Renault Megane E-TECH Electric review

Renault has been in the electric car game for longer than most brands, having introduced the practical and affordable ZOE supermini nearly a decade ago. But the ZOE has grown long in the tooth and the French marque is ready to launch its next-generation of EVs, starting with its answer to the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4 EV and Kia Niro EV: the Renault Megane E-TECH Electric.

But there’s no petrol-powered version; the Megane is now electric-only, sitting on the same EV-specific platform as the Nissan Aryia family SUV. The new Megane E-TECH doesn’t look like any previous version of the family hatchback either; it's certainly one of the more eye-catching family cars released recently.

However, it’s the Megane E-TECH’s interior that really steals the show. All models come with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and nine-inch central touchscreen running a brand-new Google-powered infotainment system. It’s one of the best systems we’ve tested this year, with easy to navigate menus laid out just like those on your smartphone, loads of customisation options, and you even get apps like Google Maps built-in. Plus, the screens themselves are both quick to respond, boast supremely sharp graphics, and are paired with a row of large, physical climate controls that are easy to use on the move. 

Unsurprisingly there are a lot of plastics in the Megane E-TECH’s interior, just like you’ll find in any of its rivals, though the fit-and-finish in the Niro EV is just that little bit better. The cabin also feels somewhat dark because of the small windows and steeply raked windscreen, but there is still plenty of headroom all around. Rear kneeroom on the other hand is ample rather than generous. 

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Boot space in the Megane E-TECH stands at 440 litres, which is more than you get from a VW ID.3 or Cupra Born, and nearly 100 litres more than a MG4 EV offers. Though that’s because the Renault’s boot is especially deep, so you have to lift stuff over a huge load lip to get it in. There’s storage space under the boot floor to keep your charging cables out of the way at least, and folding the rear seats down expands the luggage capacity to 1,332 litres.

Every Megane E-TECH comes with a 60kWh battery and 217bhp electric motor powering the front wheels for a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. In reality it feels faster thanks to the instant kick of torque pushing you back into your seat. Refinement is thoroughly impressive, with wind and road noise both kept at bay at motorway speeds. The ride is also very comfortable – even while riding on 20-inch alloy wheels like those fitted to our test car, bumps and potholes feel well damped. 

Meanwhile, the car’s light, quick steering makes it easy to manoeuvre around town. At lower speeds the Megane E-TECH does fidgets more, but overall this is still a very composed EV. During our time with the Renault it returned a respectable 3.7 miles per kWh on average, which is equates to a 230-mile real-world range. At least a 10-80% top-up takes just half an hour thanks to 130kW rapid charging, while fully replenishing the 60kWh battery takes close to 10 hours from a standard 7.4kW home wallbox.

It’s taken a long time for Renault to launch a follow-up to its hugely successful ZOE, but the Megane E-TECH Electric was worth the wait. The electric family car isn't perfect, but it makes up for that with its comfortable ride, refinement, competitive price and Google-powered infotainment system that sets a new benchmark in this class of EVs. For a more detailed look at the Renault Megane E-TECH Electric, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…