Renault Megane E-Tech review
Comfortable, refined and with one of the best infotainment systems in the business: there’s a lot to like about Renault’s electric family car
Pros
- Fantastic Google infotainment
- Eye-catching styling
- Comfortable and refined
Cons
- Limited rear visibility
- Rear seats a bit tight
- Interior quality average in places
| Battery size | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60kWh | 280 miles | 9hrs 45mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 30mins (10-80%, 130kW) |
Renault Megane E-Tech verdict
It’s taken a long time for Renault to launch a follow-up to its hugely successful ZOE supermini, but its new electric family hatchback was well worth the wait. The Renault Megane E-Tech is comfortable, refined and even rather stylish. Plus, its Google-powered infotainment system is one of the best we’ve ever tested – winning our 2023 Technology Award as a result.
The fully-electric Megane tops its key rivals – the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and MG4 EV – in the practicality department, and its 280-mile range is competitive for this class of EV. Rear space is a little tight compared to some compact SUVs in the same price range, and rear visibility could be better, but the rest of the Megane E-Tech more than makes up for those foibles.
Range details, specs and alternatives
The Renault Megane has been around since 1995, offered in various bodystyles and with a choice of petrol, diesel and more recently, plug-in hybrid powertrains. But now the Megane is electric-only, as Renault begins to launch its next-generation of EVs – a decade after it introduced the practical and affordable ZOE supermini.
The new Megane E-Tech sits on the same EV-specific platform as the Nissan Aryia family SUV that’s also going to be used in the new Renault Scenic SUV due in 2024. Some of the technology is going to make its way into the hotly-anticipated Renault 5 hatchback as well, and the new Renault 4 that’s being reborn as a compact SUV.
Rivals to the Megane E-Tech are primarily other electric family hatchbacks. It no longer competes with cars like the Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf, instead targeting VW’s newer ID.3 and its sister car, the Cupra Born. Our 2023 Car of the Year, the MG4 EV, is also a serious challenger to the Megane E-Tech, as it comes with a similar range and plenty of kit, for a lot less money.
Of course, there are myriad other electric family cars the electric Megane must fend off, particularly the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric – the all-new, second-generation of which has already been revealed and is due to arrive later this year.
Every Megane E-Tech in the UK is fitted with a 60kWh battery and electric motor to power the front wheels. The range currently starts from just under £37,000, with a choice of four trim levels – Equilibre, Techno, Launch Edition and Iconic. All models are generously equipped, and feature a nine-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, LED headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, a reversing camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus 130kW rapid charging capabilities.
For a more detailed look at the Renault Megane E-Tech, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...
