The new electric Renault Megane crossover comes in three trim levels and a maximum range of 280 miles
- 2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric specifications
- Range and performance
- Design and practicality
- Interior and equipment
- Megane evolves into electric crossover-style hatch
- Up to 215bhp and 280-mile range
- Prices to be revealed later this year
The new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric SUV will be available in three trim levels and have a maximum range of 280 miles when it launches later this year. UK prices haven’t been revealed yet, but interested buyers can place a refundable £500 holding fee to ensure they’re at the front of the queue when the Megane finally hits showrooms.
Renault has transformed its family-friendly Megane from a conventionally fuelled compact hatchback into an all-electric crossover, pitting it against an increasing range of EV rivals, such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia e-Niro.
2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric specifications
Mirroring Renault’s recent trim level changes, the Megane E-Tech Electric comes in Equilibre and Techno specifications, plus a limited-run Launch Edition model. All three get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a nine-inch portrait touchscreen running a new Android operating system.
Equilibre includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Standard safety features include traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking.
Techno adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, plus 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, 48-colour interior ambient lighting, auto wipers, two-zone air conditioning and wireless phone charging. Renault says the upholstery in this model is made from recycled materials.
High-spec Launch Edition models feature a different wheel design, gold accents, an surround-view camera and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Range and performance
The Megane E-Tech Electric is underpinned by the same platform as the Nissan Ariya SUV. This means it can be fitted with either a 40kWh or 60kWh battery, providing a range of up to 186 or 280 miles respectively.
It’s also capable of rapid-charging at up to 130kW, meaning a 15 to 80% top-up takes as little as 30 minutes. Its on-board Chameleon charger allows 7.4kW charging from a wallbox, or speeds of 11 or 22kW as an optional extra.
Two power levels are set to be offered, with an entry-level motor providing 128bhp. The range-topper will produce 215bhp, with both versions sending power to the front wheels. The more powerful Megane E-Tech is capable of 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, with its top speed limited to 99mph.
Paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to adjust the strength of regenerative braking over four levels, with the strongest providing one-pedal driving. Eco, Comfort and Sport driving modes will alter the steering and accelerator pedal feel, along with the display graphics and interior lighting. Unlike some EVs, the Megane will be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 900kg.
Renault has concentrated on making the E-Tech Electric as light as possible, using aluminium extensively in its construction. As a result, the 60kWh version weighs just over 1,600kg, which Renault claims makes the Megane around 100kg lighter than its rivals and the lightest car in its class, improving efficiency and the way the car drives.
Design and practicality
At a glance, the new electric Megane is similar in size to the Renault Captur SUV but, since it doesn’t have to accommodate a combustion engine, there’s more space inside. The CMF-EV platform enables a spacious passenger area by pushing out the wheels to each corner and minimising the space taken by the electric powertrain. Renault says the new Megane has the thinnest battery on the market and an ultra-compact power unit.
The car’s 2.7m wheelbase (the distance between its front and rear wheels) is similar to that of the Volkswagen ID.3, and there's 440 litres of boot space on offer, which is more than the combustion-engined Megane. There's also a dedicated space to store the car's charging cables.
The Megane E-TECH Electric’s design is very close to the Megane eVision concept, revealed in October 2020, which hinted at a higher ride height and sharp LED lights. For the production car, 3D rear lights are animated when the car is locked and unlocked. Alloy wheels range from 18 to 20 inches and there's a short bonnet to reflect the compact electric powertrain. Flush-fitting door handles also make it from the concept to the production car, helping to reduce drag at higher speeds
Interior and equipment
The Megane E-Tech Electric will feature the brand’s new infotainment system, called OpenR Link. It boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a portrait 12-inch touchscreen with sharper graphics than any Renault setup we've seen before. It's powered by Android Automotive software, using Google Maps-based sat-nav. This also gains an 'Electric Route Planner' that can work out where to charge along a route, along with recognising 'Hey Google' voice requests. Software updates happen over-the-air, like they do on your smartphone.
Read about the upcoming electric Renault 5.
Keyword: 2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric: UK prices, specs and release date