G A N E spelt out across the boot lid.

The cabin is also one of Renault’s best yet, a huge step forward in design, technology and quality.

Inside the Megane E-Tech

The cabin of the new Megane has been inspired “by the world of fine home furniture”, according to Renault. It’s a world away from the previous version of the Megane. There’s a modern, lounge feel. The seats on Techno models are made from recycled materials. There’s also a nice textile used on the dashboard and Alcantara panels in the doors. Altogether, it’s a classy and premium feeling cabin that feels like one of the best of the segment.

Being a new generation Renault interior, there’s also lots of great tech as standard including a glossy full digital instrument panel and 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Go for the mid-range Techno model and the system uses an excellent Google operating system with in-built Google services like Google Maps and Google Assistant, as well as over-the-air updates.

The entry level Megane E-Tech Equilibre includes air conditioning, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, rear view camera and lots of safety and driver assistance systems.

The Megane also has one of the biggest boots in the class at 440 litres. That’s bigger than an MG4, Leaf or ID.3. It’s quite deep however so there is a high load lip to lift things over. I love the neat storage compartment for the charging cables beneath the boot floor.

Built on a dedicated electric platform, the Megane E-Tech does offer adequate legroom for adults – though headroom is not as generous.

Driving the electric Megane

The Megane E-Tech is available with the choice of two batteries. The EV40 is priced from €37,495 and uses a 40kWh battery (300 kilometres WLTP). The EV60 is priced from €41,995 and uses a 60kWh battery (450 kilometres WLTP). The Megane E-Tech EV60 also has a more powerful 220hp motor compared to the EV40’s 130hp.

Renault has invested a lot in making the new Megane their best electric car yet. It uses a thinner battery with soundproofing foam between the battery and the floor and thicker door linings to give premium levels of refinement. The driving position has also improved compared to the Zoe, with a more natural and sporty feel to it.

On the road the Megane E-Tech feels very natural to drive with well-weighted controls and agile steering. It’s nippy to drive and offers a number of different ‘Multisense’ driving modes including a livelier Sport mode and an Eco mode to maximise your driving range. The Megane also stands out for offering a very serene and relaxing drive for an electric hatchback.

There are also four levels of regenerative braking that are easy to adjust from paddles behind the steering wheel.

Official consumption is rated at just 16.1kWh per 100 kilometres and I averaged about 19kWh per 100 kilometres over a week of driving.

22kW AC charging comes as standard for faster AC charging and the EV60 offers the fastest DC charging at up to 130kW.

Did you like it?

Renault has done a great job in designing the new Megane E-Tech! After the Zoe, we had to wait a long time for Renault to come up with a bigger electric model but it’s been worth the wait. The new Megane E-Tech is a fantastic evolution of the Megane range and definitely worthy of the badge.

It’s a car that’s easy to live with and has a fair amount of kerb appeal that ticks the desirability box too – important for a new electric model. Pricing and range are mostly competitive, and the Megane’s upmarket, digital cabin goes a long way to soften the blow of what is now quite an expensive car to buy.

It’s practical too with a big boot and the bonus of standard 22kW AC charging.

If you’re in the market for an electric hatchback, the Megane E-Tech is definitely one to check out.

The next model from the brand to hit Irish shores will be the new Renault Austral hybrid SUV.

Model tested: Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 Techno 
Price: €45,295 
Battery:  60kWh
Range: 450 km (WLTP)
Power: 220hp
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.4 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year