The first of a new generation of Renault electric vehicles (EVs) built on the same platform, the Renault Mégane E-Tech crossover-style hatchback is now available to order in the UK, with three trims to choose from.
Set to join an increasingly crowded EV market, Renault is hoping that its Mégane E-Tech will be able to challenge the sales of other all-electric hatchbacks, like the Volkswagen ID.3, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
First unveiled at last year’s Munich motor show, the Renault Mégane E-Tech is a similar size to the combustion-powered Captur crossover, and uses a 60kWh battery to produce 220hp and a promised battery range of 280 miles. Top speed is capped at 99mph.
Renault says that the Mégane E-Tech’s battery can charge at up to 130kW, and that it is the thinnest battery on the market – 40% smaller than what you would find in the Zoe supermini. This means that the Mégane E-Tech has a low centre of gravity, and is therefore agile on the road.
In fact, Renault claims that its new all-electric hatchback is around 100kg lighter than any car in its class. At around 200kg lighter than the Volkswagen ID.3, the Mégane E-Tech is slightly more efficient on the road, and by Renault’s estimates can travel a further 20 miles on one charge.
With three trim to choose from, the range at launch begins with the lead-in ‘Equilibre’ trim, which includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel, a nine-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display, and with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Prices start at £35,240.
The Mégane E-Tech also comes with keyless entry as standard, as well as a number of parking and safety tech features, including rear parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, and a lane keeping assistance feature that can also detect when you are too close to the edge of the road.
The mid-rang ‘Techno’ trim is priced at £37,740, and comes fitted with bigger 20-inch alloy wheels and adaptive LED headlights. This trim also adds a dual-climate control function in the cabin, with electrically-adjustable front seats trimmed in synthetic leather and recycled materials and wireless smartphone charging.
Blind spot monitoring also comes with this package, as well as a rear cross traffic alert feature which is handy for reversing on to busy roads, and parking sensors in the front.
Entry-level ‘Equilibre’ (£35,240)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Ambient lighting in the cabin
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear-view parking camera
- 12-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel
- Nine-inch infotainment display with Renault’s navigation
- Wireless smartphone connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Four-speaker audio system
- Two USB-C ports
- Keyless entry
- Traffic sign recognition
- Cruise control with speed limiter
- Lane keeping assistance with road-edge detection
Mid-range ‘Techno’ (£37,740)
- All ‘Equilibre’ features that are not replaced
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Contrasting door mirrors
- Shark fin antenna
- Upholstery made from synthetic leather and recycled materials
- Tinted rear windows
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 48-colour ambient lighting in the cabin
- Dual-zone climate control
- Electrically-adjustable front seats
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Six-speaker audio system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking
- Front and rear parking sensors
Range-topping ‘Launch Edition’ (£39,240)
- All ‘Equilibre’ and ‘Techno’ features that are not replaced
- Nine-speaker audio system
- Smart rear-view mirror
- 360-degree parking camera
At the top of the range sits the ‘Launch Edition’ trim, which adds a smart rear-view mirror that allows the driver to check parking and traffic conditions using a high-resolution 360-degree camera.
Every model comes with a five-year warranty and an eight-year battery warranty, and Renault is offering home charger installation services through its Mobilize charging solution provider. This home charger, which can be controlled through a smartphone app, costs £1,170 with installation included – a charge which can be added to a PCP agreement at the customer’s request.
The Renault Mégane E-Tech is now available to order at UK dealerships or on the brand’s website, with the first deliveries expected to arrive later this year.
