New Renault Megane E-TECH Electric: specs, details and prices

UK prices and specifications for the all-new Renault Megane E-TECH Electric have been revealed. Three trim levels – Equilibre, Techno and Launch Edition – will be available, with prices starting from £35,995.

All versions of the Megane E-TECH Electric sold in the UK are fitted with a 60kWh battery and 215bhp electric motor for a maximum range of 280 miles. Standard kit on even the entry-level Equilibre model includes a Google-powered, dual-screen infotainment setup, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated front seats and numerous safety systems.

Upgrading to the Techno trim (£38,495) adds 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting and configurable driving modes, while the top-of-the-range Launch Edition (£39,995) comes with a different set of 20-inch alloys, a Harman Kardon sound system, a 360-degree 3D parking camera system and a gold ‘F1 blade’ for the front bumper.

Under the bodywork is the same CMF-EV platform used for the Nissan Ariya family SUV, which has been specifically designed for electric cars. The benefit of the EV-dedicated platform is that Renault has been able to maximise cabin space thanks to short overhangs at the front and rear, a flat floor inside and a 2.7-metre-long wheelbase. The Megane E-TECH Electric’s long list of rivals include the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and new Kia Niro EV.

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Renault Megane E-TECH Electric range, performance and charging

All versions of the Megane E-TECH Electric will come with a 60kWh battery and a single electric motor that sends all its 215bhp and 300Nm of torque through the front wheels. As a result, Renault claims the new electric family crossover will do 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds and can cover up to 280 miles on a charge.

Like the Nissan Ariya, the Megane E-TECH Electric gets a maximum charging speed of 130kW, which should allow you to add 186 miles of range in 30 minutes if you use a fast enough public charging point. That’s significantly slower than the 200kW+ speed the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are capable of, but the Renault is evenly matched with the ID.3 and Born in this regard.

Using a regular 7.4kW home wallbox will require a little under 10 hours plugged in to fully replenish the battery, but a 22kW on-board charger is standard on the electric Megane. Ideal for those with access to a faster 11 or 22kW home wallbox, or who regularly use a public charging point capable of such speeds.

Another version of the Megane E-TECH Electric, featuring a 129bhp motor and smaller 40kWh battery, will be available in other markets across Europe, but won’t be offered in the UK.

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Interior, technology and practicality

The Megane E-TECH debuted a new cabin design that has already been carried over to the Renault Kadjar’s hybrid-only replacement, the Austral. The driver-focused cockpit design features a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, paired with a nine-inch central touchscreen. 

The infotainment system itself is also brand new. It’s called OpenR Link, and was developed with Google and based on Android Automotive OS, much like the system found in the Polestar 2. You can therefore use Google Maps and Google’s virtual assistant without using a smartphone. But, you do get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity built-in, too.

All Megane E-TECH Electrics feature a suite of 26 driver assistance systems, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking with junction assist, cruise control with a speed limiter, and lane-keeping assist with oncoming traffic and road-edge detection.

The upholstery is made from 100% recycled materials, and at the end of its lifecycle, Renault claims up to 95% of the Megane E-TECH Electric will be recycled. Boot space tops out at 440 litres, which is about 60 litres more than you get in the VW ID.3, and on par with the Nissan Leaf’s luggage capacity. There’s more space available with the rear seats folded down and the front passenger seat folded up. 

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Pricing and trim levels

As mentioned above, the Megane E-TECH Electric starts from £35,995 with a choice of three trim levels at launch – Equilibre, Techno and Launch Edition. There are also six paint colours available, with the option of a two-tone paint finish and either 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Entry-level Equilibre cars come with a nine-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, LED headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, reversing camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 130kW rapid charging and over-the-air update capability.

Upgrading to Techno trim (£38,495) adds 20-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, customised driving modes, 48-colour ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, a range of additional Google services, plus adaptive cruise control, blind-spot recognition and rear cross-traffic alert.

Finally, there’s the limited-run Launch Edition (£39,995), which gets you 20-inch alloy wheels, a gold ‘F1 blade’ on the front bumper, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a digital rear-view mirror and a 3D surround-view camera setup.

Potential customers can configure their Megane E-TECH Electric online now and join a ‘priority list’ with a refundable £500 holding fee. Doing so also gets you access to exclusive events, test-drive opportunities and a place in the queue for first deliveries.